Relating to the administration of services provided by the Department of Family and Protective Services, including foster care, child protective, and prevention and early intervention services.
Impact
This bill amends the Family Code to enforce collaboration between DFPS and managed care organizations, aiming to implement an assessment tool for evaluating children's needs shortly after placement. Moreover, the initiative to develop foster care capacity needs plans is designed to better align services with community requirements, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the foster care system. By promoting data-driven solutions to child welfare, HB914 seeks to improve the quality of care and support provided to children in vulnerable situations.
Summary
House Bill 914 focuses on the administration of services provided by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) in Texas, specifically enhancing systems related to foster care, child protective services, and prevention and early intervention services. The bill introduces measures for better tracking of repeated reports of child abuse and neglect, ensuring that data is consistently monitored to identify patterns and improve response strategies. A significant aspect is the requirement to promptly assess children's medical and behavioral health needs once they are removed from their homes, facilitating timely access to critical support services.
Contention
Some areas of contention surrounding HB914 relate to concerns over the feasibility of data tracking and the adequacy of resources available for meeting the proposed healthcare needs assessments. Critics may argue that the bill places additional burdens on DFPS, which is already under pressure to manage increasing caseloads and operational challenges. Balancing the breadth of service delivery with the need for accountability and monitoring effectiveness will require careful implementation and ongoing evaluation to ensure desired outcomes are achieved without overwhelming the existing child welfare infrastructure.
Identical
Relating to the provision of child protective services and other health and human services by certain state agencies or under contract with a state agency, including foster care, child protective, relative and kinship caregiver support, prevention and early intervention health care, and adoption services.
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 establishment of a supply of luggage by the Department of Family and Protective Services for the transport of the personal belongings of a foster child.
Relating to the procedures for the removal of certain children in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services and monetary assistance provided by the Department of Family and Protective Services to certain relative or designated caregivers.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
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.
Relating to the provision of child protective services and other health and human services by certain state agencies or under contract with a state agency, including foster care, child protective, relative and kinship caregiver support, prevention and early intervention health care, and adoption services.
Relating to the administration of services provided by the Department of Family and Protective Services, including foster care, child protective services, and prevention and early intervention services.
Relating to the provision of health and human services by the Department of Family and Protective Services and the Health and Human Services Commission.
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.