The bill establishes a Rural Community-Based Care Pilot Program aimed at improving child welfare services in designated rural areas of Texas. It introduces a new subchapter to the Family Code, defining essential terms such as "catchment area," "community-based care," and "eligible rural region." The program seeks to implement a community-based model of child welfare services, enhance outcomes for children and families, and create a sustainable service delivery model in rural settings. The Department of Family and Protective Services will collaborate with a lead entity, which must be a nonprofit or local government organization, to develop and execute the program.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the qualifications and selection process for the lead entity, as well as the formation of a community alliance to encourage stakeholder involvement. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive funding model that addresses the unique challenges of rural service delivery, including transportation and workforce development. The legislation also includes provisions for conflict resolution, change orders, and confidentiality, while mandating the appointment of an independent evaluator to assess the program's effectiveness. Reports on the program's implementation and outcomes will be submitted to the legislature, with a final review scheduled for September 1, 2031, and a sunset clause for the pilot program set to expire on the same date.

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