Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1789

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the stability of placements for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Impact

This legislation will significantly alter the existing protocols relating to child placements within Texas's child welfare system. It mandates the collection of systematic data regarding placement changes, including reasons for changes and supporting details about the child’s circumstances. This data will be reported monthly to DFPS officials and aggregated for public annual reports. Such measures are expected to foster increased oversight and accountability within the department, creating a system that is more responsive to the needs of children in care.

Summary

SB1789 addresses the need for improved stability in the placements of children under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) in Texas. The bill mandates the establishment of a placement stability conference for each child who has experienced two failed placements. The intention is to evaluate the child's situation promptly and determine the best potential for stability and permanency in placement. The conference is required to occur within ten days of the notice of a second failed placement, emphasizing quick action to enhance the child's welfare.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB1789 appears largely positive among child welfare advocates and professionals who believe the bill is a necessary step towards ensuring the stability of children in state custody. Supporters argue that stability in placements leads to better outcomes for children, allowing for more successful transitions into permanent homes. However, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of resources and support within DFPS to conduct these mandatory conferences effectively, as well as the potential for any logistical challenges arising from additional processes.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the implementation and operationalization of mandatory placement stability conferences. While many support the idea behind the bill, critics could argue that enforcing these new requirements without adequate funding or staff could overburden the already strained child welfare system. Consequently, the ability of the DFPS to effectively execute the provisions of this bill may become a focal point of ongoing discussions, emphasizing the necessity for additional resources and training to ensure that the goals of the bill are met.

Companion Bills

TX HB3399

Identical Relating to the stability of placements for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Previously Filed As

TX HB30

Relating to the notice provided to certain persons concerning children in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB4157

Relating to the notification of certain persons concerning certain events related to children in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX SB1864

Relating to certain placements for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB3584

Relating to certain placements for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX SB2548

Relating to the procedures for the removal of certain children in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB4953

Relating to the procedures for the removal of certain children in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX SB2562

Relating to the procedures for the removal of certain children in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX SB1853

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.

TX HB730

Relating to policies and procedures regarding certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship, investigations by the Department of Family and Protective Services, and parental child safety placements.

TX HB2541

Relating to policies and procedures regarding children placed by the Department of Family and Protective Services in a residential treatment center or program.

Similar Bills

CA AB2247

Foster youth: case plan: placement changes.

CA SB1042

Health facilities and clinics: clinical placements: nursing.

CA AB1061

Foster care.

AR HB1811

To Require The Department Of Human Services To File A Motion When It Recommends A Nonemergency Change In A Child's Placement From One Foster Home To Another And For A Hearing To Be Held Before The Change In Placement Occurs.

CA AB2776

Residential care facilities: placement of children.

CA AB531

Foster youth: housing.

TX HB3399

Relating to the stability of placements for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

CO HB1097

Placement Transition Plans for Children