DALLAS – A state district judge last week approved the appointment of a third party to serve as receiver for EMPOWER, a nonprofit that provided foster care services in nine North Texas counties, including Rockwall County.
Judge Monica Purdy appointed George Cannata, a Texas Department of Family and Protective Services regional manager, to take over the operations after accusations from the agency that EMPOWER had put foster children in imminent danger of harm, resulting in the deaths of two infants and the hospitalization of one child.
“The goal of the receivership is to stabilize operations and ensure that children and families receive safe and consistent services without interruption,” said Marissa Gonzales, a DFPS spokesperson. “DFPS remains committed to strong partnerships with the many organizations that support children and families across the state.
The nonprofit has overseen placement services for children removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect, working under contract with the state to connect them with foster families.
The intervention follows a state petition alleging a pattern of safety failures and mismanagement. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services said those issues posed an immediate risk to children in EMPOWER’s care.
Texas shifted to a community-based foster care model in 2017, contracting with regional providers to deliver services. EMPOWER has operated under that system since receiving its contract in March of 2023. That contract runs through 2028. About a quarter of foster children are currently served through the model, which the state plans to expand statewide by 2029.
A spokesperson for EMPOWER said the organization will retain its state contract throughout the receivership process and will continue to work cooperatively and transparently with the state.
“We are committed to continuing to strengthen services for our local communities,” said Taylor Forrest. “As always, our No. 1 priority is the safety and well-being of the children and families we serve.”
In its filing, DFPS outlined several cases it said demonstrate systemic breakdowns. Two cases involved infant deaths tied to what the agency described as inadequate planning and oversight when placing children with parents known to be abusive. Another case involved a child hospitalized after receiving medication inconsistent with medical records.
The petition also cited high staff turnover, including one instance in which a child had five caseworkers in eight months, contributing to lapses in communication and documentation.
DFPS further alleged the organization failed to meet key requirements for family reunification, such as maintaining regular in-person contact, conducting internal case reviews and addressing ongoing needs.
Court records show EMPOWER has been placed on 17 improvement plans and two corrective action plans since the contract began, and has twice been held in contempt of court in neighboring Hunt County.
Additional concerns cited in the filing include inaccurate or delayed reporting to the state, transporting children without proper car seats and allowing caseloads to exceed manageable levels. The state said those issues persisted despite intervention.
The Texas Tribune contributed to this report.