Texas House Bill HB807

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 1/21/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/21/11
• Voted on by House: 5/6/11
• Refer: 2/23/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/20/11
• Report Pass: 4/19/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/25/11
• Engrossed: 5/6/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/9/11
• Report Pass: 5/20/11
• Enrolled: 5/26/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the notice provided to a foster parent before a change in a child's foster care placement.

Impact

This legislation is relevant to the state's foster care system and alters the operational procedures surrounding child placement changes. By mandating a notification period, the bill seeks to empower foster parents with more information and involvement in the care of the children they are fostering. This change is aimed at improving the continuity and stability of care, which could positively impact the emotional well-being of children in transitional phases of foster care.

Summary

House Bill 807 aims to amend the Family Code concerning the notice requirements for foster parents prior to a child's placement change. The bill establishes that the Department of Family and Protective Services must provide written notice to both the residential child-care facility and any child-placing agency involved with the child at least 48 hours before a change in the child's placement occurs. This requirement is intended to ensure that foster parents are duly informed and can prepare for the transition, thereby promoting a smoother adjustment for the child involved.

Contention

While the bill seems straightforward in its intent to notify foster parents, there may be areas of contention regarding how effectively the state can enforce the notification requirement, particularly in emergency situations. Critics might argue that the bill does not account for all scenarios in which immediate changes might be necessary, potentially leaving loopholes that could affect the timely placement of children when urgent action is required. Nonetheless, the legislation has the aim of creating more structured communication between the state and foster parents.