Bill > SB513

This bill establishes a Rural Community-Based Care Pilot Program in Texas designed to improve child welfare services in rural regions with populations of 50,000 or less. The program aims to create a new model of child welfare service delivery by partnering with a local nonprofit or government entity (called a "lead entity") to implement community-based care. Key provisions include developing a comprehensive program model that addresses family services, case management, foster care, adoption, and transition services, while also establishing a community alliance to provide stakeholder input and governance. The bill requires the development of innovative funding approaches that account for rural service challenges, such as increased transportation costs and difficulties recruiting staff. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services will select a lead entity based on community support, collaborative experience, and capacity to coordinate local services. The pilot program includes robust evaluation requirements, with an independent evaluator assessing outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and community satisfaction. The program is set to run until September 1, 2031, after which the legislature will review its effectiveness and decide whether to continue, modify, or end the initiative. The bill also provides flexibility for the lead entity to develop policies, allocate resources, and even apply for waivers from standard departmental procedures to best serve rural communities.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB513