Bill > HB2864

This bill replaces the existing "reasonable efforts" standard with a more comprehensive and detailed "active efforts" standard in Texas family law cases involving child welfare and protection. The new standard requires the Department of Family and Protective Services to take a more proactive, thorough, and tailored approach when working with families whose children are at risk of removal or have been removed. Specifically, the bill defines "active efforts" as affirmative, thorough, and timely efforts primarily aimed at maintaining or reuniting children with their families, which includes conducting comprehensive family assessments, identifying and helping parents access necessary services, searching for extended family members, supporting regular family visits, monitoring service participation, and providing post-reunification support. The bill amends multiple sections of the Texas Family Code to incorporate this new standard, affecting procedures related to child removal, termination of parental rights, permanency hearings, and extended foster care reviews. The goal is to ensure a more supportive and family-centered approach to child welfare interventions, with an emphasis on keeping families together whenever possible while maintaining the child's safety and well-being as the paramount concern.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2864