
AUSTIN -- Senator Jane Nelson R-Flower Mound today was named Legislator of the Year for working to improve the lives of abused and neglected children.
The Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards presented the award at the groups annual conference.
One new law authored by Senator Nelson offers continuity for children who reenter the CPS system by requiring the Department of Family and Protective Services to consider placing them in a prior foster home. Another allows free birth certificates for children in cases where parental rights have been terminated.
She was the Senate sponsor of legislation directing DFPS to work with an appointed adoption review committee to identify obstacles to permanent placement and make recommendations on how to eliminate those barriers.
Other efforts will help ease the transition for young adults aging out of foster care. They now will have access to higher education tuition waivers until age 25 and enjoy hiring preferences for state agency jobs.
I am honored to receive this award and will continue to look for ways to improve the lives of children said Senator Nelson chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. When children are removed from dangerous homes we have a responsibility to ensure that their new environment is safe and supportive.