Texas House Bill HB4065

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/8/23
• Out of House Committee: 4/11/23
• Voted on by House: 4/18/23

Caption

Relating to required reporting by the Department of Family and Protective Services regarding youth in the managing conservatorship of the department who attempt suicide.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4065 will require DFPS to accurately track and report the number of suicide attempts, alongside other vital statistics related to child welfare and safety. This requirement is expected to foster greater transparency within the department and could lead to more informed policymaking concerning mental health interventions for youth in care. The bill's implementation will also necessitate improvements in data collection and reporting processes, ultimately aiming to address the alarming rates of suicidality identified in at-risk youth populations.

Summary

House Bill 4065 mandates reporting by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) regarding suicide attempts among youth in the department's conservatorship. This legislation arises from concerns highlighted in a 2022 report on suicide prevention in Texas, which indicated that foster care youth experience higher rates of suicidality compared to their peers. The bill aims to improve the monitoring of such incidents to enhance support services and response strategies for vulnerable populations within the state's child welfare system.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 4065 is predominantly supportive, with advocacy from mental health organizations and child welfare proponents who emphasize the need for more robust tracking of suicide attempts to guide effective prevention efforts. Testimonies heard during committee discussions underscored the importance of understanding the nuances of mental health among foster youth. Many legislators expressed their commitment to tackling mental health issues and supporting protective measures for the children under state care.

Contention

While the bill received unanimous support in the House during voting, some concerns were raised about the adequacy of resources that would be required to implement the proposed reporting measures effectively. Critics of similar measures in the past caution that without proper funding and support structures, the policy may not achieve its intended outcomes. Nonetheless, the clear consensus in favor of improved tracking indicates a legislative commitment to addressing the mental health crisis among youth in the conservatorship of the state.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Family Code

• Chapter 264. Child Welfare Services
  • Section: 017
  • Section: 018
  • Section: 017
  • Section: 018