Relating to certain arrangements to provide care for a child during an investigation of abuse or neglect.
Impact
If enacted, the bill will amend Chapter 264 of the Family Code and introduce a subchapter dedicated to parental child safety placements. This change is significant as it formalizes the process by which parents can place their children in the temporary care of qualified caregivers during abuse investigations or while receiving services from the department. The establishment of a parental child safety placement agreement is critical as it outlines the responsibilities of both the caregiver and the parents, establishes guidelines for access to the child, and specifies the department's duties throughout the process.
Summary
House Bill 1854 establishes new provisions to facilitate parental child safety placements during investigations into alleged abuse or neglect. The bill introduces the framework for temporary out-of-home placements of children with caregivers who are not their parents or guardians, provided these placements are made with the approval of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. It aims to ensure that children can remain in safe environments while their situations are investigated, thus promoting their welfare and security during potentially distressing circumstances.
Contention
The bill may face scrutiny concerning the qualifications and evaluations of caregivers as well as the potential implications for parental rights. Critics might argue that the criteria for determining suitable caregivers need to be robust enough to protect the children involved, while proponents will likely highlight the importance of retaining family connections during investigations. Furthermore, ensuring that such placements are supportive rather than punitive will be a notable point of discussion as the bill proceeds through the legislative process.
Identical
Relating to the removal of a child by the Department of Family and Protective Services, including certain arrangements to provide care for a child during an investigation of abuse or neglect.
Relating to investigations of child abuse and neglect and the procedures for adding names to or removing names from the central registry of child abuse and neglect.
Relating to policies and procedures regarding certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship, investigations by the Department of Family and Protective Services, and parental child safety placements.
Relating to notifying an alleged perpetrator of child abuse or neglect of the person's rights in connection with an investigation conducted by the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the removal of a child by the Department of Family and Protective Services, including certain arrangements to provide care for a child during an investigation of abuse or neglect.