BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 802
79R2608 KSD-D By: Uresti (Nelson)
AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) caseworkers are responsible for filling out large amounts of paperwork in conjunction with the investigation of reports of child abuse or neglect that have been assigned the highest priority. Some paperwork that caseworkers are responsible for completing could be completed by family members of the child or children whom the report concerns. Enlisting the assistance of family members in completing documentation can improve caseworker efficiency and reduce the time necessary to complete the documentation portion of an investigation.
H.B. 802 requires DFPS employees who respond to reports of abuse or neglect to determine which forms or documentation associated with a highest priority investigation can be completed by members of the family of the child who is the subject of the report. The DFPS employee is required to request the assistance of family members in completing that documentation, but the department employee remains responsible for ensuring that the documentation is completed properly.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
[While the statutory reference in this bill is the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, the following amendment affects the Department of Family and Protective Services, as the successor agency to the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services.]
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 261, Family Code, by adding Section 261.3012, as follows:
Sec. 261.3012. COMPLETION OF PAPERWORK. Requires an employee of the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (department) who responds to a report that is assigned the highest priority in accordance with department rules adopted under Section 261.301(d) (Investigation of Report) to identify, to the extent reasonable under the circumstances, forms and other paperwork that can be completed by members of the family of the child who is the subject of the report. Requires the department employee to request the assistance of the child's family members in completing that documentation but provides that the employee remains responsible for ensuring that the documentation is completed in an appropriate manner.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2005.