Accomplishments
Expanding PEI Programs
In response to HB 1549 of the 85th Legislature, PEI took steps to scale and expand programs serving children and families.
- PEI solicited proposals to expand services offered by its Helping through Intervention and Prevention (HIP) program. This request for proposals will change the way PEI pays for these services from a fee-for-service structure to a cost-reimbursement structure.
- PEI also sought proposals for a new way to fund the STAR program. The goal is to create a common, statewide framework for Services to At-Risk Youth (STAR) providers to improve the quality of policy, practice, and services that strengthen families.
- PEI began working with the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) to pilot a project to expand our services for fathers, such as those in HIP program.
- The Texas Home Visiting program expanded to include more sites using a new funding strategy. It also offered providers a new universal home visiting model they can use in their communities called Family Connects. To date, three communities have elected to use this model, which reaches a broader range of families.
Learn more about the HIP, STAR, and Texas Home Visiting programs in the PEI Services section.
Serving the Most Vulnerable
PEI contracted with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler to create a series of tools to help PEI develop services and allocate resources to meet the specific needs of communities. The Health Science Center will also provide information and analysis to help PEI understand where programs and investments need to grow to meet the needs of communities at high risk for abuse and neglect. There are four phases of this initiative. In FY 2018, the first phase was completed and the second phase began.
Provider Feedback
PEI leaders took a “Spring Listening Tour” in FY 2018 that covered Austin, Beaumont, Fort Worth, Lubbock, McAllen, Tyler, and Wichita Falls. The listening tour included community stakeholder meetings and networking opportunity for providers. PEI state office staff had the opportunity to ride along with home visiting staff, tour programs, and meet with providers individually. PEI learned from providers about local needs and resources, their work in their communities, and what PEI can do to continue to support local prevention efforts.