Texas House Bill HB2674

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to making an appropriation to the Health and Human Services Commission for children's advocacy centers and court-appointed special advocate programs.

Impact

The bill's passage would significantly boost the resources available to local advocacy centers, enabling them to better serve children affected by abuse and neglect. By providing targeted financial support, the measure aims to enhance the effectiveness of local programs that protect vulnerable minors. This could lead to improved training and support for volunteers who work as court-appointed advocates, thereby creating a more robust system for child welfare in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 2674 proposes appropriating $5,360,000 to the Health and Human Services Commission for the fiscal biennium ending August 31, 2021. The funds are designated for improving support systems for children's advocacy centers and volunteer advocate programs, including those for court-appointed special advocates. The bill outlines the establishment of contracts with statewide organizations that specialize in providing training, technical assistance, and financial management necessary for enhancing local children's advocacy programs.

Contention

There may be varying perspectives regarding the adequacy of the appropriation and the effectiveness of state versus local management of child advocacy programs. Some stakeholders might argue that while the funding is necessary, it may not be sufficient to address all underlying issues related to child welfare. There could also be debates surrounding the specific organizations chosen for the contracts and their proven track records in successfully implementing such programs.