Following an extensive assessment conducted during the receivership, DFPS has decided to transition Community-Based Care (CBC) services in Region 3E from EMPOWER to two experienced Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCCs). Texas Family Care Network (TFCN) will serve Dallas County, and Our Community Our Kids (OCOK) will serve Collin, Grayson, Fannin, Hunt, Rockwall, Ellis, Kaufman, and Navarro counties in Region 3E.

EMPOWER will continue to serve as the SSCC, with the support and guidance of the Court-Appointed Receiver, until the transition is complete.

During the transition period, DFPS will work closely with EMPOWER, the Court-Appointed Receiver, TFCN, and OCOK to support an orderly transition while maintaining continuity of services for children, youth, and families.

The transition of Community-Based Care services in Region 3E is planned to take effect on November 1, 2026.

Establishing this timeline allows DFPS, the Court-Appointed Receiver, EMPOWER, TFCN, and OCOK to complete the planning, operational, financial, and technology work necessary to support a successful transition while helping ensure continuity of services for children, youth, and families.

A single transition date for the region will provide a clear and consistent transition process for staff, providers, families, and community partners.

The November 1 transition date allows time for the organizations involved to complete the planning and preparation needed for a successful transition. This includes establishing operational processes, coordinating systems and resources, and supporting staff and partners throughout the transition.

Taking the time to prepare appropriately will help support continuity

This decision was made with one priority in mind: helping ensure children, youth, and families receive safe, stable, and high-quality services. It also reflects DFPS' continued commitment to the Community-Based Care model and to partnering with organizations that can deliver strong outcomes for children and families.

No. Community-Based Care remains an important part of Texas' child welfare system. This transition changes who will provide CBC services in Region 3E, but it does not change DFPS' commitment to the CBC model or to strengthening it through experienced community partners.

The Court-Appointed Receiver will continue working alongside DFPS, EMPOWER, OCOK, and TFCN throughout the transition period. The receiver will help oversee an orderly transfer of responsibilities, support continuity of care, and continue providing oversight as directed by the Court.

EMPOWER will continue working with DFPS, the Court-Appointed Receiver, OCOK, and TFCN during the transition period. As the transition progresses, responsibility for Community-Based Care services in Region 3E will transfer to TFCN and OCOK.

Under Texas Family Code Section 264.166, DFPS can contract with a new provider to take over a contract that is ending. OCOK and TFCN are experienced Community-Based Care providers that serve children and families in Texas. DFPS determined they are well positioned to support a successful transition and continue providing Community-Based Care services in Region 3E.

During the transition period, EMPOWER staff will continue performing their current responsibilities under the direction of EMPOWER leadership with the support and guidance of the Receiver.

Texas Family Care Network and Our Community Our Kids will communicate directly with EMPOWER staff about transition activities, opportunities to meet with leadership, and future employment information.

DFPS staff will continue supporting children and families as they do today. There are no immediate changes expected in day-to-day operations or service delivery. EMPOWER will continue serving as the SSCC, with the support and guidance of the Receiver, until the transition is complete. We will continue to communicate with you as transition plans and timeframes are finalized. 

Until then, our expectations remain the same: continue prioritizing child safety, supporting families, maintaining strong communication with our partners, and working together to address the needs of children and caregivers. Additional guidance will be shared as needed throughout the transition.

Children, youth, families, and caregivers will continue receiving services throughout the transition. DFPS, EMPOWER, the Court-Appointed Receiver, OCOK, and TFCN are working together to minimize disruption and maintain continuity of services. EMPOWER remains the organization responsible for coordinating Community-Based Care services and will continue serving children and families while the transition takes place over the next several months. Download a letter to families (PDF). Download a letter to youth (PDF).

No. The goal is to minimize disruption and maintain continuity of services for children, youth, families, caregivers, and providers while responsibilities are transferred.

Families, caregivers, providers, and community partners will receive information throughout the transition as changes are implemented.

No. This transition applies only to EMPOWER's Community-Based Care contract in Region 3E.

DFPS' separate contract with 2INgage, another program operated by Texas Family Initiative (TFI), serves a different region of the state and is not affected by this decision.

No other Community-Based Care contracts are affected.

The contract transition period includes a 180-day transition process. During this time, DFPS, EMPOWER, the Court-Appointed Receiver, OCOK, and TFCN will work together to support an orderly transition while maintaining continuity of services for children, youth, and families.

The transition is planned to take effect on November 1, 2026. Additional information about implementation activities and specific transition milestones will be shared as details are finalized.

Yes. DFPS will continue providing updates throughout the transition. Information will be shared through direct communications and posted to the Community-Based Care website as it becomes available.

Questions about day-to-day operations should continue to be directed through your normal supervisory chain.

Questions not addressed in these FAQs may be submitted to DFPS3EQuestions@dfps.texas.gov. Questions for TFCN should be sent to contact@txfcn.org, and questions for OCOK should be sent to hrconnect@achservices.org.

During the transition period, DFPS will work with EMPOWER, the Court-Appointed Receiver, OCOK, and TFCN to support a thoughtful transition of Community-Based Care services in Region 3E.

Throughout the transition, DFPS remains focused on protecting children, supporting families, maintaining continuity of services, and strengthening Community-Based Care through experienced community partners.