Bill > HB1825

This bill modifies existing Texas law to improve information sharing between the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and juvenile justice agencies. Specifically, the bill requires DFPS and foster care service contractors to share information "as soon as practicable" when requested by a juvenile justice agency. The information can be shared for purposes of community safety or continuing services for "multi-system youth" who have been in foster care, been the subject of child abuse investigations, or had parental rights terminated. The bill adds a new category of children about whom information can be shared: those for whom parental rights have been terminated. Additionally, the bill requires DFPS to provide juvenile justice agencies with information about whether a child in their custody is currently or has previously been in foster care, including the number of previous foster care placements. The changes will apply only to information requests made on or after the bill's effective date, which will be immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature, or September 1, 2025, if it does not. The primary goal of the bill appears to be improving coordination and information exchange between child welfare and juvenile justice systems to better support at-risk youth.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1825