By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 53
 
 
 
   
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to minimum standards for juvenile case managers.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  The heading to Title 10, Human Resources Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
  TITLE 10.  JUVENILE BOARDS, JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENTS, [AND]
  FAMILY SERVICES OFFICES, AND OTHER JUVENILE JUSTICE SERVICES
         SECTION 2.  The heading to Subtitle A, Title 10, Human
  Resources Code, is amended to read as follows:
  SUBTITLE A.  JUVENILE PROBATION SERVICES AND OTHER JUVENILE
  JUSTICE SERVICES
         SECTION 3.  Subchapter C, Chapter 141, Human Resources Code,
  is amended by adding Section 141.0422 to read as follows:
         Sec. 141.0422.  MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR JUVENILE CASE
  MANAGERS. (a)  The commission shall adopt reasonable rules for
  juvenile case managers employed under Article 45.056, Code of
  Criminal Procedure, that provide:
               (1)  a code of ethics, and for the enforcement of that
  code;
               (2)  minimum education requirements; and
               (3)  minimum training standards, including
  requirements that each juvenile case manager receives training in:
                     (A)  the role of the juvenile case manager;
                     (B)  case planning and management;
                     (C)  juvenile law;
                     (D)  courtroom proceedings and presentation;
                     (E)  law enforcement proceedings;
                     (F)  local programs and services for juveniles and
  methods by which juveniles may access those programs and services;
  and
                     (G)  detecting and preventing abuse,
  exploitation, and neglect of children.
         (b)  To the extent possible, the commission shall adopt rules
  substantially similar to the rules applicable to juvenile probation
  officers that the commission adopts under Section 141.042.
         SECTION 4.  Not later than December 1, 2009, the Texas
  Juvenile Probation Commission shall adopt the rules required by
  Section 141.0422, Human Resources Code, as added by this Act.
         SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2009.