Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HR1230

Caption

Congratulating the City of Garland on earning the LIVE UNITED Award for Public Services from the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.

Impact

The implementation of HR1230 would directly impact state laws related to child welfare and family services. It would amend existing laws to allocate additional resources for preventive measures, which advocates argue will lead to better outcomes for children and families. The emphasis on family reunification is a departure from the current model, which sometimes prioritizes permanency over family engagement. As such, the legislation could reshape the way child protective services interact with families, shifting from a punitive approach to one that seeks to preserve family units whenever possible.

Summary

HR1230, also known as the Child Welfare Improvement Act, aims to reform the state's foster care and family services system by increasing funding for child welfare programs and focusing on preventive services. The bill proposes significant changes to the processes of family services, prioritizing family reunification and support over termination of parental rights in cases where it is safe and feasible. The increased funding is intended to enhance the quality of care provided to children in foster care, support families at risk of separation, and reduce the number of children entering the system unnecessarily.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HR1230 has been largely supportive among children's rights advocates and social service organizations. Proponents believe that the focus on preventive services and family preservation will lead to better long-term outcomes for children and reduce the trauma associated with foster care placement. However, some skepticism exists regarding the adequacy of the proposed funding and how effectively it will be administered.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HR1230 include concerns from some lawmakers about the potential increase in costs associated with the expanded family services and the efficacy of the proposed measures. Critics worry that without sufficient oversight and clear metrics for success, the bill could lead to inefficiencies or misallocation of resources. Additionally, there is debate about the balance between parental rights and the immediate needs of children, which will be crucial for successful implementation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HR1170

Congratulating McAllen ISD on receiving the Golden Apple Award from United Way of South Texas.

TX HR152

Congratulating Bryan Bradford on his retirement as the city manager of Garland.

TX HR1757

Congratulating Bryan Bradford on his retirement as the city manager of Garland.

TX HR2202

Commending the Valle family for its contributions to the city of Garland.

TX HR958

Congratulating Carrie Hoffpauir on being awarded the KENS 5 EXCEL Award for Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD.

TX HR2415

Congratulating Oscar Rico on his graduation from North Garland High School in 2023.

TX HR940

Congratulating Larry Zacharias on his retirement as chief of The University of Texas at Dallas Police Department.

TX HR629

Congratulating the Central Fort Bend Chamber on receiving five-star accreditation from the United States Chamber of Commerce.

TX HR244

Congratulating St. Luke "Community" United Methodist Church in Dallas on its 90th anniversary.

TX HR1125

Congratulating Cece Cox and Shelly Skeen of Dallas on their marriage.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.