The bill, introduced by Senator Menndez, aims to divert certain foster youth from the juvenile justice system by enhancing the support and intervention services available to them. Key amendments include changes to the Family Code and Human Resources Code, specifically targeting the referral process for children under 12 years of age and those residing in general residential operations. The bill stipulates that a preliminary investigation should refer cases to community resources if the child is younger than 12 and not currently receiving services, or if they reside in a general residential operation. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for behavior intervention programs in residential facilities, which must include crisis response training to limit law enforcement involvement.

Furthermore, the bill mandates juvenile boards to establish policies prioritizing the diversion of children under 12 or those in general residential operations from prosecution, particularly for misdemeanor offenses involving violence. It also calls for limiting detention to last-resort circumstances for these children. To ensure accountability, juvenile boards are required to track the number of children referred to them from general residential operations and their subsequent outcomes. The provisions of this bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to conduct occurring on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Human Resources Code 42.002, Human Resources Code 152.00145 (Human Resources Code 152, Human Resources Code 42)