Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'family welfare'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 28th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • So finding family and placing with family.
  • is happening to children and families as they are engaged with Child Welfare Services, and assist states
  • in San Antonio or Denton County Friends of the Family or up in Dallas's Family Place.
  • I am a family lawyer.
  • The Texas Family Code.
Summary: The meeting of the Family and Fiduciary Relationships Committee involved extensive discussions focused on improvements in family law, particularly regarding child welfare and representation in court. Several bills were presented, including HB3382, which aims to enhance the standard of representation for children and parents in legal proceedings. Testimony highlighted concerns over attorney performance and the necessity of timely communication between attorneys and their young clients. Members voiced both support and opposition, especially regarding the timelines set forth for attorney consultations prior to hearings, reflecting a strong concern for the welfare of children involved in custody and welfare cases.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Mar 24th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill would ensure that families are not torn apart unnecessarily.
  • Now, in 153.004, this is so important because in Title V of the Family Code, we have to look at family
  • law and family code stand for.
  • Julia Hatcher from the Texas Association of Family Defense Attorneys.
  • That was his whole connection to this family.
Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by rigorous discussions focused primarily on child protection legislation, particularly HB116. The bill seeks to amend existing laws that allow for the termination of parental rights under vague circumstances, often without sufficient due process. Kate Murphy, Director of Child Protection Policy at Texans Care for Children, delivered a heartfelt testimony supporting the bill's intent to prioritize family preservation and ensure that parents facing challenges receive adequate support rather than facing punitive measures. This stirred considerable discussion among committee members about the implications of the current legal framework and how it disproportionately affects families without proven endangerment.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , including licensure, community-based care, contractors, family homes, and child care facilities.
  • Under current law, the Department of Family and Protective Services provides annual reports on a wide
  • This bill also changes how the Family Code defines

  • Updating the Family Code ensures that DFPS maintains records on suicide attempts among foster youth,
  • We did all the stuff we were supposed to do, and we're training now 18 family medicine residents.
Summary: The meeting brought forward significant discussions centered on various bills related to child welfare and mental health support, particularly focusing on the well-being of children in the custody of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Notable bills such as HB2789 and HB2809 were thoroughly reviewed, where stakeholders highlighted the critical need for improved data collection on suicide attempts among youth in foster care. The interventions proposed aim to enhance early identification and support for these vulnerable populations. The committee members engaged with professionals and advocates who emphasized the urgency of addressing these mental health challenges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part II) May 21st, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , military families—we have an 80 percent divorce rate, by the way—foster families.
  • We need support for all families: single-parent households, chosen families, and others.
  • If biological family members are abusive or absent, where does a person found family land?
  • who are currently in family...
  • A 2009 study from the Family Acceptance Project found that queer youth who face high levels of family
Summary: The committee meeting featured extensive discussions surrounding various bills, notably focusing on HB3284, which aims to establish a commission to promote marriage and family stability while addressing the needs of vulnerable children in the Texas foster care system. Witnesses provided diverse perspectives, with some expressing support for the bill's goal of strengthening family units, while others raised concerns about the potential discrimination against single-parent households and LGBTQ+ families. Additional highlights included debates on HB1106 regarding the treatment of transgender youth and HB4638, which sought to streamline the state's engagement with developers and capacity builders, addressing concerns over administrative efficiencies and child welfare.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It requires a referral agency to show a patient's family all of the assisted living options in a current
  • Many of our families are vulnerable; they are in a need-based situation, oftentimes.
  • Families receive referrals only after requesting them, and they are never obligated to use them.
  • Our top priority is ensuring that families have access to safe, transparent, and trusted support when
  • continuity of services for children and families.
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on several key bills pertaining to the accountability and operational continuity of single-source continuum contractors within the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Representative Davis presented three related bills: HB4129, HB4130, and HB4131, which were designed to strengthen DFPS's enforcement mechanisms, clarify contract termination timelines, and enable swift action in cases of non-compliance by services providers. Each bill was discussed in detail, highlighting their importance for ensuring services for children and families remain uninterrupted and meet quality standards. Witnesses from various stakeholders provided testimony both in support and in critique of the proposed legislation, indicating the significant impact these bills could have on service delivery across the state. A notable moment during the meeting was when the discussion surrounding HB4130 revealed concerns regarding current 60-day notice requirements for contract terminations, which were deemed insufficient. The proposed extension to 180 days is aimed at ensuring a seamless transition without service disruption. The meeting concluded with the decision to leave the bills pending further consideration, demonstrating a commitment to address the pressing issues raised by the lawmakers and community members involved.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 1st, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I've practiced child welfare law since 1998.
