Relating to the establishment of a task force to locate relatives and certain individuals and to the procedures for providing notice to certain individuals on placement of a child in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Impact
A notable aspect of HB1460 is its focus on timely identification and location of relatives, mandating that the task force begins its work within 24 hours of a child being taken into DFPS custody and ensuring efforts are made to identify all relevant individuals within 72 hours of filing a suit affecting the parent-child relationship. The bill also includes reporting requirements, compelling the DFPS to inform legislative representatives about the outcomes of their relative identification efforts and the reasons for any failures in contact.
Summary
House Bill 1460 aims to enhance the processes surrounding the identification and notification of relatives and certain individuals when children are placed in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) in Texas. The bill proposes the establishment of a task force dedicated to locating relatives of children taken into possession by DFPS and individuals with significant relationships with them. This task force will consist of 15 members appointed by various authorities, including law enforcement and private investigators with specialized experience in working with vulnerable populations.
Contention
The bill addresses an essential aspect of child welfare, particularly emphasizing the need for familial connections to be maintained or prioritized in the child placement process. Critics may raise concerns about the effectiveness of the task force and the potential bureaucratic challenges it could introduce in an already complex system. Furthermore, the requirement for detailed reporting may place additional burdens on the DFPS, which could be viewed as a double-edged sword in managing resources and efforts effectively.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Family Code
Chapter 262. Procedures In Suit By Governmental Entity To Protect Health And Safety Of Child
Relating to the procedures for providing notice to certain individuals on placement of a child in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the procedures for providing notice to certain individuals on placement of a child in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the procedures for the removal of certain children in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services and monetary assistance provided by the Department of Family and Protective Services to certain relative or designated caregivers.
Relating to the notice provided to certain persons concerning children in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the notification of certain persons concerning certain events related to children in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the authority of individuals over the personal identifying information collected, processed, or maintained about the individuals and certain others by certain businesses.
Relating to the authority of individuals over the personal identifying information collected, processed, or maintained about the individuals and certain others by certain businesses.