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What's New

See the Interim Credential Application Forms and link to the T3C Credentialing Platform on the Interim Credentialing page.

See the most recent edition of the Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) System Blueprint (November 2024) and Change Log.

If you were not able to attend past T3C System Blueprint webinars, the recordings and presentations are available in the T3C webinar archive.

December 2024

Provider Survey

To ensure efficiency of the Credentialing review process, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is asking that Providers complete a brief online survey. This will assist DFPS in assessing the progress that Providers are making in their preparations to apply for T3C Credentials and help project anticipated workload for Credentialing staff. The information requested in the survey will capture the time frame(s) between December 2024 and August 2027 that Providers are currently intending to submit applications for Interim or Full Credentials. 

The survey is intended to be initially answered by the end of January 2025, but if the Provider’s plans change in the future, they are encouraged to submit the survey again when they determine that their time frame has changed. 

Perpetual Provider Survey

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Update on Interim Credentialing Applications

DFPS is excited to share that beginning on December 10th, 2024, the T3C Credentialing Platform will be open, and the Department will begin accepting applications for the Interim Credential, for Child Placing Agencies and for General Residential Operations.

DFPS has posted the Interim Credentialing Applications on the Interim Credentialing page.

To expedite the initiation of the Interim Credentialing Application process ahead of the January 2025 timeframe, DFPS has built the application as a Microsoft Word document, and offers the following list of tips for completion.

  • Read all instructions and the application in its entirety prior to beginning the process of completion.
  • Ensure that only one check box is marked per question.  The Interim Credential Application has been developed in a format that does not require a single “Yes”, “No”, or “NA” response per question, but rather allows a respondent to check more than one.  Providers must pay special attention to ensure that there is only one response marked per question, unless it is a question that specifically allows multiple options to be selected with the inclusion of “and/or” language. Marking multiple answers to a single question that does not permit multiple options will invalidate the response and require follow-up by the provider, which will unnecessarily delay processing of the Interim Credential Application.
  • When possible complete the Interim Credential Application using a system that is compatible with Microsoft Office.  Both the Application and the Credentialing Platform are built using Microsoft as the foundation.  If this is not possible, the provider must use a workaround as described in the “Helpful Tips” document found under the Interim Credentialing page.

As outlined in the T3C System Blueprint 4th Edition, which was released in November 2024, having an Interim or Full Credential is necessary to offer any one of the twenty-four Service Packages or three Add-On Services under the Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) System.  The Full Credential Application process is anticipated to begin in January 2025.

DFPS hosted a webinar to walk through the process for using the T3C Credentialing Platform on December 16, 2024.  View recording and presentation:

Additionally, T3C weekly Office Hours will begin in January 2025 which will focus on the transition to the T3C System, including the Interim Credential Application and process.

Webinar

DFPS hosted a webinar on December 6th, 2024, that gave a brief overview of the updates made to the fourth edition of the T3C System Blueprint.

Note: If you were not able to attend the webinar, you can watch a recording of it in the T3C webinar archive.

November 2024

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is excited to announce the release of the November 2024 update to the Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) System Blueprint.

Webinar

DFPS is hosting a webinar that will give a brief overview of the updates made to the T3C System Blueprint.  The webinar will be held:

Prior registration for the webinar is not required, just click on the above link at the indicated start time.  The webinar will be recorded and posted to the T3C webinar archive.

Update on Release of the Interim Credential Application 

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has been working hard to update the Interim Credential Application. We have incorporated feedback we received on the draft preview of the Child Placing Agencies (CPA) and General Residential Operations (GRO) Interim Applications that were released on September 27, 2024, and we have revised draft versions available.

You may review the latest draft versions here:

While the requirements of the Interim Credential Application have not changed and continue to align with the Blueprint, the application format has been updated to include the following enhancements: 

  • Removal of requirement to upload the same document multiple times.
  • Removal of specific naming conventions.
  • Improved per question/section instructions for how to proceed through the application.
  • Streamlining of questions and corresponding documentation into a single section.

DFPS anticipates the release of the final Interim Credential Application in early December 2024.

Virtual Office Hours Extended

To support providers with the application process, The Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services (TACFS) and DFPS are excited to partner together and extend virtual T3C Office Hours in 2025!  

