BILL ANALYSIS
By: Uresti
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Department of Family and Protective Services 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.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
HB 802 requires department personnel 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 department 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.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2005.