Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'foster youth'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Juvenile Justice Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House S/C on Juvenile Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • care who are in foster care facilities.
  • foster care youth who spent 12 years in the system in Texas
  • As a foster parent myself, or a former foster parent

  • Section 508.1442 requires an annual report on youth parole outcomes.
  • Additionally, their youth shouldn't be used as an aggravating factor.
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on discussions surrounding juvenile justice reform. Chairman Cook opened the session by introducing various bills, including HB1966, which aims to improve conditions for youth in detention facilities by ensuring access to restrooms and sanitation. The bill was met with strong support as members shared their views on the importance of treating youth with dignity and respect within the justice system. Witness testimonies highlighted the dire situations some minors face in current facilities, drawing attention to the need for immediate legislative action. Other bills discussed included HB3442, aimed at updating the Texas Alcohol Awareness Program for minors, among others.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • ...foster youth to utilize state college tuition.
  • This aligns with what happens when a foster youth is

  • So today, approximately 3,000 foster youth use these

  • The tuition fee waiver offers a life-changing opportunity for former foster youth.
  • These youth who are aging out of foster care often lack the relational support that youth who have been
Summary: During this committee meeting, a total of 16 bills were discussed, covering various topics mainly focused on education and support for vulnerable populations. Notably, House Bill 1211 was a significant highlight, aiming to remove the 25th birthday deadline for former foster youth to utilize state college tuition benefits. This bill garnered strong support from multiple members, including personal testimonies from individuals who benefited from such educational support. The conversation around HB1211 emphasized the challenges faced by former foster youth, including lack of awareness and support, which aligns with the bill's objective of extending opportunities regardless of age.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But we need to be serious and at least address foster care.
  • As you know, some of our own members are foster parents.
  • For foster youth who have aged out of foster care, like me, those safety nets don't often exist.
  • Extending foster care services to the age of...
  • I am also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and foster care.
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

Jurisprudence Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They don't qualify for former foster care children's Medicaid.
  • They're not able to come back into foster care or into extended foster care.
  • successful as they age out of foster care.
  • in foster care.
  • home to foster home.
Summary: The meeting included significant discussions surrounding several bills focusing on children's welfare, particularly regarding foster care and supportive decision-making agreements. Notably, Senate Bill 2165 was presented, which addresses the issue of foster children who go missing and the legal implications of dismissing their cases while they are unaccounted for. The bill aims to ensure that courts retain jurisdiction over these cases to provide continuous support and monitoring until the children reach adulthood. Several witnesses, including legal experts and advocates, expressed fervent support for the bill, highlighting the vulnerabilities of youth in the foster care system and the risks of human trafficking associated with missing children. The importance of maintaining oversight and support for these youth was a common sentiment throughout the testimony.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Rose's bill that we previously heard that relates to the required reporting by DFPS regarding youth
  • " data-time="756">Members, this is a bill that relates to the required reporting by DFPS regarding youth
  • By fostering accountability through this proactive approach
Summary: During this meeting of the committee, key discussions were held regarding various bills, particularly those concerning contract requirements related to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Multiple bills, such as HB4129, HB4130, and HB4131, were unanimously reported favorably without any debate, showcasing a clear consensus among members about their importance in regulating contracts with single-source continuum contractors. Notable attention was also directed towards HB3750, which pertains to reimbursement for legal expenses incurred by DFPS employees, demonstrating acknowledgment of the need to protect staff operating in complex legal environments. Public testimony was welcomed, allowing voices from the community to add value to the legislative dialogue. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue examining the implications of these bills as they move forward in the legislative process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • One critical way we fulfill this mission is by working together through our foster youth services all
  • When foster youth age out of care, they often don't have any financial support and
  • Some foster youth qualify for federal benefits, such as those for individuals with disabilities or from
  • For instance, we worked with a youth in Dallas who went into foster care at age 15 after the death of
  • SB577 ensures that foster youth retain the benefits they would have received if they had not encountered
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 Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Also, is it more expensive to adopt out of the foster system as opposed to...
  • Youth aging out of the Texas State's foster care system are some of the most vulnerable.
  • Youth aging out of the Texas state's foster care system are some of the most resilient individuals.
  • One of the many ways we do this is by helping youth in or aging out of the foster care system.
  • So that baby is now going into foster care and so...
Summary: The committee meeting covered a wide range of legislative proposals, with significant focus on addressing child welfare, language access, and transparency in funding for children's advocacy centers. Representative Richardson presented HB5136, aimed at strengthening governance and accountability in child advocacy centers, reflecting concerns over transparency due to recent scandals. The bill was discussed extensively as members expressed the need for better oversight in organizations receiving public funding. Additionally, HB4838 was championed for enhancing language access in emergency services, with witnesses emphasizing its critical importance for non-English speakers during crises. Overall, strong engagement from both representatives and the public was evident, with passionate testimonies highlighting the necessity of these legislative measures.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • laws over DNA material and foster children.
  • information, and a third-party laboratory to collect foster
  • So if we ever had a foster child that had more than one person claiming to be the father, we would have
  • Somehow, those who work with our most vulnerable youth are not subjected to background checks.
  • Can you please all of you share what you're seeing when a child ages out of foster care?
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.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Studies have shown that youth in foster care are four times more likely to have attempted suicide in
  • Studies show that youth in foster care often have a history of mental health issues.
  • As we've heard this morning, this data is critical as youth in foster care...
  • youth attempt suicide four times more than children who are not involved in the foster care system.
  • The only available data concerning youth in foster

