89R13656 RAL-D
By: Allen H.B. No. 3853
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to trauma-informed care training for foster parents.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 264.015, Family Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:
(f) Each foster parent who provides care for children and
youth in the conservatorship of the department shall complete a
training program regarding trauma-informed care and the effect of
trauma on children and youth in the conservatorship of the
department. The training must include information regarding:
(1) the symptoms of trauma and the impact trauma has on
a child or youth, including the effect of trauma on development,
emotions, memories, behavior, and decision-making;
(2) attachment and the effect a lack of attachment may
have on a child or youth;
(3) the role that trauma-informed care and services
can have in a child's or youth's ability to build connections, feel
safe, and regulate emotions to assist the child or youth with
building resiliency and overcoming the effects of trauma and
adverse childhood experiences;
(4) the importance of screening children and youth for
trauma and the risk of mislabeling and inappropriate treatment of
children and youth without proper screening, including the risks
and benefits associated with the use of psychotropic medication;
(5) the potential for re-traumatization of children
and youth in the conservatorship of the department; and
(6) the availability of:
(A) research-supported, trauma-informed,
non-pharmacological interventions; and
(B) trauma-informed advocacy to increase access
by a child or youth in the conservatorship of the department to:
(i) trauma-informed care; and
(ii) trauma-informed mental and behavioral
health services.
SECTION 2. (a) As soon as practicable after the effective
date of this Act, the Department of Family and Protective Services
shall adopt the rules necessary to implement Section 264.015(f),
Family Code, as added by this Act.
(b) The Department of Family and Protective Services shall
ensure that a foster parent required to complete the training under
Section 264.015(f), Family Code, as added by this Act, completes
the training not later than September 1, 2027.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.