Texas House Bill HB3390

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to caregivers for certain children, including the identification of caregivers for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services and an exception from licensing requirements for certain caretakers.

Impact

The legislation modifies existing laws under the Family Code to promote a focus on nurturing relationships and backgrounds of potential caregivers. By allowing children's voices to factor into their own caregiving situations, the bill could significantly alter the landscape of child welfare. Furthermore, it introduces exceptions from certain licensing requirements for designated caregivers, potentially expanding the pool of individuals who can care for children outside traditional foster care frameworks. This could lead to more personalized and community-centric placements, aligning with best practices in child development theory.

Summary

House Bill 3390 focuses on caregiving structures for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). It aims to facilitate the identification of potential relative or designated caregivers for children who are in the legal custody of the state. One of the primary objectives is to allow the courts to solicit input from children themselves regarding who could serve as suitable caregivers, thus encouraging community involvement in child placement decisions. The bill makes provisions to streamline processes that lead to quicker placements with family or trusted adults, thereby minimizing the need for institutional care settings for children whenever possible.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3390 appears largely positive, with significant support for its intent to enhance the welfare of children by involving their families and communities more directly in caregiving roles. Advocates for child welfare and family integrity have praised the bill for its focus on preserving familial ties and reducing reliance on formal institutions. However, there is also a notion of caution among some stakeholders who express concern over the regulatory changes that might allow non-licensed caregivers to take on significant responsibilities without sufficient oversight, which could lead to unknown risks for vulnerable children.

Contention

Points of contention include the balance between expanding caregiver eligibility and ensuring child safety. While many argue that the inclusion of a wider range of caregivers could meet children's needs more effectively, critics voice worries about the adequacy of the vetting processes for informal caregivers. The bill raises foundational questions about how to protect children while simultaneously promoting their best interests in a family-oriented environment. There is an ongoing debate on appropriately managing the risks associated with less regulated caregiving environments compared to traditional licensing and oversight.