Data shows that the number of county residents who live outside of Austin has grown, and county services have not kept up.

Subsequently, county staff developed a Family System of Care model "to address complex needs of whole families" to create lasting positive change for children, according to county documents.

On April 1 commissioners unanimously approved the care model and directed staff to solicit bids from vendors to implement the plan.

Commissioners have approved allocating $1 million in the 2014 fiscal year and up to $2 million in the 2015 fiscal year for new social services investments.

The model would focus on families with children in outlying areas of Travis County and would address issues such as child and youth development, housing and behavioral health.