Texas Child Welfare Statistics

• In FY 2008, there were 70,589 confirmed victims of child abuse and/or neglect in Texas.
  
  
• Of those, 14,295 were removed from their homes for safety reasons.
  
  
• At the end of FY 2008, there were 10,120 children in the care of the state whose parental rights have been forever terminated.
  
  
• Of the 1,468 children who emancipated (turned 18) in FY 2008, their average length of time in foster care was 5 years and 1 month. They lived in an average of 8.6 different homes during that time.
  
  
• On average, the children adopted in 2008 spent more than 2 years and 5 months in foster care. During that time, they were placed in 3.5 different homes.
  
  
• 10,165 children under the legal care of Texas have a permanency goal of adoption. 6,375 of those were available for adoption as of Aug. 2008.
  
  
• Of the 4,593 children placed in adoptive homes in FY 2008, over 50% presented no significant emotional, behavioral or physically disabling conditions.
  
  
• In FY 2008, the adopted families of 24,930 children received monthly subsidies, not including medical care.
  
  For more statistical information, download the 2008 or 2007 Data Book from the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services.