Texas House Bill HB473

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the Department of Family and Protective Services reporting certain information regarding youth in the managing conservatorship of the department who are pregnant or who are parents.

Impact

The enactment of HB 473 would significantly impact the Family Code by specifying additional data requirements that the DFPS must report. This includes detailed demographic information such as age, race, and geographic residence of pregnant youth, as well as those who are parents within the conservatorship system. By collecting and publishing this information, the bill aims to improve understanding of the challenges faced by young parents in care and the unique needs they may have, promoting better-targeted support services and interventions from the state.

Summary

House Bill 473 aims to enhance the transparency and accountability of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) by mandating the reporting of specific statistics regarding youth who are in the department's managing conservatorship and are pregnant or are parents. This bill emphasizes the importance of tracking the number of young individuals affected by these circumstances, specifically focusing on those aged 11 to 22 years. The proposed changes will require annual reports to the legislature and public dissemination of findings, thus ensuring that important data on this vulnerable demographic are accessible for evaluation and policy-making purposes.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB 473 may arise from concerns regarding the implications of increased data collection by DFPS. Proponents argue that this will lead to improved outcomes for youth by ensuring their particular circumstances are acknowledged and addressed within the system. However, opponents might raise points about the potential stigmatization of these youth based on their situations and worry about the implications of being classified in such terms. Thus, while the bill is designed to enhance service provision, it must balance the need for accurate reporting with the rights and dignity of the youth involved.