T3C Office Hours are regularly scheduled and allow Licensed Providers to drop in and ask any questions about T3C. Whether you’ve got a question about T3C requirements, updated Blueprints, credentialing and the application process, frequently asked questions, rates and funding, events and training, or anything else T3C, drop in and ask us! 

T3C Office Hours are available for Licensed Providers only and will allow those providers to ask burning questions and learn from the experience of others.

The next T3C Office Hours will occur In December. There is no need to register. Just use the link below to join in the conversation:

Office Hours will occur weekly in 2025, starting January 3, 2025, on Fridays at 11:00 a.m. Stay tuned for links for future dates. 

October 2024

Blueprint and Interim Credentialing Process Updates - October 25, 2024

After careful deliberation, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has made the decision to postpone the release of the October edition of the T3C System Blueprint and the posting and opening of the Interim Credential Application process. 

DFPS concluded testing of the Interim Credential Application process with a partner provider, and based on that experience, is making modifications to the application and the process. 

While we know the delay may be seen as inconvenient, we are committed to providing the best experience possible for providers as they make the transition to the T3C System.

Please know that we are working diligently to make the necessary modifications based on provider feedback and anticipate the release of the T3C System Blueprint and opening of the Interim Credentialing process in November 2024.

Updates have been made to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

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New DRAFT of Interim Credential Application Forms

DFPS is excited to share a DRAFT of the Interim Credential Applications for Child Placing Agencies and General Residential Operations. As outlined in the July 2024 T3C System Blueprint, having Interim or Full Credential is necessary to offer any one of the twenty-four Service Packages or three Add-On Services under the Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) System.

The Department is on-track to begin accepting applications for the Interim Credential in October 2024. In the continued spirit of partnership, DFPS is releasing this DRAFT of the Interim Credential Application so that residential child-care providers have an advanced preview. DFPS is still in the process of finalizing the document and anticipates that slight changes will be made to the DRAFT ahead of final posting in October 2024.

The T3C Project Office hosted a webinar on Monday, October 7, 2024, explaining the application and how the submission process will work. See the webinar presentation and recording:

Other Updates & Reminders

The T3C Project team is pleased to announce the release of newly added Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). 

The T3C Team would also like to remind everyone to be on the lookout for the T3C System Blueprint October 2024 Edition, being released at the end of October. This edition is anticipated to include information about the Full Credentialing Processing.

The following is a reminder of the upcoming Webinars for the "Train the Trainer" session on Universal Human Trafficking Prevention Training: A Foundation for Texas Residential Providers and Caregivers:

This comprehensive "Train the Trainer" session is designed to equip providers, specifically trainer positions, with the knowledge and strategies necessary to effectively deliver the Universal Human Trafficking Prevention Training: A Foundation for Texas Residential Providers and Caregivers curriculum developed by DFPS to support the Texas Child-Centered Care System (T3C) requirement for Universal Human Trafficking Prevention. This session will provide staff that perform training for caregivers and personnel with the resources needed to facilitate the required training within their own organization.

The DFPS-hosted webinars will be held on the following days:

Note: These webinars are designed for residential childcare provider trainers only, who will be training staff and caregivers within their organization. Participants only need to attend one (1) webinar.

News Archive

September 2024

Request for Application (RFA) for Provider Grants

ACH Child and Family Services, in partnership with the SSCCs, is announcing the opening of Requests for Application (RFA) for provider grants for T3C Readiness. The RFA is open TODAY September 18 through October 16, 2024, at 5:00 pm. You can find the RFA instructions, application, and financial template at t3ready.org.

In Fiscal Year 2025, residential childcare providers have the opportunity to apply for a grant to support their organization in readiness activities that will advance their ability to meet the requirements to apply to be credentialed in the T3C Service array.

Organizations are eligible for up to $150,000 in T3C grant funding across state fiscal years 2024 and 2025. For example, if an organization received a T3C readiness grant of $150,000 in FY 2024, they are not eligible for a grant in this award cycle. If an organization received a T3C readiness grant of $20,000 in FY 2024, they would be eligible for up to $130,000 during this award cycle.

Provider organizations that function under multiple license/permit types and/or EINs may only apply for a grand total of $150,000 across both fiscal years.

All grant funds must be obligated by the grantee by August 1, 2025. If funds are not obligated, then they are considered unspent. Any funding that is not expended or obligated for grant purposes must be returned to ACH at that time.