  • Give someone outside of the family more than we would give the family to be able to take care of them
  • I want to see our kids taken into those familiesfamilies that are trying to make it, that are on the
  • Brandon Logan, Family Freedom Project.
  • We want to make sure they are with family or friends of the family, and we want to make sure that they
Summary: The committee meeting encompassed a comprehensive discussion regarding various legislative matters, including the critical examination of HB741, HB341, HB582, and HB471. Representative Gervin Hawkins presented HB741, aimed at enhancing financial support for relative caregivers, ensuring an alignment in assistance with licensed foster parents to foster kinship placements. This initiative was met with supportive testimonies from several stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of keeping children connected with their families for stability. Furthermore, representatives voiced differing views on the proposed regulations in HB341 and HB582, leading to a vibrant debate where several public members provided insight into practical implications and potential consequences of the bills.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part I) Mar 26th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The attorney must be board-certified in child welfare.
  • welfare or family law, and possess relevant experience in
  • a family member or friend of the family who steps in to care
  • any other Texas family.
  • They are a family, just like any other family around, and they have the right to privacy and the right
Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss various pieces of legislation, addressing critical issues affecting healthcare and social services in Texas. Notable discussions included Senate Bill 481, which mandates backup power provisions for nursing homes and assisted living facilities to ensure the safety of vulnerable residents during outages, and Senate Bill 596, aimed at improving reporting requirements related to child welfare, enhancing the oversight of removals and placements. The committee also reviewed several other bills aimed at supporting healthcare access and enhancing protections for children under various circumstances.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • can improve access to family child care for military families.
  • Currently, we have a family that is a foster family living in the ranch neighborhood, and we have nine
  • They walk into family court, and the family court judge
  • So what they're doing is going inside of family...
  • are with family or friends of the family and ensure those
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on several key bills related to health care and adoption services, with a significant emphasis on fostering care systems. Vice Chair Emanuel presented bills that aimed to streamline reporting requirements for the HHSC, while Representative Slauson's bill on voluntary adoption registries prompted a discussion on improving access and procedures within the child welfare system. Each bill was generally met with favorable votes, indicating strong bipartisan support for these initiatives. The committee heard testimonies from various stakeholders who voiced the importance of these legislative efforts in enhancing the quality of life for children and families involved in the welfare system. Notably, the committee also tackled the issue of Medicaid services and accessibility for children needing medical equipment like baby helmets, which have been a burden for many low-income families.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 1st, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 2665 amends the Family Code.
  • She's the family law expert. She's my first assistant.
  • I don't like family law, I'll tell you that.

  • Do you have any concerns for the family? Anything we need to be aware of?
  • High prescription costs impose a substantial burden on families, especially.
Summary: The meeting convened with Chair Hull overseeing the discussions, and a quorum was confirmed with all members present. The primary focus was on voting several bills that had been discussed in previous hearings. Notable among them was HB1155, which relates to monetary assistance from the DFPS to certain parents. The committee adopted a substitute for the bill without objection and subsequently moved it forward with recommendations for favorable approval to the full House. Another significant topic was HB136, which aimed to include lactation consultation in Medicaid coverage, which also passed out of committee with a substitute.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part II) May 7th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the Senior Director of Public Affairs at the Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services, and I'm
  • ="198"> that we can work together to improve outcomes for kids and families in our state.
  • At Text4Text, we want to keep families together and see them be successful.
  • And right now, we are looking at the death of a family unit.
  • I'm the Vice President of the Family Freedom Project here in support of the bill.
