The head of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is being replaced. Governor Greg Abbott announced the change in an email.
"Children and families across Texas will benefit greatly from the expertise and deep understanding of child welfare that this new leadership team brings to DFPS," Abbott wrote.
Abbott appointed Jaime Masters commissioner of the agency in 2019. Masters drew criticism from members of the legislature for an increasing number of children without a permanent home. The Houston Chronicle has reported the number increased from 50 in 2020 to 400 last year before beginning to drop. In some cases, kids slept in CPS offices, churches or hotels, with children averaging 18 days without a permanent home.
A court-appointed panel recommended expanded access to mental health and addiction services for kids and families. The panel recommended the state use crisis teams to help families avoid child removals.
The panel also recommended the state avoid hiring more private operators of group homes.
Masters is leaving immediately. Associate Commissioner for Adult Protective Services Kezeli "Kez" Wold will lead the agency in the interim.
January 2, 2023, Stephanie Muth will become commissioner. Muth had worked with Texas Health and Human Services Commission and served as the state's Medicaid director before starting her own consulting firm in 2020.
"As a recognized administrator and organizational leader, Stephanie will contribute her deep understanding of agency operations and increased accountability to strengthen the efforts of this critical agency," Abbott wrote.
Abbott said Muth will "help guide the agency as it continues rolling out Community-Based Care (CBC) services statewide, as well as furthering the agency’s compliance with the remedial orders in the foster care litigation."
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