The bill, H.B. No. 1155, proposes the establishment of a Monitored Return Assistance Program under the Department of Family and Protective Services. This program aims to provide monetary assistance to parents whose children are returned to them under a court order for monitored return, specifically targeting those with a family income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level. To qualify for this assistance, parents must demonstrate that economic factors such as unemployment or the inability to afford essential services are significant barriers to reunification. The bill outlines that the department will disburse these funds similarly to how it provides payments to foster parents, including aligning rate increases with those for foster care reimbursement.

Additionally, the bill allows for the possibility of extending monetary assistance for up to six months after a case is dismissed, to promote family stability post-reunification. The changes made by this Act will apply to any orders rendered under Section 263.403 of the Family Code, regardless of when those orders were issued. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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