Texas Senate Bill SB352

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of this bill has significant implications for family law in Texas. It emphasizes the importance of preserving parental rights and maintaining family bonds during challenging circumstances. The requirement for a temporary visitation schedule ensures that parents remain engaged in their children's lives, providing an avenue for potential reunification. Moreover, the bill establishes a clearer framework for visitation plans, as it requires the DFPS to work collaboratively with parents to develop these plans within 30 days. Such a framework might lead to faster resolutions in custody cases, benefiting the emotional well-being of the children involved.

Summary

SB352 focuses on enhancing the visitation rights of parents whose children are placed in temporary managing conservatorship by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill mandates that parents entitled to visitation must have the opportunity to see their children not later than three days after the DFPS takes conservatorship, unless there are specific reasons preventing such visitation, like the child's best interests or conflicting court orders. This establishes a more structured and proactive approach to facilitate family connections during times of crisis.

Contention

Notably, while the bill advocates for increased parental involvement, there may be concerns regarding its practical application. Critics might argue that while the intent is noble, the execution could be challenging due to resource constraints within the DFPS, particularly regarding the supervision of visitations. Additionally, there might be apprehensions regarding cases where visitation may not align with the child's safety. Balancing the need for family connections with child safety considerations is a recurring theme in discussions surrounding this bill, illustrating the complexities of child welfare policies.