Texas Senate Bill SB698

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to certain duties of the Department of Family and Protective Services regarding parental child safety placements.

Impact

The bill strengthens the safeguards in place for children in these programs by mandating that DFPS takes significant measures to verify that all necessary arrangements for the child's welfare are in place prior to closing a case. This includes making sure the child is enrolled in school, has health insurance, and receives any public benefits for which they qualify. By reinforcing these obligations, SB698 seeks to protect children from potential neglect that may arise when oversight is lifted too early.

Summary

SB698 is a legislative proposal that focuses on the responsibilities of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) concerning parental child safety placements. The bill aims to enhance the processes for ensuring children's well-being when they are placed under parental care while the department supervises them. The revisions outlined in the bill stipulate several requirements that DFPS must adhere to before it can close a case where a child remains in a parental child safety placement. This includes evaluating the child's safety, obtaining necessary agreements from parents and caregivers, and ensuring that the child has access to essential resources such as education and healthcare.

Contention

While the bill primarily seeks to enhance child welfare and safety, it could face scrutiny regarding the implications of an increased administrative burden on DFPS. Opponents may argue that these added requirements might slow down the case closure process, leading to unnecessary extended interventions in families' lives. Additionally, the requirements for confirmation of care arrangements and documentation could be viewed as an invasion of privacy by some, raising concerns about the balance between governmental oversight and familial autonomy.

Notable_points

One notable aspect of SB698 is the emphasis on obtaining written agreements from both parents and caregivers. This reflects a recognition of the need for collaboration between families and the state to ensure comprehensive and lasting solutions for child welfare. Additionally, the bill's requirements for documenting various aspects of care and support for the child indicate a move towards greater accountability within foster care and parental placement frameworks.