The bill, titled "Family Preservation Services Program," amends various sections of the Family Code to establish a comprehensive framework for family preservation services aimed at preventing the removal of children from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Key changes include the removal of the term "pilot" from the program's designation, indicating a shift towards a permanent program. The definition of a "child who is a candidate for foster care" is expanded to include specific conditions under which a child may remain safely at home with the provision of family preservation services. Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions such as "short-term expense service," which provides funding for necessary expenses to keep a child in their home, and outlines the requirements for a family preservation services plan.

The bill also establishes guidelines for the implementation of the program, including the use of Title IV-E funds for legal representation and the provision of short-term expense services. It mandates that the family preservation services plan must include a safety risk assessment and specify the tasks families must complete. Furthermore, the bill sets a maximum duration of 90 days for short-term expense services and requires the commissioner to establish funding limits for these services. The program is set to expire on September 1, 2033, and the department is tasked with reporting to the legislature on the program's implementation and outcomes every two years.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 262.401, Family Code 262.402, Family Code 262.405, Family Code 262.406, Family Code 262.407, Family Code 262.408, Family Code 262.409, Family Code 262.415, Family Code 262.416, Family Code 262.417, Family Code 262.413 (Family Code 262)