The bill, S.B. No. 640, mandates the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to enhance its annual reporting requirements regarding youth in its managing conservatorship who attempt suicide. Specifically, it amends Section 264.017(b) of the Family Code to include a new reporting requirement that specifies the number of children who attempted suicide while under the department's care. This addition is part of a broader effort to improve transparency and accountability in the handling of vulnerable youth, alongside existing reporting metrics related to child abuse, neglect, and other critical issues.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "significant change in medical condition" in Section 264.018(a)(4) to explicitly include suicide attempts as a serious health concern. This change underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health crises among children in the managing conservatorship of the department. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, reflecting a commitment to better support and protect the mental health of youth in state care.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 264.017, Family Code 264.018 (Family Code 264)