Texas Senate Bill SB502

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to placement of children with certain relatives or other designated caregivers.

Impact

This legislation amends Chapter 264 of the Family Code, specifically by adding provisions to section 264.7541. The Department of Family and Protective Services is tasked with implementing these requirements, which signal a shift towards a more structured and informed approach to child placements. By ensuring that caregivers are well-informed about the child's needs, SB502 aims to foster an environment that supports both the child and their new caregiver, ultimately facilitating a better adjustment period for children entering new living situations.

Summary

SB502 addresses the placement of children with specified relatives or designated caregivers, focusing on enhancing the conditions that support the continuity of care for the child. The bill introduces a requirement mandating that before placing a child with a proposed caregiver, a visit must be arranged between the child and that caregiver. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the caregiver should receive a comprehensive information form regarding the child's educational, medical, dental, and social needs to better prepare for the child's care.

Contention

One notable aspect of SB502 is the potential for debates surrounding the enforcement of caregiver visits and the availability of comprehensive information on children being placed. While the bill seeks to improve the welfare of children by ensuring that caregivers are equipped to meet their needs, there may be concerns about the feasibility of implementing these requirements uniformly across various jurisdictions. Moreover, the bill does not allocate further appropriations, which may raise questions about the resources available to the Department of Family and Protective Services for complying with these new mandates.