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.