S.B. No. 2041 amends Section 264.107(c) of the Family Code to enhance the criteria that the Department of Family and Protective Services must consider when selecting a foster care placement for a child. The bill emphasizes that the department must determine whether the placement is in the child's best interest by considering several factors. These include the least restrictive setting, geographic proximity to the child's home, and the ability to meet the child's identified needs.

Additionally, the bill introduces new considerations for placements by including the child's expressed interests regarding placement, when developmentally appropriate, and the ability to meet the child's long-term needs, including placement stability. The previous requirement to consider only three factors has been updated to include these two new criteria, thereby broadening the scope of considerations for the department. The act 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)