bill adding exploitation risk screening for foster and probation kids

The text as introduced · 232 words

89R2676 AMF-F

By: Paxton
S.B. No. 941

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a screening for the risk of commercial sexual

exploitation of certain children.

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

SECTION 1. Section 266.012(a), Family Code, is amended to

read as follows:

(a) Not later than the 45th day after the date a child enters

the conservatorship of the department, the child shall receive a

developmentally appropriate comprehensive assessment. The

assessment must include:

(1) a screening for trauma; [ and ]

(2) a screening for risk of commercial sexual

exploitation using a validated screening tool selected by the Child

Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit established under Section

772.0062, Government Code; and

(3) interviews with individuals who have knowledge of

the child's needs.

SECTION 2. Section 221.003(b), Human Resources Code, is

amended to read as follows:

(b) A juvenile probation department must, before the

disposition of a child's case and using a validated risk and needs

assessment instrument or process provided or approved by the

department, complete a risk and needs assessment for each child

under the jurisdiction of the juvenile probation department. The

risk and needs assessment must include a screening for risk of

commercial sexual exploitation using a screening tool selected by

the Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit established under Section

772.0062, Government Code.

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