Texas House Bill HB1790

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the notice provided to certain individuals on termination of the parent-child relationship and on placement of a child in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Impact

The implications of HB 1790 are significant as it seeks to amend existing family law to strengthen the involvement of relatives in child welfare cases. Specifically, it requires the DFPS to provide timely information to adult relatives and caregivers, which can help facilitate family participation in the care of the child after termination of parental rights. By officially including relatives in the notification process, the bill aims to balance the need for state intervention with the importance of family ties, potentially keeping children within their extended family units whenever feasible.

Summary

House Bill 1790 addresses the notification process concerning the termination of parent-child relationships and the subsequent placement of children in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill mandates that DFPS must notify certain relatives about the termination of parental rights and inform them of their rights to apply for managing conservatorship within a specified timeframe. This aims to ensure that relatives have a clear understanding of their options and the processes related to the care of the child, thus enhancing familial involvement during critical situations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1790 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among advocates for children's rights and family preservation. Supporters argue that the bill promotes the best interests of children by encouraging family connections and reducing the number of children placed in foster care when relatives are available to provide care. However, there may be some reservations about the practical implementation of these notification procedures, especially regarding how effectively DFPS can identify and locate relatives who are eligible for notification.

Contention

While HB 1790 has garnered support for its aim to enhance familial involvement in the child welfare system, some points of contention arise regarding the resources needed to implement these changes effectively. Critics may express concerns about the feasibility of DFPS's ability to uphold the new notification requirements consistently. Furthermore, questions about the impact on current case handling processes and the adequacy of support for relatives who wish to navigate the complexities of managing conservatorship will likely be raised in legislative discussions.