March 2, 2018      5:52 PM
Abbott makes Whitman permanent at DFPS as new report details child deaths
The new report shows 172 children in Texas died from abuse and neglect during 2017
Gov. Greg Abbott has made the appointment of
former lawman Hank Whitman to the Department of Family and
Protective Services permanent, even as new reports indicate Texas
continues to lead the nation in child abuse deaths.
Commissioner Whitman stands at the intersection of three
concurrent events: the state continues to fight federal oversight of Child
Protective Services, calling it misguided;
the implementation of four major bills, all of which will require significant
new regulation; and rebukes from those frustrated with the system, including a judge
in Abilene.
As outlined in last session’s House Bill 5,
passed last session by Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, Whitman will
be appointed to a two-year term, confirmed by the Texas Senate. He also
reports directly to Gov. Abbott
under the agency’s new configuration.
By Kimberly Reeves
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