Relating to employee caseload limit goals for child and adult protective services and child-care licensing services and call processing goals for certain of those services.
Impact
If passed, HB 660 would significantly influence state laws governing child and adult protective services. The bill mandates that the Department of Family and Protective Services and the Health and Human Services Commission work towards these caseload limits, catalyzing a more systematic approach to employee workloads. With specified goals for average case counts, it seeks to enhance the quality of care provided to individuals serviced by these departments, potentially leading to improved outcomes in both child and adult protective measures.
Summary
House Bill 660 aims to establish specific caseload limit goals for caseworkers involved in child and adult protective services as well as child-care licensing services. The bill sets forth maximum average caseloads for various categories of caseworkers, including those conducting investigations in child protective services and family-based safety services. This legislative effort is in response to concerns about the heavy workloads faced by caseworkers, which can impact their effectiveness and the timely delivery of services to vulnerable populations.
Contention
There may be points of contention surrounding the feasibility of these caseload limits, particularly with regard to budget constraints and resource allocation. Opponents might argue that without sufficient funding, implementing these limits could be challenging, leading to unrealistic expectations for caseworkers and the departments involved. Additionally, the suggested call processing goals for the hotline maintained for abuse, neglect, and exploitation reports could also intersect with debates around prioritizing responsiveness amid existing fiscal challenges.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Government Code
Chapter 526. Additional Powers And Duties Of Commission And Executive Commissioner
Section: New Section
Human Resources Code
Chapter 40. Department Of Family And Protective Services
Relating to employee caseload limit goals for child and adult protective services and child-care licensing services and call processing goals for certain of those services.
Relating to certain procedures in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship for a child placed in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services and the provision of family preservation services and community-based foster care.
Relating to trauma-informed care for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services and trauma-informed care training for certain department employees.
Relating to emancipation and extended foster care for certain older youth and young adults within the jurisdiction of court in a suit affecting the parent child relationship involving the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.
Relating to the Department of Family and Protective Services' annual report of key performance measures and data elements for child protection; authorizing a penalty.
Relating to the Department of Family and Protective Services' annual report of key performance measures and data elements for child protection; authorizing a penalty.