By: Zwiener, Frank, Garcia H.B. No. 4233

(Senate Sponsor - Zaffirini)

(In the Senate - Received from the House May 5, 2023; May 9, 2023, read first time and referred to Committee on Health & Human Services; May 21, 2023, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 8, Nays 1; May 21, 2023, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to training regarding runaway prevention for certain individuals who provide care for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 264.015, Family Code, is amended by adding Subsections (d) and (e) to read as follows:

(d) Each foster parent, prospective adoptive parent, and relative or other designated caregiver who provide care for children and youth in the conservatorship of the department who are 10 years of age or older shall complete a training program on:

(1) runaway prevention measures; and

(2) proper procedures in the event a child or youth runs away from the provider.

(e) The training under Subsection (d) may be:

(1) offered to providers who provide care for children in the conservatorship of the department who are younger than 10 years of age who have a history of running away;

(2) included as part of existing licensing training provided by the department or contracted residential child-care providers; and

(3) offered in lieu of required training that is not relevant based on the age of the children for whom the person will be providing care.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.

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