Imprint Author

Sandy West

Sandy West is a freelance journalist based in Houston. She can be reached at info@imprintnews.org

7/25/2025

The Adoption Trap

Private foster care and adoption agencies in Texas are brokering contracts for moms to turn over their children in a murky legal world, spawning protracted civil custody battles. By Sandy West

Illustration by Guillermo Ortego

This article was first published in The Texas Observer, an Austin-based nonprofit news organization covering culture and politics.

1/16/2025

In Texas, Removal of a Federal Judge Overseeing Foster Care Reforms Troubles Legal Advocates

The October dismissal of Judge Janis Jack has court-watchers and advocates concerned about a chilling effect.

8/1/2023

Texas Whistleblower Says Vulnerable Teens Are Being Failed by State Child Welfare Agency When They Turn 18

A CPS whistleblower says Texas foster youth with cognitive and mental health challenges are being cast out of the system when they turn 18.

4/18/2023

Foster Youth Turned Social Worker and Advocate Serves Children and Families

Before becoming a social worker and founder of a nonprofit advocacy group, Cortney Jones experienced the foster care system at its worst.

2/20/2023

Hurdles Keep Texas Youth Out of Extended Foster Care Designed to Help Them

An investigation by The Imprint found that Texas has scores of open beds for aged-out foster youth who are left to struggle on the streets.

9/21/2022

Healing Provided on a Texas Ranch for Men and Boys Who Have Survived Sex Trafficking

In Texas, a novel residential program provides young men who have survived sex trafficking with health care, legal help and animal therapy.

6/23/2022

One Texas Judge Wants Children and Families Better Served by a State Too Often Leaving Them Behind

When Child Protective Services in Texas fails families, Judge Aurora Martinez Jones is determined to find solutions.

4/21/2022

Life Altered for One Texas Family Determined to Protect Transgender Child

In Texas, top politicians say gender-affirming care is abuse, compelling one therapist to protect her clients — and her family.

Threatened with Investigations and Foster Care in Texas, Parents and Advocates Fight for Transgender Youth

3/2/2022

Threatened with Investigations and Foster Care, Texas Parents and Advocates Fight for Transgender Youth

In Texas, an employee with the state child welfare agency is among the first parents to be investigated for accessing gender-affirming medical care for her child after an order from Gov. Greg Abbott.