Texas House Bill HB1854

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/11/11
• Introduced: 2/25/11
• Voted on by House: 4/25/11
• Refer: 3/7/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/13/11
• Report Pass: 4/5/11
• Report Pass: 4/7/11
• Engrossed: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/29/11
• Report Pass: 5/13/11

Caption

Relating to certain arrangements to provide care for a child during an investigation of abuse or neglect.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will amend Chapter 264 of the Family Code and introduce a subchapter dedicated to parental child safety placements. This change is significant as it formalizes the process by which parents can place their children in the temporary care of qualified caregivers during abuse investigations or while receiving services from the department. The establishment of a parental child safety placement agreement is critical as it outlines the responsibilities of both the caregiver and the parents, establishes guidelines for access to the child, and specifies the department's duties throughout the process.

Summary

House Bill 1854 establishes new provisions to facilitate parental child safety placements during investigations into alleged abuse or neglect. The bill introduces the framework for temporary out-of-home placements of children with caregivers who are not their parents or guardians, provided these placements are made with the approval of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. It aims to ensure that children can remain in safe environments while their situations are investigated, thus promoting their welfare and security during potentially distressing circumstances.

Contention

The bill may face scrutiny concerning the qualifications and evaluations of caregivers as well as the potential implications for parental rights. Critics might argue that the criteria for determining suitable caregivers need to be robust enough to protect the children involved, while proponents will likely highlight the importance of retaining family connections during investigations. Furthermore, ensuring that such placements are supportive rather than punitive will be a notable point of discussion as the bill proceeds through the legislative process.