By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 1117
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to housing services provided through the transitional
living services program to certain children in the conservatorship
of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 264.121, Family Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (i) to read as follows:
(i) The department shall ensure that the transition plan of
each youth age 16 and older includes provisions to assist the youth
in managing housing needs after leaving foster care including:
(1) identify the cost of housing in relation to the
youth's sources of income, including any benefits or rental
assistance available to the youth;
(2) identify if one of the housing goals of the youth
is to live with family or friends, that the department has addressed
with the youth:
(A) the length of time the youth expects to stay
in the housing arrangement;
(B) expectations for the youth regarding paying
rent and meeting other household obligations;
(C) the youth's psychological and emotional
needs, as applicable; and
(D) any potential conflicts with other household
members, or any difficulties connected to the type of housing the
youth is seeking, that may arise based on the youth's psychological
and emotional needs;
(3) inform the youth about emergency shelters and
housing resources;
(4) review a common rental application with the youth
and ensure they possess all of the documentation required to obtain
rental housing; and
(5) identify any individuals who are able to serve as
cosigners or references on the youth's applications for housing.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.