Amend CSSB 11 by adding the following appropriately numbered SECTIONS to the bill and renumbering the SECTIONS of the bill accordingly:
SECTION ____. Subchapter B, Chapter 264, Family Code, is amended by adding Section 264.1252 to read as follows:
Sec. 264.1252. FOSTER PARENT RECRUITMENT STUDY. (a) In this section, "young adult caregiver" means a person who:
(1) is at least 21 years of age but younger than 36 years of age; and
(2) provides foster care for children who are 14 years of age and older.
(b) The department shall conduct a study on the feasibility of developing and implementing a program to recruit and provide training and support for young adult caregivers.
(c) The department shall complete the study not later than December 31, 2018. The department shall conduct the study in collaboration with an institution of higher education. In evaluating the feasibility of the program, the department shall consider methods to recruit young adult caregivers and the potential impact that the program will have on the foster children participating in the program, including whether the program may result in:
(1) increased placement stability;
(2) fewer behavioral issues;
(3) fewer instances of foster children running away from a placement;
(4) increased satisfactory academic progress in school;
(5) increased acquisition of independent living skills; and
(6) an improved sense of well-being.
(d) The department shall report the results of the study to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and members of the legislature as soon as possible after the study is completed.
(e) This section expires September 1, 2019.
SECTION ____. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the Department of Family and Protective Services shall begin the study required by Section 264.1252, Family Code, as added by this Act.