The bill amends Section 264.107 of the Family Code to enhance the procedures for selecting placements for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services. A new subsection (a) is added, which mandates that before placing a child in contract residential care, the department must first attempt to place the child with a relative or designated caregiver, as outlined in Section 262.114(d). Additionally, subsection (c) is amended to include new criteria for determining whether a placement is in the child's best interest.

The revised criteria now require the department to consider not only the least restrictive setting, geographic proximity to the child's home, and the ability to meet the child's identified needs, but also to take into account the child's expressed interests regarding placement when developmentally appropriate. Furthermore, the department must assess whether the placement can meet the child's long-term needs, including stability. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 264.107 (Family Code 264)
Senate Committee Report: Family Code 264.107 (Family Code 264)
Engrossed: Family Code 264.107 (Family Code 264)
House Committee Report: Family Code 264.107 (Family Code 264)