Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Neutral |
This legislation adds a section to Chapter 266 of the Family Code regarding medical care and educational services for children in foster care.
The bill requires children who have entered the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to receive a comprehensive assessment no later than the 45th day after entering the DFPS conservatorship. The assessment must include a screening for trauma and interviews with individuals who have knowledge of the child's needs. DFPS will be responsible for developing the necessary guidelines to implement the assessment report.
The best way for children to be raised is usually by their own parents, or by relatives who step in to take the responsibility if the parents are unwilling or unable. Under extreme circumstances it becomes necessary for the state to intervene when the parents are unwilling, unable, or adjudicated as unfit to raise their own children and no family members are able to assume responsibility for them. When the state does assume the responsibility to care for children, it has an obligation to ensure that their needs are identified and addressed in a timely manner and that they can have as normal a childhood as possible under the circumstances. Since the prescribed assessment fits within our view of a legitimate role of government, we support SB 125.