The bill amends the Family Code and Human Resources Code to enhance the assessment processes for children entering the conservatorship of the department and those under the jurisdiction of juvenile probation departments. Specifically, it mandates that a comprehensive assessment for children in conservatorship must now include a screening for the risk of commercial sexual exploitation, utilizing a validated screening tool selected by the Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit. Additionally, juvenile probation departments are required to incorporate a similar screening for risk of commercial sexual exploitation in their risk and needs assessments for children.

These amendments aim to ensure that children at risk of commercial sexual exploitation are identified and provided with appropriate interventions as early as possible. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 266.012, Human Resources Code 221.003 (Human Resources Code 221, Family Code 266)