Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB333

Caption

Relating to the appointment of an attorney ad litem for a child in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Impact

The enactment of SB333 could significantly influence state laws concerning child welfare by establishing a clearer framework for legal representation in conservatorship cases. By allowing the continuation of the appointment of the attorney ad litem as long as needed, the bill recognizes the complexities of children's cases and aims to provide a safety net to ensure that their best interests are continuously represented. This can lead to more effective legal advocacy on behalf of children, especially during critical transitional phases in their lives.

Summary

Senate Bill 333 aims to amend the Family Code regarding the appointment and continuation of attorneys ad litem for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill specifies that an attorney ad litem may continue to represent a child for as long as they remain under the conservatorship of the DFPS, streamlining the legal representation process for children involved in these proceedings. Its intent is to ensure that children have consistent and dedicated legal support throughout their time in state care, fostering better outcomes in their family-related legal matters.

Contention

While the bill generally received support, discussions surrounding it may highlight contention regarding the balance between state oversight and parental rights. Some stakeholders may express concerns over the extent of state involvement in family matters and wish to ensure that parental rights are not unduly compromised in favor of regulatory practices. This tension reflects broader debates about child welfare practices and the rights of parents versus the rights of children under state care, positioning SB333 as an important case within these discussions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2794

Relating to the appointment of a guardian ad litem in certain suits filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX SB1930

Relating to policies and procedures regarding children placed by the Department of Family and Protective Services in a residential treatment center or qualified residential treatment program.

TX SB2109

Relating to the appointment of a guardian ad litem in certain suits filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB1499

Relating to the duties of court-appointed guardians ad litem, attorneys ad litem, and amicus attorneys in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.

TX SB1853

Relating to certain procedures in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship for a child placed in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services and the provision of family preservation services and community-based foster care.