Texas House Bill HB45

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to creating a mentor program for foster youth.

Impact

The implementation of HB 45 is expected to significantly improve the life skills of foster youth through structured mentorship. By pairing them with mentors, the program intends to foster healthy relationships and support networks for young individuals who often face numerous challenges in their lives. Furthermore, it requires mentors to undergo thorough background checks and commit to a minimum of eight hours of mentoring per month for at least one year, ensuring a level of reliability and dedication among the volunteers.

Summary

House Bill 45 aims to establish a comprehensive mentoring program for foster youth aged 14 and older in the state of Texas. The bill mandates the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to collaborate with community-based organizations to build a one-on-one mentor program. This initiative is designed to enhance the self-esteem and future outlook of foster youth by connecting them with adult volunteers who can provide guidance, support, and share life experiences.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 45 represents a positive step towards supporting foster youth by focusing on mentorship as a means to build resilience and improve life skills. By laying down a structured framework for mentors and providing ongoing training, the bill seeks to create a meaningful impact on the lives of young individuals within the foster care system.

Contention

There were discussions regarding the overall effectiveness of mentorship programs and whether the proposed requirements for mentors may limit the pool of qualified applicants. While many advocates support HB 45 for its potential to provide much-needed guidance to foster youth, concerns have been raised about the resources required for recruitment and training of volunteers. Moreover, the bill's success is contingent on the department's ability to sustain partnerships with community organizations and ensure a steady flow of committed mentors.