Rep. Rose, a former CPS investigator, backs court-appointed receivership after a private contractor failed 17 improvement plans in two years
DALLAS, TX – State Representative Toni Rose (D-Dallas), a former Child Protective Services investigator, is applauding today’s court-ordered receivership over EMPOWER, the private nonprofit contracted to manage foster care across nine North Texas counties. Rep. Rose voiced her support for the Court’s appointment of Georg Cannata, a longtime Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) leader, as receiver for EMPOWER after the agency documented a pattern of failures that resulted in the deaths of two infants and hospitalization of a third child.
“Two infants are dead, and a third child has been hospitalized due to EMPOWER’s inability to safely manage care for our most vulnerable Texans,” said Rep. Rose. “A receivership is an extraordinary measure, but it was proven necessary after these preventable tragedies. Texas has been entrusted with caring for these children and must use every tool we have available to protect them.”
During the 89th Legislative Session, the Texas Legislature passed SB 2034 with Rep. Rose’s support. The bill authorized the appointment of a receiver for single-source continuum contractors that present a threat to child welfare, the extraordinary step taken today.
“I commend DFPS for taking decisive action and utilizing the tools available to strengthen operations in North Texas,” said Rep. Rose. “When children's lives are at stake, there is no room for delay. We must always prioritize the children who depend on this system for safety and stability. DFPS took the steps necessary to ensure the continuity of care and address serious risks to children’s well-being.”
A former Child Protective Services investigator, Rep. Rose has long emphasized the importance of strong accountability measures for community-based care providers. She has raised concerns about the implementation of the community-based care model from its inception. “I have been clear from the beginning that any transition to privatized, community-based care must be done with strong oversight, accountability, and safeguards for children,” said Rep. Rose. “This moment underscores just how critical those protections are.”