88R5468 MPF-F
By: Miles S.B. No. 1384
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of the child first grant program.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 265, Family Code, is amended by adding
Subchapter E to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER E. CHILD FIRST GRANT PROGRAM
Sec. 265.201. OPERATION OF CHILD FIRST GRANT PROGRAM. (a)
The department shall operate a child first grant program through
which the department will award grants to implement, expand, and
maintain child first programs in the state.
(b) To be considered for a grant under this subchapter, an
applicant must, at a minimum:
(1) be a nonprofit organization that is exempt from
federal income taxation under Section 501(a), Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, by being listed as an exempt entity under Section 501(c)(3)
of that code;
(2) demonstrate a commitment to a family-centered,
system of care approach to providing comprehensive, coordinated
services to children and families;
(3) have experience providing successful early
childhood mental health or prevention services for low-income,
high-risk families; and
(4) have experience in providing home-based services
to children and families.
Sec. 265.202. CHILD FIRST PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS. A child
first program awarded a grant under this subchapter must:
(1) be based on the program model developed by the
Child First National Service Office; and
(2) require that a team consisting of a master's level
licensed mental health or developmental clinician and a bachelor's
level care coordinator regularly visit the homes of families to:
(A) improve child and parent mental health;
(B) promote school readiness;
(C) decrease child abuse and neglect; and
(D) improve the immediate and long-term health
and well-being of families.
Sec. 265.203. CHILD FIRST PROGRAM STANDARDS. The
commissioner, with the assistance of the Child First National
Service Office, shall adopt standards for programs awarded grants
under this subchapter.
Sec. 265.204. GRANT PROGRAM FUNDING. The department may
solicit, contract for, receive, accept, or administer gifts,
grants, and donations of money or property from any source for
purposes of this subchapter.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.