Each organization’s plan and timeline for transitioning to the T3C System will be unique. Based on communication with stakeholders, DFPS has identified the following suggestions as some of the ways providers are approaching the transition:
- Review historical documents on Foster Care Rate Modernization, including the Foster Care Rate Modernization Final Service Description Report - January 2022 and the Foster Care Rate Modernization Pro Forma Modeled Rate Report - February 2023 to understand the process used to build out the modernized T3C System.
- Review the T3C System Blueprint, particularly the requirements for each Service Package and/or Add-On Service (see sections below) and identify which ones your organization may wish to provide.
- Conduct a gap analysis, based on the Service Packages and/or Add-On Services to determine what, if anything, is needed by the organization to provide the service, and use this information to develop a more thorough provider level transition plan.
- Visit T3C Ready at www.T3CReady.org an initiative of the SSCCs and the Texas Alliance of Child & Family Services. T3C Ready contains valuable information to help providers actively prepare for the transition, including a T3C Readiness Assessment tool, training opportunities, and other resources.
- Ask questions if something is unclear or if more information is needed – reach out to the Department via the agency’s dedicated email address: DFPS Texas Child-Centered Care.
- For IT related questions, please review the PowerPoint presentation that was provided to the SSCCs. If you have additional questions related to the content, please email DFPSTexasChildCenteredCare@dfps.texas.gov.
- Along with reviewing the T3C System Blueprint and the frequently asked questions, you may find it helpful to reference the T3C Staffing Positions Matrix, which illustrates common inquiries regarding the differences between the positions identified in the Staffing Requirements of each Service Package. Be sure to review all of the footnotes to help guide you in understanding how to interpret and apply the chart.
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In the spring and summer of 2025 HHSC, in consultation with DFPS and stakeholders, will finalize the cost report template to support the T3C Service Packages and Add-On Services. Cost reports associated with T3C services will not be collected for FY 2025, since the transition to the new foster care model occurred halfway through the fiscal year, with only a small subset of providers. Please note that this does not change cost reporting requirements for 24-hour residential childcare services that are not T3C related. Cost reports will still be required for non-T3C services delivered in FY 2025. HHSC will begin collecting T3C Cost Reports in 2027 for service costs incurred during state fiscal year 2026. DFPS and HHSC anticipate a change in the schedule for reporting 24 hour-residential childcare costs in fiscal year 2027, where the schedule for submitting cost reports will align with the state fiscal year.
- For insight to how CANS frequency and Service Planning timing will look different for providers under T3C, see the CANS Periodicity Schedule and the Service Planning Periodicity Schedule.
- Some providers have found it helpful to give grace to Caseworker/Case Managers during the learning curve of the transition. One example is to use resources for Caseworkers/Case Managers as part of the initial child placement. The following documents have information to help the Caseworker/Case Manager correctly enter the child’s T3C Placement: