Texas House Bill HB2528

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the contracting authority of the Health and Human Services Commission for the volunteer advocate for children program.

Impact

The implications of HB 2528 extend to enhancing the framework within which child advocacy is conducted in Texas. By consolidating the contracting authority under one statewide entity, the bill seeks to create uniformity in service delivery across local programs. This could lead to improved coordination and effectiveness in how volunteer advocates engage with children needing assistance. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes accountability through measurable objectives, which might improve oversight and outcomes for the children served.

Summary

House Bill 2528 amends the Family Code, specifically addressing the Health and Human Services Commission's authority regarding the volunteer advocate for children program. This legislation mandates that the commission contract with a single statewide organization that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This organization will be responsible for providing training, technical assistance, and evaluation services to local volunteer advocate programs aimed at supporting children who are victims of abuse and neglect. The bill ensures that this organization works with measurable goals that relate to the number of volunteer advocates involved and the number of children served by the program.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at strengthening child advocacy, it may raise concerns regarding the reduction of local control. By having a single statewide organization manage contracts and oversee local programs, there may be apprehensions that this could limit the flexibility of local groups to tailor their services to specific community needs. The focus on measurable outcomes, while generally positive, may also lead to criticism if local advocates feel pressured to meet targets that do not fully reflect the qualitative aspects of their work.