Bexar County commissioners have asked staff to explore a county-supported crisis nursery for children whose caregivers face a temporary emergency. Staff must return with recommendations on how it could operate, how services would be procured and which organizations might provide them.
A crisis nursery would offer voluntary, licensed short-term care without parents giving up custody or children entering foster care. The model is intended to give families time to address emergencies such as hospitalization, domestic violence or housing instability while connecting them with other services.
Separately, a coalition of local nonprofits says it has operated a collaborative version for eight months. It is awaiting the City of San Antonio’s release of a completed feasibility study.
County officials say the program could help when deputies and other responders must find temporary care for children during family emergencies. If commissioners eventually approve a county effort, officials say roughly $1.6 million previously budgeted for Child Protective Services family-based safety support could be available.
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