Relating to establishing an ombudsman program for foster parents and relative and other designated caregivers.

The text as introduced · 368 words

90R1337 DNC-D

By: West
S.B. No. 197

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to establishing an ombudsman program for foster parents

and relative and other designated caregivers.

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

SECTION 1. Section 523.0352, Government Code, is amended to

read as follows:

Sec. 523.0352. ESTABLISHMENT OF OMBUDSMAN PROGRAMS. The

executive commissioner shall establish the following ombudsman

programs:

(1) the health and human services office of the

ombudsman in accordance with Section 523.0353;

(2) the ombudsman for children and youth in foster

care in accordance with Section 523.0357;

(3) the ombudsman for foster parents and relative and

other designated caregivers in accordance with Section 523.03571;

(4) the ombudsman for managed care assistance in

accordance with Section 523.0358;

(5) [ (4) ] the ombudsman for behavioral health access

to care in accordance with Section 523.0359; and

(6) [ (5) ] the ombudsman for individuals with an

intellectual or developmental disability in accordance with

Section 523.0360.

SECTION 2. Subchapter H, Chapter 523, Government Code, is

amended by adding Section 523.03571 to read as follows:

Sec. 523.03571. OMBUDSMAN FOR FOSTER PARENTS AND RELATIVE

AND OTHER DESIGNATED CAREGIVERS. (a) The ombudsman for foster

parents and relative and other designated caregivers shall:

(1) receive complaints from foster parents and

relative or other designated caregivers caring for children and

youth in the conservatorship of the department;

(2) review complaints filed with the ombudsman and

take appropriate action, including:

(A) conducting an investigation into individual

complaints that allege violations of department procedures or

policies or other violations; and

(B) referring to the department for resolution

any trends or systemic issues identified in complaints;

(3) review allegations of misconduct, nondisclosure,

or retaliation;

(4) ensure compliance with state disclosure

requirements;

(5) facilitate resolution for issues arising between

foster parents or relative and other designated caregivers and

child placing agencies or the department; and

(6) collaborate with the department to develop an

outreach plan to promote awareness of the ombudsman program to

foster parents and relative and other designated caregivers.

(b) The ombudsman acts independently of the department in

the performance of the ombudsman's powers and duties under this

section.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2027.