S.B. No. 1398 amends the Family Code to improve procedures related to suits affecting the parent-child relationship, particularly for children under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill redefines "family preservation service" to include time-limited, family-focused services that align with the Family First Prevention Services Act and the Title IV-E state plan, expanding its scope to cover not only candidates for foster care and pregnant or parenting foster youth but also members of households under specific court orders. Additionally, it introduces a new section on "temporary emergency supervision," detailing the conditions for such supervision and the reporting requirements to the court.

The bill also enhances oversight and performance evaluation of single source continuum contractors providing community-based care services. Key provisions include the requirement for contractors to establish a unified training process for alternative caregivers, maintain a diverse network of service providers, and undergo annual performance reviews. The DFPS is granted authority to impose financial remedies for non-compliance and to publish performance reviews online. Furthermore, the bill introduces a capitated funding methodology for services and mandates the development of recruitment programs for foster parents through faith-based organizations. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies to contracts entered into or amended after this date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 262.401, Family Code 262.411, Family Code 264.107, Family Code 264.1261, Family Code 264.152, Family Code 264.153, Family Code 264.154, Family Code 264.155, Family Code 264.156, Family Code 264.158, Family Code 264.162, Family Code 264.2031, Family Code 264.113 (Family Code 264, Family Code 262)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 262.401, Family Code 262.411, Family Code 264.107, Family Code 264.1261, Family Code 264.152, Family Code 264.153, Family Code 264.154, Family Code 264.155, Family Code 264.156, Family Code 264.158, Family Code 264.162, Family Code 264.2031, Human Resources Code 40.0583, Family Code 264.113 (Family Code 264, Human Resources Code 40, Family Code 262)
Engrossed: Family Code 262.401, Family Code 262.411, Family Code 264.107, Family Code 264.1261, Family Code 264.152, Family Code 264.153, Family Code 264.154, Family Code 264.155, Family Code 264.156, Family Code 264.158, Family Code 264.162, Family Code 264.2031, Human Resources Code 40.0583, Family Code 264.113 (Family Code 264, Human Resources Code 40, Family Code 262)
House Committee Report: Family Code 262.401, Family Code 262.411, Family Code 264.107, Family Code 264.1261, Family Code 264.152, Family Code 264.153, Family Code 264.154, Family Code 264.155, Family Code 264.156, Family Code 264.158, Family Code 264.162, Family Code 264.2031, Human Resources Code 40.0583, Family Code 264.113 (Family Code 264, Human Resources Code 40, Family Code 262)
Enrolled: Family Code 262.401, Family Code 262.411, Family Code 264.107, Family Code 264.1261, Family Code 264.152, Family Code 264.153, Family Code 264.154, Family Code 264.155, Family Code 264.156, Family Code 264.158, Family Code 264.162, Family Code 264.2031, Human Resources Code 40.0583, Family Code 264.113 (Family Code 264, Human Resources Code 40, Family Code 262)