TITLE: Relating to trauma-informed care training for foster parents.

SUMMARY: Relating to trauma-informed care training for foster parents.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to trauma-informed care training for foster parents. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 264.015, Family Code, is amended by adding Subsection (f) to read as follows: (f) Each foster parent who provides care for children and youth in the conservatorship of the department shall complete a training program regarding trauma-informed care and the effect of trauma on children and youth in the conservatorship of the department. The training must include information regarding: (1) the symptoms of trauma and the impact trauma has on a child or youth, including the effect of trauma on development, emotions, memories, behavior, and decision-making; (2) attachment and the effect a lack of attachment may have on a child or youth; (3) the role that trauma-informed care and services can have in a child's or youth's ability to build connections, feel safe, and regulate emotions to assist the child or youth with building resiliency and overcoming the effects of trauma and adverse childhood experiences; (4) the importance of screening children and youth for trauma and the risk of mislabeling and inappropriate treatment of children and youth without proper screening, including the risks and benefits associated with the use of psychotropic medication; (5) the potential for re-traumatization of children and youth in the conservatorship of the department; and (6) the availability of: (A) research-supported, trauma-informed, non-pharmacological interventions; and (B) trauma-informed advocacy to increase access by a child or youth in the conservatorship of the department to: (i) trauma-informed care; and (ii) trauma-informed mental and behavioral health services. SECTION 2. (a) As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the Department of Family and Protective Services shall adopt the rules necessary to implement Section 264.015(f), Family Code, as added by this Act. (b) The Department of Family and Protective Services shall ensure that a foster parent required to complete the training under Section 264.015(f), Family Code, as added by this Act, completes the training not later than September 1, 2027. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.