Texas House Bill HB1765

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to standards for certain child-care facilities that detain unaccompanied children.

Impact

By introducing these standards, HB1765 explicitly impacts the protocols surrounding the care and treatment of unaccompanied minors in Texas. It reinforces the responsibility of child-care facilities to implement trauma-informed care practices tailored to the unique needs of children who may have experienced severe psychological distress due to their circumstances. This legislative requirement is a significant shift toward prioritizing the mental and emotional health of detainee children and aligning Texas child-care practices with child welfare best practices.

Summary

House Bill 1765 addresses standards for residential child-care facilities that detain unaccompanied children, specifically those operated by or under a contract with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill mandates the establishment of regulations and practices to ensure that children in these facilities have the opportunity to maintain contact with their parents or guardians. This includes a requirement that each child must be able to communicate with their family at least twice a week, alongside provisions for in-person visits if the family member is located within a certain distance from the facility. The intention behind this provision is to uphold the rights of children and promote family unity, even during their detention process.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB1765 may revolve around the balance of state obligations to uphold child welfare standards against the backdrop of federal immigration enforcement policies. Critics might argue that establishing these standards for facilities detaining minors could create complications or conflict with ICE operations, potentially creating legal and logistical challenges. Supporters, however, might contend that ensuring minors' rights and emotional wellbeing should take precedence and that such legislative measures are essential for ethical treatment in detention scenarios. Overall, the bill sets a precedent on the intersection of immigration enforcement and child care in Texas.