Texas Appeals $100K Daily Fines Over Foster Care System Failures

State fights court-ordered penalties for inadequate abuse investigations, highlighting systemic issues and ongoing legal battles.

Texas has appealed a $100,000 daily fine imposed by a federal judge for failing to adequately investigate abuse in its foster care system.
The fines stem from a longstanding lawsuit, with recent rulings criticizing the state for systemic failures in protecting foster children.
U.S. District Judge Janis Jack, overseeing the case, has repeatedly found Texas in contempt for not complying with court orders.
The state's appeal has been referred to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, raising concerns due to potential conflicts of interest with the defense attorney's connections.
Advocates for foster children argue the state's actions show a disregard for the children's safety, urging more significant reforms.