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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the definition of the least restrictive environment for |
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the placement of children in foster care. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 263.001(a), Family Code, is amended by |
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amending Subdivision (3-a) and adding Subdivision (3-b) to read as |
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follows: |
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(3-a) "Least restrictive environment" means a |
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placement for a child that, in comparison to all other available |
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placements: |
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(A) is the closest in geographic proximity to the |
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child's home; and |
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(B) is the most able to meet the identified needs |
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of the child. |
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(3-b) "Physician assistant" has the meaning assigned |
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by Section 157.051, Occupations Code. |
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SECTION 2. Section 263.001, Family Code, is amended by |
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adding Subsection (c) to read as follows: |
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(c) With respect to a child designated by the department as |
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a child who needs basic or moderate services, the least restrictive |
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environment requires placement in a foster home or a general |
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residential operation operating as a cottage home. |
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SECTION 3. Section 264.001, Family Code, is amended by |
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adding Subdivision (3-a) to read as follows: |
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(3-a) "Least restrictive environment" means a |
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placement for a child that, in comparison to all other available |
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placements: |
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(A) is the closest in geographic proximity to the |
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child's home; and |
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(B) is the most able to meet the identified needs |
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of the child. |
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SECTION 4. Section 264.107, Family Code, is amended by |
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adding Subsection (c) to read as follows: |
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(c) The department shall place a child designated by the |
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department as a child who needs basic or moderate services in the |
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least restrictive environment necessary to meet the child's needs. |
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Placement of a child in the least restrictive environment requires |
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placement in a foster home or a general residential operation |
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operating as a cottage home. |
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SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017. |