Bexar County Proposes First Crisis Nursery Program in Texas

Bexar County officials are considering the establishment of a crisis nursery program aimed at providing emergency care for children during family crises. Barbara Schaffer, the director of strategic planning, is set to present the proposal to the Bexar County Commissioners Court on Tuesday. The initiative seeks to explore procurement options and identify organizations capable of operating the program.

The proposal follows several tragic incidents involving children in the county, including 13 deaths due to abuse or neglect last year. Schaffer emphasized the need for additional resources to support families before crises escalate, stating that the program would offer voluntary, short-term care for children from birth to age 10 during emergencies such as medical crises or domestic violence. If approved, the county will begin identifying qualified organizations to implement the program, which would be the first of its kind in Texas.