What We Do

PEI takes a public health approach to preventing child abuse, neglect, and child deaths. This approach includes supporting better outcomes for children and families by addressing challenges related to poverty, family instability, poor health, drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, and more. 

PEI supports the healthy social, emotional, and mental development of children living in safe and stable families and nurturing communities. PEI does this through public education and contracts with community organizations that provide services to children, youth, and families, and by promoting decisions and actions that improve the lives of children and families.

PEI helps communities develop and improve prevention programs to strengthen families so they can live better lives. This can mean families don't get involved with CPS and their kids stay in school, avoid risky behavior, and don’t get in trouble with the law. PEI makes prevention services available to families at no charge around the state. You can search for PEI programs available in your county under Prevention Services on the DFPS website. 

The Office of Child Safety within PEI focuses on programs that work to reduce fatal and serious child abuse. This office does critical-case reviews, examines data and trends, and works with other agencies to provide a safety network across Texas. The Office of Child Safety develops recommendations and works together with non-profit, private sector, and government programs to achieve these outcomes.