AUSTIN (AP) – Texas lawmakers are expected to hear testimony on the redesign of the state’s foster care system.

In 2010 the Department of Child Protective Services began revamping the way the state contracts with organizations that care for children. The department has tentatively awarded new contracts to non-profit organizations to offer complete foster services.

The House Human Services Committee is hearing testimony on how that redesign is going.

The new system is supposed to smooth the foster care process, save money and lead to better outcomes for the children in the program. What the committee learns Monday will likely lead to new laws when the Legislature meets again next year.

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