Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB245

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 

Caption

Relating to eligibility of children's advocacy centers for contracts to provide services for children and family members in child abuse and neglect cases.

Impact

The proposed amendments will ensure that children's advocacy centers adhere to a set of stringent requirements, including the implementation of a case tracking system, appropriate forensic interviewing procedures, and culturally competent services. This bill helps strengthen the framework within which these advocacy centers operate, promoting the effective handling of abuse cases and ensuring that services provided to children and their families are both comprehensive and sensitive to their needs. By clarifying eligibility, it also aims to improve the overall quality of service delivery within these centers.

Summary

SB245 focuses on amending the Family Code regarding the eligibility criteria for children's advocacy centers to receive contracts for providing services related to child abuse and neglect cases. This bill aims to clarify the standards and ensure that these centers are equipped and qualified to support children and families in these sensitive situations. The modifications specifically target the operational requirements that these centers must meet to be considered for state contracts, reflecting a strong emphasis on maintaining high standards in the treatment and support of affected families.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB245 is the balance between ensuring high standards for advocacy centers and the accessibility of contracts. Some stakeholders may argue that strict eligibility criteria could inadvertently limit the number of centers able to provide crucial services to families in need. There may be concerns about whether smaller, grassroots organizations can meet these stringent requirements, leading to potential gaps in services for specific communities. As such, advocates for more inclusivity may push back against overly stringent contract regulations, highlighting the need for a balance that maintains standards without limiting access.

Companion Bills

TX HB1100

Identical Relating to eligibility of children's advocacy centers for contracts to provide services for children and family members in child abuse and neglect cases and to investigations of those cases.

Previously Filed As

TX HB211

Relating to the regulation of child-care facilities and registered family homes, including the provision of services to children with disabilities or special needs.

TX SB1930

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

TX HB4541

Relating to the establishment of a pilot program to provide comprehensive whole child care for children with complex medical needs.

TX SB2360

Relating to the establishment of a pilot program to provide comprehensive whole child care for children with complex medical needs.

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.

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 HB2627

Relating to the adjudication and disposition of cases involving delinquent conduct, certain juvenile court proceedings, and planning and funding for services for children in the juvenile justice system.

TX HB16

Relating to the adjudication and disposition of cases involving delinquent conduct, certain juvenile court proceedings, and planning and funding for services for children in the juvenile justice system.

TX HB1972

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

TX HB5085

Relating to a child's eligibility for the Medicaid buy-in program for children or the medically dependent children (MDCP) waiver program.

Similar Bills

TX HB3259

Relating to certain investigation records in child abuse and neglect cases and to information regarding a child available to prospective adoptive parents.

TX HB1100

Relating to eligibility of children's advocacy centers for contracts to provide services for children and family members in child abuse and neglect cases and to investigations of those cases.

LA HB443

Provides relative to confidentiality of records in cases involving certain protected persons

LA HB442

Provides relative to the recording of statements of protected persons outside of the courtroom

CA AB2234

School districts: employees: dismissal or suspension administrative proceedings: testimony of minor witnesses: pupil contact information.

MT HB207

Revise child abuse and neglect reports and investigation laws

AZ HB2436

DCS; investigations; interviews; recording

IN SB0331

Deposition of child victim.