By: West S.B. No. 125

(In the Senate - Filed November 10, 2014; January 27, 2015, read first time and referred to Committee on Health and Human Services; March 31, 2015, reported adversely, with favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 8, Nays 0; March 31, 2015, sent to printer.) Click here to see the committee vote

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR S.B. No. 125 By: Schwertner

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to certain assessments for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 266, Family Code, is amended by adding Section 266.012 to read as follows:

Sec. 266.012. COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENTS. (a) Not later than the 45th day after the date a child enters the conservatorship of the department, the child shall receive a developmentally appropriate comprehensive assessment. The assessment must include:

(1) a screening for trauma; and

(2) interviews with individuals who have knowledge of the child's needs.

(b) The department shall develop guidelines regarding the contents of an assessment report.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.

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