SAN ANTONIO — Barbara Schaffer, director of strategic planning for Bexar County, is expected to ask the Commissioners Court on July 8, 2026, to move forward with developing a crisis nursery program. The proposal would direct county staff to explore procurement options and identify qualified organizations to operate the facility.

A crisis nursery provides voluntary, short-term care for children while parents or caregivers address emergencies such as medical crises, domestic violence, or homelessness. The proposed program would primarily serve children from birth through age 10. "We see a lot of little ones that get injured, and zero to three is the population that's most vulnerable," Schaffer said.

Thirteen children in Bexar County died due to abuse or neglect in 2025. "We lost 13 kids to child abuse and neglect last year, and so we're hoping that if we can create that safe space, that can prevent a lot of injury or trauma or just safety for children in our community," Schaffer said. Authorities alleged that Marlene Vidal killed her children during a mental health crisis earlier in 2026, and a murder-suicide linked to domestic violence occurred in Stone Oak, leaving two children without their parents.

If established, the program would be the first crisis nursery in Texas; similar programs operate in other states. If approved, the county would determine the best procurement process before presenting recommendations to the Commissioners Court. "I hope to move as fast as possible," Schaffer said.