H.B. No. 2655
AN ACT
relating to requiring the Department of Family and Protective
Services to study the effectiveness of the relative and other
designated caregiver placement program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter I, Chapter 264, Family Code, is
amended by adding Section 264.761 to read as follows:
Sec. 264.761. STUDY OF PROGRAM. (a) The department shall
study the effectiveness of the relative and other designated
caregiver placement program created by this subchapter and make
recommendations to the legislature for improving the program. The
recommended improvements must be designed to minimize the number of
placements for each child, maximize efficiency in the distribution
of any monetary or other assistance for which caregivers qualify,
facilitate a safe and permanent exit from the managing
conservatorship of the department in as timely a fashion as
possible, and assist caregivers in obtaining the verification
necessary to qualify for foster care maintenance reimbursement.
The recommendations may include increases in the amount of
assistance and the identification of automated or other processes
designed to speed the payment of assistance.
(b) The department shall report its findings and
recommendations to the legislature not later than January 1, 2017.
(c) This section expires September 1, 2017.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 2655 was passed by the House on May 5,
2015, by the following vote: Yeas 145, Nays 0, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 2655 was passed by the Senate on May
26, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor