Relating to the appointment of an attorney general liaison for each regional office of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Impact
The establishment of liaisons is expected to streamline processes related to child welfare, specifically in locating absent parents of children under the care of DFPS. By having direct access to the attorney general's child support database, the liaisons will provide vital information that can assist the regional offices in their efforts to locate parents, which is crucial for reunification efforts and ensuring the children's welfare. This legislative change is positioned to strengthen the overall framework of child protective services in Texas.
Summary
House Bill 705 focuses on enhancing the communication and coordination between the Attorney General's office and regional offices of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) in Texas that provide child protective services. The bill mandates that an attorney general liaison be appointed for each regional office, ensuring direct lines of communication and assistance for the department. This liaison will act as a point of contact, helping to facilitate more effective operations within child protective services and ultimately aiming to improve outcomes for children in the agency’s conservatorship.
Contention
While the bill aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of child protective services, some may raise concerns regarding the resource allocation for this initiative. The introduction of liaison positions might necessitate funding and staffing strategies that could impact other areas within the DFPS. Additionally, ensuring that the appointed liaisons are adequately trained and aligned with the department's mission and objectives will be key to mitigating potential challenges in implementation.
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.
Relating to the definition of child neglect and to the appointment of the Department of Family and Protective Services and a child's parent or legal guardian as joint managing conservators of the child.
Relating to the appointment of the Department of Family and Protective Services and a child's parent or legal guardian as joint managing conservators for the child.
Relating to the Department of Family and Protective Services' annual report of key performance measures and data elements for child protection; authorizing a penalty.
Relating to the Department of Family and Protective Services' annual report of key performance measures and data elements for child protection; authorizing a penalty.