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on various significant bills impacting health, family welfare, and vaccinations. Discussion around SB1887 generated notable interest, as it proposed a ten-year prohibition on administering mRNA vaccines, allowing exceptions for cancer treatment and genetic disorders. Senator Sparks, the bill's author, highlighted safety concerns regarding the mRNA technology, stating that further evaluations were necessary. Public testimonies included both support and opposition, with advocates arguing for informed consent and safety, while others expressed concern about restricting scientific advancements in healthcare. Additionally, the conversation addressed HB2216, which aimed at reforming parental rights in child welfare cases, ensuring that parental drug use alone would not warrant automatic termination of rights unless there was a direct, substantial risk to the child. Public testimony for this bill emphasized the need for additional resources to effectively implement its provisions. The committee also discussed HB2809 regarding tracking suicide attempts by children and SB1590 which proposed adopting an electronic process for paternity verification in adoption cases. Overall, the meeting was marked by lively discussions and significant public involvement, indicating the community's vested interest in the legislative outcomes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 22nd, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • Strong families make strong communities.
  • Strong families build strong communities, and strong families
  • I am the family judge or the judge of the family court in Hayes County.
  • We were cohabitating as a family.
  • Because I agree, the old law of family violence has occurred, and family violence is likely to occur.
Summary: During the meeting of the committee, several key bills were debated, most notably HB3281, which addresses the grounds for terminating parental rights. The discussion revolved around significant concerns presented by various members regarding the language change in the bill that requires serious bodily injury for termination, a shift that many find troubling. Witnesses also testified, with some advocating for amendments to ensure child safety, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach without unintended consequences. Additionally, HB4696 was introduced, focused on improving access to protective orders through remote testimony, further engaging committee members and experts on the necessity of such reforms for survivors of domestic violence.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part I) May 21st, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Under this authority we've granted them, they can ruin the family dynamic.
  • Families shouldn't be looking at this and saying, "Well, I'm sorry.
  • some of the families we serve in our family strengthening
  • She was the light of her family. Her children...
  • But when that's not possible, we want to make sure they are with family or friends of the family and
Summary: The committee meeting convened to discuss a variety of bills primarily related to healthcare and early childhood education. Notably, the committee reported favorably on several bills including HB721, HB2035, and HB2038, with all receiving unanimous support of 7-0. Senator Perry played a crucial role in moving the bills forward, advocating for their inclusion on the local and uncontested calendars. Furthermore, there was significant discussion surrounding HB3940, which addresses Medicaid eligibility for newborns, emphasizing the necessity for automatic enrollment to avoid gaps in coverage for infants during critical early stages of development. The meeting was characterized by the committee's cohesive efforts to streamline processes and enhance the efficiency of healthcare services for vulnerable populations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part I) May 7th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, would the family get less money?
  • This is largely because it imposes stronger requirements on child welfare agencies to support families
  • , we need safe families, not just families.
  • to get kids with family.
  • Kids do better with family.
Summary: The meeting of the committee included extensive discussions around several key bills focused on child welfare and health care initiatives. Notably, Senate Bill 577 addressed the management of Social Security benefits for foster children, with multiple testimonies highlighting the importance of ensuring these benefits directly support the children's needs rather than offsetting departmental costs. Senator West passionately argued for better stewardship of these funds, citing the high number of foster youth in financial hardship and emphasizing the bill's potential to improve outcomes for these vulnerable populations. Public testimonies both supported and raised concerns, particularly regarding the potential implications of the bill on children's welfare and parental rights.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services May 6th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • by moving away from this system of child welfare and instead building a model for family welfare.
  • families before they ever encounter the child welfare system.
  • family when possible.
  • to that family?
  • The reason why families are involved in the child welfare system or need to necessitate interventions
Summary: The meeting highlighted significant discussions surrounding child welfare and community-based care, focusing primarily on SB1398 and HB5396. Notably, representatives expressed concerns about the effectiveness and transparency of the current system, emphasizing the need for stronger documentation and accountability measures in handling cases of children and families. Senator Davis discussed the implications of SB596, which seeks to enhance data collection regarding outcomes of cases handled by the Department of Family and Protective Services, aiming to improve service delivery and outcomes for vulnerable children. Public testimony was heard from various stakeholders, highlighting the need for collaboration and understanding throughout the legislative process, which ultimately aims to better support families and prevent the need for child removal from their homes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 14th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • We want to keep a nice, peaceful place to raise a family and a community we can all share.
  • 0.005 of the Texas Family Code.
  • Welfare Board and testifying for...
  • The Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards is made up of representatives across the state.
  • ICE is reportedly targeting migrant families and unaccompanied children in particular.
