Bill > HB2632

This bill modifies Texas law regarding child neglect and joint managing conservatorship, primarily focusing on situations involving children with severe emotional disturbances. The bill expands the definition of child neglect to include more specific scenarios, such as placing a child in dangerous situations, failing to seek medical care, or not providing basic necessities. It introduces a new process for the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to potentially become a joint managing conservator with a child's parent or legal guardian when seeking mental health services for a child. The bill requires DFPS to discuss joint conservatorship with parents before filing a suit and establishes specific conditions for a court to approve such an arrangement, including that the parent has exhausted all reasonable means to obtain mental health services, agrees to participate in the child's service plan, and that DFPS can provide necessary services. The legislation also prohibits placing children in joint conservatorship in hotels or unlicensed settings, mandates potential child support payments from the parent to offset service costs, and provides alternative placement options if DFPS cannot find a licensed placement. These changes aim to provide more structured support for families struggling with a child's severe emotional disturbance while ensuring the child's safety and well-being.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2632