Grants will fund initiatives in five categories and activities within those categories.  The categories are: 

  • Policies and procedures consistent with selected primary models and targeted service package(s) the provider will be delivering.
  • New targeted and upfront training for intake, case managers, directors, foster parents (if applicable), direct delivery staff (if applicable), etc. on new primary models/service packages and CANS 3.0 assessment tool and process.
  • Information Technology (IT) systems to support operating under the new service array.
  • Data collection system to track and report changes.
  • System to complete cost collection to populate a more robust cost report. 

The Request for Application (RFA) will be open September 18 - October 16, 2024. Notification of grant awardees will occur in mid-November 2024, and grant funds will be distributed in mid-December 2024. Additional grant requirements, RFA link, timeline, and information are available at www.T3Cready.org.

The T3C Team is pleased to announce the release of new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

DFPS is hosting upcoming webinars for a "Train the Trainer" session on Universal Human Trafficking Prevention Training: A Foundation for Texas Residential Providers and Caregivers. 

This comprehensive "Train the Trainer" session is designed to equip providers, specifically trainer positions, with the knowledge and strategies necessary to effectively deliver the Universal Human Trafficking Prevention Training: A Foundation for Texas Residential Providers and Caregivers curriculum developed by DFPS to support the Texas Child-Centered Care System (T3C) requirement for Universal Human Trafficking Prevention. This session will provide trainers the resources needed to facilitate an engaging and informative training within their own organization.

Throughout the training, participants will delve into the complexities of human trafficking including how involvement in child welfare increases a child or youth's vulnerability to the manipulation of a trafficker. Participants will also gain an understanding of practical, age-appropriate strategies aimed at primary prevention of human trafficking. By the end of the session, trainers will leave empowered with not only a foundational knowledge of human trafficking, but also the confidence to deliver the curriculum.

The webinars will be held on the following days:

Note: These webinars are designed for trainers only, who will be training staff and caregivers within their organization. Participants only need to attend one (1) webinar.

July 2024

DFPS is excited to announce the release of the third edition of the Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) Blueprint. Also included is a Change Log that details each change in the new edition.

Webinar

DFPS is hosting a webinars in early August that will give a brief overview of the updates made to the third edition of the T3C System Blueprint.

Note: If you were not able to attend the webinar, you can watch a recording of it in the T3C webinar archive.

Office Hours

The Texas Alliance for Child and Family Services and DFPS are excited to partner together in virtual T3C Office Hours! T3C Office Hours are regularly scheduled and allow Licensed Providers to drop in and ask any questions about T3C. Whether you’ve got a question about T3C requirements, updated Blueprints, credentialing, FAQ, Rates & Funding, Events & Training, or anything else T3C, drop in and ask us!

T3C Office Hours are available for Licensed Providers only and will allow those providers to ask burning questions and learn from the experience of others.

There is no need to register.  Just use the links below to join in the conversation:

T3C Transition Grants for FY 2024 Distributed, More Resources Available for Providers

ACH Child and Family Services-Our Community Our Kids (ACH-OCOK), in partnership with the Texas Center for Child and Family Services (TCCFS), the SSCCs, and DFPS has distributed $5.728 million in T3C Transition Grant funds for Fiscal Year 2024 to 80 licensed foster care providers across the state.  Thirty-five providers received an Operations Grant, for providers who indicated that they are advanced in their readiness activities and hope to become credentialed to provide at least one T3C Service Package in 2025. Forty-five providers received a Building Grant, to help them develop and establish their readiness plans. The T3C Provider Transition Grants RFA was released on May 8, 2024, and closed on May 24, 2024. Award notifications occurred the week of June 17. 

grant awards by Catchment (SSCC) areas

For FY 2024 Transition Grants:

  • 229 applications were received from 143 unique organizations. Funds requested exceeded $15.5 million.
  • 80 awards were made of grants ranging from $9,500 to $150,000.
  • Providers from every region and catchment area of the state are receiving awards.
  • Providers who serve in legacy regions and contract with every SSCC received grants.
  • The experience of grant awardees varies from decades of service to those open for less than two years.
  • Collectively, organizations receiving the grant awards have indicated their intent to credential across the full array of T3C service packages. 

Additional grant funds are available for FY 2025, and more details are coming soon. Opportunities for training, technical assistance and information sharing continue. DFPS and TCCFS continue to host monthly T3C Office Hours, so that licensed providers can ask any questions they may have about T3C.

Training Opportunities

TCCFS has also launched a series of Training Opportunities available online this summer/fall. Topics include:

  • Implementing & Embedding Trauma-Informed Approaches
  • How to Build an Aftercare Program
  • Creating Safe Spaces for Children
  • T3C and Technology Needs
  • Core Components of Accounting
  • Identifying & Developing Treatment/Program Models
  • Understanding STAR Health
  • Operating in a Managed Care Environment
  • Supports for Youth 14+
  • Mergers, Partnerships, & Acquisitions

TCCFS will continue to add training opportunities to the website, and providers can register for live events or access previously recorded events through the Online Learning Center.

Providers can also continue to take the T3C Readiness Assessment to help determine their organization’s T3C Readiness and necessary steps to become more prepared to credential in T3C Service Packages.

For more information, providers can visit t3cready.org or email info@t3cready.org.

June 2024

The T3C Team is pleased to announce the release of new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

The T3C Team would also like to remind everyone to be on the lookout for the T3C System Blueprint July 2024 Edition, being released at the end of July.  This edition will include information about the Credentialing Processing.

April 2024

Release of the Second Edition of the Blueprint

DFPS released the second edition of the Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) System Blueprint on April 29, 2024.  Also included is a Change Log that details each change in the new edition. 

DFPS hosted a webinar to discuss the changes of the T3C System Blueprint.  The recording and PowerPoint from the webinar are available in the webinar archives.

New Office Hours

The Texas Center for Child and Family Studies and DFPS are excited to partner together to announce virtual T3C Office Hours! T3C Office Hours will be regularly scheduled as a time to drop in and ask any questions you may have about T3C, as well as learn from each others' experience. T3C Office Hours are available for Licensed Providers only. T3C Office Hours start on May 10, 2024, at 10 a.m. and subsequent dates will be posted at T3Cready.org.

March 2024

Attention all 24-hour Residential Childcare Providers

The Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services (TACFS)/The Center will be hosting a series of workshops across Texas called “T3C Ready: Texas Child-Centered Care System (T3C) Readiness Workshops”, in the month of April!

Who is invited? All licensed providers that contract with either DFPS or a Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC).

What is the purpose of the workshops? These workshops will be an opportunity for providers to start digging into the details of T3C and are meant to help prepare organizations for planning and implementation efforts.

The Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services (TACFS)/The Center will introduce an online T3C Readiness Assessment Tool that will aid providers in assessing their readiness and organizational needs. Bring your laptop! It will be a busy and interactive day.  TACFS/The Center will talk about the T3C System Blueprint, how to align your business to the T3C System model and capacity needs, and introduce and start your individual organizational assessment.

Providers may bring two or three staff per organization (depending on location) but should prioritize attendance for individuals who can examine their organization’s readiness and strategic business planning.

These workshops are designed to provide education about T3C and to assist providers as they identify and prepare for the service package(s) they will deliver.

When are these workshops?

Please note that the workshops listed below are being provided and hosted by TACFS/The Center.  To participate, providers must register using the links listed below.

***Lunch will be included at each seminar.

February 2024

DFPS released the first edition of the Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) System Blueprint on February 29, 2024.

The Blueprint is a guide for Texas foster care stakeholders to gain an understanding of the framework and parameters inherent in each of the twenty-four Service Packages and three Add-On Services. 

The Texas Child-Centered Care System Blueprint is a product of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and will be updated quarterly (January, April, July, October) to include revisions (if necessary) and provide detailed information related to transition and implementation of the T3C System. 

The transition to this new system will be an iterative process where lessons will be learned, and modifications will be made for continued improvement, so the T3C System Blueprint will be the primary vehicle for communicating changes.

Webinar Archive

If you are not able to attend past T3C System Blueprint webinars, you can watch the recordings posted here.

December 6, 2024 - T3C Blueprint Fourth Edition Change Log Review 

August 9, 2024 - T3C Blueprint Third Edition Change Log Review

May 7, 2024 - T3C Blueprint Second Edition Change Log Review

March 13, 2024 - T3C Blueprint Overview

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