Summary: The meeting was productive, primarily focusing on the discussions surrounding several key bills, notably HB2012, HB3174, and HB5580. The bills addressed significant issues like public health, immigration enforcement, and developmental initiatives. Notably, HB3174 aims to combat the spread of blood-borne diseases through syringe exchange programs in specific counties, with robust support from public health officials. Throughout the meeting, there was an active exchange of perspectives on the efficacy and implications of these bills, particularly regarding how they would impact public safety and health in Texas. Concerns were raised about the potential burden on law enforcement and the appropriateness of mandating immigration mechanisms in local jails under HB5580, generating passionate discussions among committee members and public testimonies alike.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County and Regional Government Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Roughly 10% of Texas families are mixed status.
  • people who just want a better future for their families.
  • the fear that their family members will be deported or harmed.
  • Family.
  • Immigrant families, families with undocumented members, and families who have questions about their immigration
Summary: The meeting revolved around the discussions of several key bills, particularly focusing on HB5580, which mandates local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Many witnesses, including community organizers and legal advocates, voiced strong opposition to this bill, claiming it would perpetuate racial profiling, undermine community trust in law enforcement, and create a climate of fear among immigrant families. Testimonies highlighted that such legislation often leads to decreased reporting of crimes and increased tensions between law enforcement and the community. Controversy brewed over claims that the bill would divert resources from pressing local safety needs to federal immigration priorities, which many argue should not be the responsibility of local agencies. The chair expressed appreciation for the input but left HB5580 pending, indicating further deliberation is needed.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 14th, 2025 at 02:04 pm

House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • Family and fiduciaries.

  • The Family Law Foundation and the attorneys who practice family law in Texas see this bill rife with
  • Kinship families only receive about half the monetary support we provide to foster families, yet they
  • family-based care.
  • or friends of the family.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a range of legislative bills centered around child welfare and family rights. Notably, House Bill 4870, presented by Representative Aisha Davis, aimed at supporting kinship caregivers by creating a grant program to alleviate the high legal fees for obtaining custody authority. The bill received strong support from testimony highlighting the importance of kinship care in keeping families together and reducing the costs associated with foster care. The witnesses included representatives from various legal aid organizations, all emphasizing the significant financial savings and emotional benefits of formalizing kinship arrangements. Additionally, discussions surrounding HB3758 focused on ensuring due process for parents in child protective services cases, stressing the need for legal protections during therapy and treatment. Observers noted the passionate debates around parental rights and child welfare, underscoring the delicate balance legislators seek to maintain.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services (Part II) Mar 26th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • No family wants to learn that their child has a terminal condition, but families in this situation need
  • formation, and supports Texas families.
  • The highly successful Thriving Texas Families program provides vast resources for women and families
  • I frequently talk about how successful the Thriving Texas Families Program is for women and families
  • Thriving Texas Families was designed to improve the responsiveness of services for families by facilitating
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services addressed several significant pieces of legislation focused primarily on health and welfare issues in Texas. One of the central topics was SB1233, which aims to provide perinatal palliative care information to families receiving diagnoses of life-threatening conditions. Testimonies highlighted the importance of immediate access to support resources, as speakers shared personal experiences illustrating the emotional and medical implications of these diagnoses. Additionally, SB1368 was discussed, focusing on emergency preparedness within assisted living and nursing facilities, emphasizing the need for actionable contingency plans to protect vulnerable residents during power outages and emergencies. The committee explored how to ensure compliance with new standards while considering the realities faced by these facilities, especially in determining the appropriate levels of emergency power backup requirements.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 22nd, 2025 at 11:04 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • data-time="234"> The organization conducted interviews with maternal healthcare providers, and one family
  • remain in the foster care system, then they're left vulnerable out on their own, whether they have family
  • consider the data on these kids, they don't have the proper resources to survive, not just from a loving family
Summary: The meeting of the committee brought forth significant discussions focused on the legislation surrounding newborn health coverage. Representative Johnson presented HB3940, highlighting the issues with newborns not receiving timely healthcare coverage due to inefficiencies in the enrollment process. The committee engaged in a thorough review, emphasizing the critical impact on health outcomes for infants who were uninsured during vital early checkups. Other members raised questions and concerns, adding to the dialogue on how to improve the automatic enrollment processes currently in place. The intent of the proposed bill is to empower parents with necessary information to prevent the enrollment issues from persisting.

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