Bill: HB 2655, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

House Human Services

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Neutral

Author(s)

James Frank

Co-Author(s)

Ryan Guillen

Bill Caption

Relating to requiring the Department of Family and Protective Services to study the effectiveness of the relative and other designated caregiver placement program.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State or units of local government is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

The bill would amend Chapter 264 of the Family Code to require the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to study the effectiveness of the relative and other designated caregiver placement program, also known as kinship care, created by Subchapter I and make recommendations to the legislature for improving the program.

The bill would require the recommended improvements to be designed to:

The recommendations would be allowed to include increases in the amount of assistance and the identification of automated or other processes designed to speed the payment of assistance.

DFPS would be required to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by January 1, 2017.

The second chamber sponsor is Senator Estes.

Vote Recommendation Notes

The goals of the foster care system should always be to minimize the number of placements of children, to place them with relatives, and to secure a permanent placement for the child so that the state ceases to be involved. To the extent that this study would help to improve those aspects of the foster care system in Texas, we are supportive. So long as the government is going to assume conservatorship of a child there exists a responsibility to diligently provide for the child's permanent placement (with family members if possible) in a safe and loving environment. This is consistent with the role of a limited government. 

The second chamber sponsor is Sen. Estes. 


Source URL (retrieved on 03/29/2024 01:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/hb2655?print_view=true