Texas Senate Bill SB1376

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the care and protection of foster children committed to or released under supervision by the Texas Youth Commission.

Impact

The bill will revise existing frameworks regarding the medical, psychological, and educational needs of foster children placed under the Texas Youth Commission's jurisdiction. By mandating regular evaluations and progress reports about the children's welfare, the bill aims to ensure these children receive necessary treatments and services. Changes also emphasize the importance of leveraging telecommunications technology during court hearings to involve children and experts without physical attendance, improving accessibility and responsiveness in ongoing proceedings.

Summary

SB1376 seeks to enhance the care and protection of foster children who are either committed to or released under supervision of the Texas Youth Commission. This bill amends several sections of the Family Code to ensure better communication among various courts and entities that manage the welfare of these children. The amendments include provisions allowing juvenile courts to communicate with each other when a child's case is involved in multiple jurisdictions, thereby facilitating a more cohesive approach to the child's care.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to improve the systematic handling of foster care placements, there are concerns about the implementation of such systemic changes. Opponents may argue that the increased bureaucratic coordination required could lead to delays in services or exacerbate existing challenges within the Texas Youth Commission. Furthermore, ensuring that children's voices are prioritized in legal procedures and that their rights are respected during these processes remains vital to advocacy groups, who may push back against any perceived overreach of administrative control.