Bill > SB620

This bill replaces the standard of "reasonable efforts" with "active efforts" in various sections of the Texas Family Code related to child protective services and family court proceedings. The bill introduces a detailed definition of "active efforts" in Section 262.0001, which describes it as affirmative, active, thorough, and timely efforts primarily aimed at maintaining or reuniting a child with their family. These active efforts require the Department of Family and Protective Services to conduct comprehensive assessments, identify and help parents access services, search for extended family members, support family visits, monitor service participation, and provide post-reunification services. The changes apply to multiple stages of child protective proceedings, including initial child removal, permanency hearings, and termination of parental rights cases. The bill aims to create a more proactive and supportive approach to child welfare interventions, emphasizing family preservation and comprehensive support for parents facing challenges. The new standard requires child protective services to take more intensive and personalized steps to help families stay together and address underlying issues that may lead to child removal. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to various legal proceedings involving child welfare and family court interventions.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB620