S.B. No. 1398 seeks to amend the Family Code to improve procedures related to the parent-child relationship, particularly for children under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill introduces a new definition for "family preservation services," which are designed to be time-limited and family-focused, aimed at preventing the need for foster care. It expands eligibility for these services to include not only children at risk of entering foster care but also pregnant or parenting foster youth and members of households under certain court orders. Additionally, the bill requires DFPS or a single source continuum contractor to provide a detailed report to the court before ordering temporary emergency supervision for a child, outlining all attempted placements and their appropriateness.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes community-based care by mandating DFPS to develop a comprehensive implementation plan that includes timelines, training needs, and evaluation strategies for contractors, with annual updates posted on the department's website. It also establishes new requirements for single source continuum contractors, including the creation of a unified training process for alternative caregivers, maintaining a diverse network of service providers, and undergoing annual performance reviews. The bill mandates the publication of review findings, financial remedies for non-compliance, and corrective action plans for identified deficiencies. Additionally, it requires contractors to develop community engagement plans and ensures compliance with court orders related to child welfare, with changes set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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 262, Family Code 264)
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 (Human Resources Code 40, Family Code 262, Family Code 264)