Allen Bill Gives Foster Parents Until 2027 To Finish Trauma Training

The text as introduced · 357 words

89R13656 RAL-D

By: Allen
H.B. No. 3853

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to trauma-informed care training for foster parents.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 264.015, Family Code, is amended by

adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:

(f) Each foster parent who provides care for children and

youth in the conservatorship of the department shall complete a

training program regarding trauma-informed care and the effect of

trauma on children and youth in the conservatorship of the

department. The training must include information regarding:

(1) the symptoms of trauma and the impact trauma has on

a child or youth, including the effect of trauma on development,

emotions, memories, behavior, and decision-making;

(2) attachment and the effect a lack of attachment may

have on a child or youth;

(3) the role that trauma-informed care and services

can have in a child's or youth's ability to build connections, feel

safe, and regulate emotions to assist the child or youth with

building resiliency and overcoming the effects of trauma and

adverse childhood experiences;

(4) the importance of screening children and youth for

trauma and the risk of mislabeling and inappropriate treatment of

children and youth without proper screening, including the risks

and benefits associated with the use of psychotropic medication;

(5) the potential for re-traumatization of children

and youth in the conservatorship of the department; and

(6) the availability of:

(A) research-supported, trauma-informed,

non-pharmacological interventions; and

(B) trauma-informed advocacy to increase access

by a child or youth in the conservatorship of the department to:

(i) trauma-informed care; and

(ii) trauma-informed mental and behavioral

health services.

SECTION 2. (a) As soon as practicable after the effective

date of this Act, the Department of Family and Protective Services

shall adopt the rules necessary to implement Section 264.015(f),

Family Code, as added by this Act.

(b) The Department of Family and Protective Services shall

ensure that a foster parent required to complete the training under

Section 264.015(f), Family Code, as added by this Act, completes

the training not later than September 1, 2027.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.