The Faith-Based Foster Care Enhancement Act seeks to alleviate the shortage of foster care facilities in Texas by permitting religious organizations to create and manage faith-based child-care facilities. These facilities, defined as those owned and operated by religious organizations providing 24-hour care for children in state conservatorship, must develop comprehensive plans for the well-being of foster youth, implement staff training programs, and collaborate with licensed mental health providers. A committee appointed by the religious organization will oversee the facility, ensuring the inclusion of various stakeholders such as mental health professionals and community representatives. The bill also promotes faith-family programs to support foster youth through mentorship and encourages religious community members to become foster or adoptive parents.

Additionally, the legislation introduces a new category for faith-based child-care facilities in the Penal Code, establishing them as a distinct type of facility with specific definitions and requirements. While these facilities will be exempt from certain licensing requirements applicable to traditional child-care facilities, they must still meet minimum health and safety standards set by the state. The bill removes the previous provision for respite care facilities exclusively for local mental health authorities, indicating a shift towards more regulated child-care environments. A grant program will be established to assist religious organizations in setting up these facilities, integrating them into the state's foster care system. The effective date for this legislation is September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Human Resources Code 42.041 (Human Resources Code 42)