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 7th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • could help inform the resources we would need to implement active efforts for all children in our foster
  • we really appreciate that the bill also prioritizes keeping kids with relatives if they do enter foster
  • span>

    So, there's a young woman who is about to age out of foster

  • ...is stuck in foster care with no option for a permanent
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

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

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • As a reminder, this bill protects the privacy of foster families.
  • Add to this, in the backdrop that nine days ago, attorneys for foster youth have asked the United States
  • As a neurodivergent person, I sympathize with transgender youth.
  • However, according to the Trevor Project's National Survey on Queer Youth Mental Health, among youth
  • Our youth deserve better no matter how they identify. Thank you.
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

Health and Human Services May 14th, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Foster children, as they age out of care.
  • Over the last two years, my office and other offices have been contacted by former foster care children
  • Our transition and financial support services, our Foster Youth
  • Foster youth aging out of the system are common prey to predatory lending practices.
  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth in Texas.
Summary: The meeting of the committee featured a series of discussions primarily focusing on various bills aimed at enhancing accountability and safety in the healthcare sector. Notable highlights included the passage of HB694, which aims to promote transparency in the operations of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) by shortening the notification timeline for significant events from ten days to 48 hours. This bill received unanimous support from all members present, underscoring a strong consensus on improving communication with parents and stakeholders involved in the child welfare system. Another significant topic was the introduction of HB2187, which seeks to amend and update the existing nursing staffing laws to address emerging challenges faced by healthcare professionals, particularly stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was presented as a response to the increased burnout rates among nurses and aims to provide a more stable working environment to retain talent in the healthcare sector. The committee took testimony from several experts and stakeholders, highlighting the urgency and importance of these legislative changes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Mar 28th, 2025 at 09:00 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Summary: The meeting of the legislative committee was marked by extensive discussions on a variety of critical issues including budget allocations, public health policies, and education funding. Members engaged in a robust debate regarding the impacts of proposed tax reforms, with several representatives expressing concerns over the potential effects on lower-income families. Public testimony was a significant feature of the meeting, providing the committee with diverse perspectives from community leaders and experts. The atmosphere was generally collaborative, with a stated intent to refine proposed bills in response to public input.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part II) Apr 14th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Summary: The meeting was convened to discuss several legislative measures, including important constitutional amendments such as SJR27, which proposes changes to the membership and authority of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. The provision aims to enhance public oversight of judicial conduct and eliminate the ability for the commission to issue private sanctions against judges. Following extensive debate, the amendment proposed by Senator Huffman to increase public membership was adopted, leading to the eventual passage of the resolution with a vote count of 27 to 4. Members expressed support for greater transparency within the judicial system.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part I) Apr 14th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Summary: The meeting was centered around a series of bills, with notable discussions on SB1810, which mandates transparency in title insurance premium rates and SB1320, which establishes an Organized Oilfield Theft Prevention Unit. Senators engaged in thorough debates over the implications of these bills, including the collection and publication of industry data to enhance accountability. The committee also addressed concerns about charter school expansions and their oversight, notably through SB605, aimed at regulating charter schools more stringently based on their academic and financial performance. Ultimately, most bills were passed with a majority consensus among committee members, showcasing a collaborative effort to improve legislative processes in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human ServicesAudio only. Apr 3rd, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It limits the ability of foster parents to enroll a child

Summary: The meeting of the Senate committee was marked by the unanimous passage of multiple bills, including SB596, SB1151, and SB1318, which were all recommended for the local and uncontested calendar without any objections. The committee engaged in detailed discussions on SB855, where a committee substitute was presented to clarify court authority related to out-of-network services and establish parameters for foster parent enrollment in health plans. Additionally, the committee discussed SB1233, where changes were made to clarify medical terminologies and regulations pertaining to facilities providing care for life-threatening conditions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services May 20th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Current law requires that the Department of Family evaluates several factors when considering foster
  • The other issue is that foster parents get upset.

  • To the foster care? You're right, to the placement. Yeah, yeah. Thank you.
  • When we remove a child or even when a child has been in foster care, our priority...
  • This would not be passed over for a foster placement.
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around discussions of several key bills, primarily focused on enhancing protective measures and improving the welfare of children under state care. Notably, SB596 was reported favorably for the full House, addressing critical gaps in the reporting of placements of children. Similarly, SB1524 was discussed, presenting a substitute that contained amendments related to confidentiality surrounding firearms in foster homes. The committee also reviewed SB2311, aimed at improving educational planning requirements for residential treatment centers through written agreements with local schools to ensure stable educational environments for children.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Mar 4th, 2025 at 08:03 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • in foster care.
  • So when children leave foster care, they usually...
  • About 9% of children age out of foster care, which means...
  • In those, as we conduct intensive staffings on a youth-by-youth
  • It's a very youth-centered, youth-driven process, and we
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around the presentation of Senate Bill 593, which focuses on reforming licensing requirements for kinship and foster care homes. Significant discussions revolved around the proposed changes to reduce duplicative regulations aimed at helping kinship families qualify for foster care payments. Members emphasized that the reforms would ensure that health and safety standards remain paramount while streamlining processes for providers. Various stakeholders expressed optimism that these changes would eliminate barriers and improve the system for both kinship caregivers and the children they support. Public comment on the new rules is anticipated in May 2025, with the new regulations set to take effect in October 2025. The chair and committee members expressed gratitude towards the agencies involved for their contributions during the review process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • and honestly, to oversee the foster care system.
  • care, foster kids.
  • I represented a foster parent within the last couple of years who DFPS accused of fracturing her foster
  • But because my client was the foster mother who stayed home with the kids, and the foster father worked
  • youth.
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

Finance Feb 3rd, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • These are primarily older youth with high IQ needs.
  • These are primarily older youth with high acute needs.
  • in foster care.
  • As it relates to kids in foster care, how many kids do we have in foster care now?
  • How many kids do we have in foster care now?
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting focused on various topics related to child welfare, particularly emphasizing the importance of kinship placements in the foster care system. Senators Alvarado and Hinojosa engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the benefits of kinship care, highlighting better outcomes for children and the financial implications for the state. They emphasized a need for continued investments in kinship care as a strategy to improve child welfare outcomes, encouraging the legislature to consider this approach moving forward. Additionally, the committee reviewed community-based care programs, which aim to keep children in their communities to promote stability and familial connections.

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