Texas Senate Bill SB2067

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a plan to address the substitute care capacity needs in certain Department of Family and Protective Services regions.

Impact

If passed, this bill would amend the Family Code by mandating the development of specific strategies and goals tailored to the unique substitute care capacity needs of different regions. Notably, it emphasizes the necessity for various types of placements, such as residential treatment facilities for substance use, specialized prenatal and parenting placements, and high-quality care aimed at preventing the victimization of children at risk of sex trafficking. Additionally, it reinforces the need for supervised placements for youth transitioning to independent living, thus addressing the needs of an often vulnerable population.

Summary

SB2067 aims to establish a structured plan to address the substitute care capacity needs within certain regions serviced by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). This legislation recognizes the complexity of the foster care system and seeks to create a framework that involves collaboration among various stakeholders, including foster care providers, faith-based organizations, and child advocates. The bill outlines a data-driven approach that utilizes existing data on foster care availability to inform planning and decision-making processes around appropriate care provisions.

Contention

While SB2067 aims to uplift the foster care framework, it also raises discussions about the sufficiency of current funding and resources allocated to DFPS. Stakeholders may voice concerns regarding whether the newly proposed plans will receive the necessary support for implementation. Furthermore, the bill's focus on specialized placements suggests a recognition of diverse needs within the foster care system, prompting debates around resource distribution and the effectiveness of existing foster care policies. Critics may argue that the legislation could either distract from broader systemic reforms needed within the foster care system or highlight inadequacies in current support structures.