79R1913 CBH-D

By:  Goodman                                                      H.B. No. 306



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to creation of a program to provide for timely replacement 
of child protective services caseworkers.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter B, Chapter 40, Human Resources Code, 
is amended by adding Section 40.0322 to read as follows:
	Sec. 40.0322.  CASEWORKER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM.  (a)  In this 
section: 
		(1)  "Caseworker" means a full-time department 
employee who is a child protective services specialist.
		(2)  "Training academy" means a training academy that 
trains caseworkers for the department.
	(b)  To the extent that funding is available, the department 
shall develop a program to provide for the timely replacement of 
caseworkers with trainees hired in anticipation of vacancies.
	(c)  In developing the program, the department shall:                   
		(1)  consider the turnover rate for caseworkers by 
region; and       
		(2)  to the extent that funding is available, maintain 
the number of trainers and other necessary training academy 
positions in each training academy at a level necessary to train new 
caseworkers.
	(d)  Not later than December 31 of each even-numbered year, 
the department shall submit to the lieutenant governor, the speaker 
of the house of representatives, and the presiding officer of each 
house and senate standing committee having jurisdiction over 
children's protective services a report regarding the program 
required by this section.  The report must include an assessment of:
		(1)  the effect of the program on retaining or timely 
replacing caseworkers in each service region;
		(2)  whether there is a continuing need for the 
program;             
		(3)  the amount of funding necessary to fully 
administer the program during the next biennium; and
		(4)  whether additional legislation is necessary to 
address the need for caseworkers throughout this state or in 
particular service regions.
	SECTION 2.  Unless sufficient funds are not available, the 
Department of Family and Protective Services shall develop the 
program required by Section 40.0322, Human Resources Code, as added 
by this Act, not later than December 31, 2005.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.