Relating to the statewide implementation of community-based foster care by the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Impact
The impact of HB 3691 on state laws is significant as it modifies existing statutes within the Texas Family Code regarding foster care and child welfare. The bill mandates that community-based care should be carried out with measurable goals related to child safety and family integrity. By aligning with federal child welfare goals, the bill reinforces the objective of keeping children out of foster care when possible and promotes the usage of relatives and kinship caregivers. This shift is expected to influence various facets of the child welfare system, including funding structures and the operational framework for service providers.
Summary
House Bill 3691 aims to implement a statewide approach to community-based foster care managed by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). This bill introduces a framework for contracting nonprofit and local governmental entities to provide essential child welfare services, focusing on preventing children's entry into substitute care by emphasizing family preservation and reunification. The legislation is a response to the need for more localized and effective support systems for children in foster care, ensuring their safety and well-being within their home communities.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around HB 3691 appears to be supportive among child welfare advocates and legislators who view community-based care as a progressive measure to address the shortcomings in the current system. However, there are underlying concerns regarding the effectiveness and accountability of contractors selected to manage these services. While proponents laud the bill for its potential to enhance service quality, there remains skepticism about ensuring adequate oversight and maintaining stringent performance evaluation metrics to protect vulnerable children.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding HB 3691 include debates over the adequacy of performance review measures and the criteria used to select contractors. Critics worry that relying on private entities to manage essential welfare services could lead to inconsistent service quality and a lack of focus on the unique needs of individual communities. Moreover, concerns have emerged about balancing financial incentives for contractors with the overarching goal of improving child outcomes, raising questions about whether profit motivations might overshadow prioritizing children and families' needs.
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 policies and procedures regarding children placed by the Department of Family and Protective Services in a residential treatment center or program.
Relating to policies and procedures regarding children placed by the Department of Family and Protective Services in a residential treatment center or qualified residential treatment program.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective 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.
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 the administration of services provided by the Department of Family and Protective Services, including foster care, child protective services, and prevention and early intervention services.
Relating to the provision of child protective services and other health and human services by certain state agencies or under contract with a state agency, including foster care, child protective, relative and kinship caregiver support, prevention and early intervention health care, and adoption 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 the provision of health and human services by the Department of Family and Protective Services and the Health and Human Services Commission.