Texas Senate Bill SB781

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the regulation of child-care facilities.

Impact

The enactment of SB781 would bring significant changes to state laws concerning the licensing and operation of child-care facilities, particularly those caring for children with emotional disorders. With an emphasis on trauma-informed practices, the legislation directs officials to monitor the quality of care delivered and adjust regulatory practices to remain compliant with both state and federal standards. Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Family and Protective Services, ensuring that operational plans include community engagement and educational strategies tailored to meet the needs of children in care.

Summary

SB781 aims to reform the regulation of child-care facilities and enhance safety protocols within these institutions. The bill introduces measures to develop trauma-informed protocols for reducing the incidents where children under state conservatorship run away from residential treatment centers. It also mandates that general residential operations providing care for a certain number of children must submit a proposed operational plan, which is subject to review and approval by the relevant health and human services department. Importantly, this bill aligns with federal standards set forth in the Family First Prevention Services Act, focusing on quality and efficacy in child placement and care services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB781 appears to be largely supportive among legislators, reflecting a consensus on the necessity of improving care for vulnerable children. The bill passed through both the Senate and the House with substantial majorities, indicating a strong legislative backing. However, discussions may have included concerns about the feasibility of implementing the required protocols effectively across diverse facilities, as well as the potential financial implications for state agencies tasked with enforcement and monitoring.

Contention

While SB781 moves towards better regulations for child-care facilities, some points of contention may arise around the implementation of strict trauma-informed care protocols and their adequacy in addressing various operational issues within these facilities. Questions regarding funding for the required changes and the capacity of existing facilities to meet new operational requirements may also surface, especially among stakeholders managing smaller or under-resourced facilities. The balance between enforcing compliance and providing sufficient support to institutions in need will likely be a focal point in future discussions.