How To Get Involved During the Interim

During the interim, legislators and their staff spend more time in both their district and capitol offices, which means they have more bandwidth and availability to develop relationships and learn more about topics of interest. The voice that matters most to legislators, is the voice of their constituents. So while the work of session can often seem complicated, overwhelming, and better left to the professionals (which it’s not!), the interim is the period in which local providers, stakeholders, parents, teachers, and YOU can use their voice to speak up for Texas kids.

The Work Toward Next Session Starts Now

Although the legislative session gets the majority of the attention, it’s important to understand the significance and opportunities of the interim. During this time, advocates strengthen relationships with legislators and their staff and educate them on issues that will inform their work and the bills they support the following session.

How Did Behavioral Health & Trauma Fare in the 86th Texas Legislature?

DID YOU KNOW? Behavioral health is a term used to refer to the connection between physical and mental health and a person’s behavior At least 25% of Texas children have experienced multiple adversities that are likely affecting their ability to succeed at school. Half of all mental health conditions have presented before age 14. 68% […]

How Did Child Protection Systems Fare in the 86th Texas Legislature?

DID YOU KNOW? In 2018, there were 280,874 reports of suspected child abuse/neglect to Statewide Intake. 66,370 or 24% of those reports were confirmed. Child maltreatment will cost Texas an estimated $1.75 billion in CPS expenditures in FY 2019 and over $55 billion in total costs across the victims’ lifetimes. 43% of children who complete […]

How Did Prevention and Early Intervention Fare in the 86th Texas Legislature?

DID YOU KNOW? Four children die from abuse/neglect each week, and 80 percent of victims are 3 years of age and younger. 181 children are confirmed as abused/neglected every day, and the highest rates occur in children under age 5. Evidence-based home visiting programs can reduce child maltreatment by up to 48 percent and have […]