TITLE: Relating to certain placements for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

SUMMARY: Relating to certain placements for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to certain placements 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. Subchapter A, Chapter 264, Family Code, is amended by adding Section 264.020 to read as follows: Sec. 264.020. PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN IN CONSERVATORSHIP OF DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES. (a) In this section, "child" means a person who: (1) is younger than 22 years of age and for whom the department has been appointed managing conservator of the child before the child's 18th birthday; or (2) is the responsibility of an agency with which the department has entered into an agreement to provide care and supervision of the child. (b) In making a placement decision for a child, the department shall give preference to persons in the following order: (1) a person related to the child by blood, marriage, or adoption; (2) a person with whom the child has a long-standing and significant relationship; (3) a foster home; and (4) a general residential operation. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.