Texas Senate Bill SB487

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the office of minority statistics and engagement in the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Impact

By mandating the creation of this office, SB487 seeks to streamline efforts to analyze and rectify the disparities that exist within the child welfare system. The collaboration between the department and institutions of higher education will facilitate the identification of causes for the disproportionality in service utilization. This focused approach is expected to lead to data-driven recommendations that can enhance the effectiveness of child protective services for minority populations.

Summary

Senate Bill 487 aims to establish an Office of Minority Statistics and Engagement within the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. This office is intended to address the disproportionality in the use of child protective and welfare services by racial and ethnic minority groups. The bill recognizes the need for targeted statistics and engagement initiatives to improve outcomes for these communities, which have historically faced disparities in accessing and receiving these essential services.

Contention

While SB487 aims to improve service delivery to minority groups, potential points of contention may arise concerning the allocation of resources for this new office amidst existing challenges within the child welfare infrastructure. Questions about the efficacy of additional bureaucracy in yielding tangible improvements to service outcomes for minority children could spark debate among stakeholders. Additionally, ensuring that community voices are represented in the development of these recommendations will be paramount to the bill's success.