Texas House Bill HB696

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 12/21/16

Caption

Relating to information included in reports on caseloads for child protective services caseworkers.

Impact

The modifications proposed in HB 696 are intended to improve the management and transparency of the child welfare system by providing more detailed insights into CPS operations. By specifying the information that must be reported, the bill could lead to better resource allocation and improved outcomes for children in the system. The focus on caseworker experience and required interventions may also highlight the varying complexities of different cases, ensuring that caseworkers are adequately supported in their roles. This legislative change could enhance the overall accountability of child protective services in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 696 aims to amend the Human Resources Code in Texas, specifically focusing on the reporting requirements regarding the caseloads of child protective services (CPS) caseworkers. The bill establishes new standards for measuring and reporting information relevant to cases managed by CPS. It requires a more comprehensive data collection that includes details such as the number of children involved, types of placements, total placements, required levels of care, and the level of intervention necessary for each case. This is designed to ensure that child welfare agencies have a clearer understanding of their workloads and the needs of the children they serve.

Contention

While the bill appears to have broad support for its goals of improving reporting and outcomes within child protective services, the implementation of these new standards could raise concerns related to agency workloads and data privacy. Stakeholders may debate the feasibility of accurately tracking and reporting such extensive information, as well as the potential ramifications for caseworkers who may be held to stricter performance measures. Ensuring that the data collection does not interfere with caseworkers’ primary function of family engagement is crucial in the discussions surrounding this legislation.