Relating to Department of Family and Protective Services caseworkers and other employees.
Impact
In addition to increasing the number of caseworkers, HB4159 requires a study to be conducted on recruitment and retention strategies for caseworkers, exploring factors that contribute to high turnover rates such as salary, job stress, and the intensity of training. This focus underscores the importance of not only hiring new staff but also retaining experienced employees, which is critical for maintaining continuity of care for vulnerable populations. The bill also mandates salary increases and supplemental pay for caseworkers and supervisory roles within the DFPS, recognizing the demanding nature of these positions.
Summary
House Bill 4159 addresses the urgent need for improvements within the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) in Texas by mandating an increase in the number of caseworkers assigned to child and adult protective services. The bill aims to establish more manageable caseloads for caseworkers, ensuring they can provide adequate support and oversight for children and adults under the department's care. Set forth in the bill is a specific target that the average caseload should be reduced to 80% of what it was on January 1, 2009. Additionally, the bill stipulates that each child in conservatorship must be visited by their caseworker at least once a month.
Contention
While the bill seeks to strengthen the child welfare system in Texas, it is likely to generate discussions around funding and resource allocation. The requirement to improve salaries and hire additional staff may strain the state budget, leading to debates on prioritizing funding for the DFPS over other state services. Moreover, differing opinions may arise about the effectiveness of simply increasing salaries and numbers versus implementing deeper systemic changes to improve the overall functioning of the protective services system.
Relating to trauma-informed care for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services and trauma-informed care training for certain department employees.
Relating to eligibility for custodial officer service in the Employees Retirement System of Texas by certain juvenile correctional officers and caseworkers employed by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Relating to employee caseload limit goals for child and adult protective services and child-care licensing services and call processing goals for certain of those 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.