79R1577 KLA-D

By:  McClendon                                                    H.B. No. 287



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the establishment of a pilot program to provide local 
oversight of child protective services.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 40, Human Resources Code, 
is amended by adding Section 40.072 to read as follows:
	Sec. 40.072.  CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES LOCAL OVERSIGHT 
COUNCIL PILOT PROGRAM.  (a)  The department shall develop and 
implement a pilot program to create a child protective services 
local oversight council in Bexar County.
	(b)  The department shall provide for the appointment of 
council members so that the council is an effective 
multidisciplinary team.  The council must include:
		(1)  the director of the child protective services 
region that includes Bexar County;
		(2)  local judges;                                                     
		(3)  representatives of local law enforcement and human 
services agencies;
		(4)  community leaders;  and                                           
		(5)  child protective services division staff members.                 
	(c)  The council shall:                                                 
		(1)  oversee local child protective services matters, 
including:     
			(A)  local fiscal and personnel decisions;                            
			(B)  case management services;  and                                   
			(C)  community relations development;                                 
		(2)  recommend to the director of the child protective 
services region policies designed to:
			(A)  address local concerns regarding child abuse 
and neglect;  and 
			(B)  provide more efficient and effective service 
delivery in Bexar County;  and
		(3)  oversee the implementation of policies 
recommended by the council under Subdivision (2).
	(d)  Not later than January 1, 2007, the department shall 
submit to the legislature a report concerning the effectiveness of 
the pilot program in reducing the incidence of child abuse and 
neglect in Bexar County.
	(e)  This section expires and the council is abolished 
September 1, 2007.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.