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Senate Bill 642 |
Senate Author: West et al. |
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Effective: 6-14-21 |
House Sponsor: Hinojosa |
Senate Bill 642 amends the Family Code to authorize a local mental or behavioral health authority to refer a child directly to the relinquishment avoidance program without first contacting the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill prohibits the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) from requiring DFPS to conduct a child abuse or neglect investigation before allowing a child to participate in the program unless there is an allegation of abuse or neglect of the child. The bill requires DFPS and HHSC to jointly adopt certain guidance and protocols for the program, including emergency eligibility procedures for children at immediate risk of relinquishment.