BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 1332

81R7737 MCK-F                                                                                                              By: Nelson

Health & Human Services

3/20/2009

As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Placing a foster child in a prior placement is a best practice and an additional consideration for the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) when a child reenters the foster care system. S.B. 1332 highlights the importance of continuity for a child who reenters the foster care system after a family reunification fails.

As proposed, S.B. 1332 requires DFPS to actively consider placing a child into a previous foster placement if the child reenters the foster system. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 262.114, Family Code, by adding Subsection (c), as follows:

(c)  Requires the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to consider placing a child who has previously been in the managing conservatorship of DFPS with a foster parent with whom the child previously resided if DFPS determines that placement of the child with a relative or designated caregiver is not in the child's best interest, and the placement is available and in the child's best interest.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2009.