Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
1 more bills that modify the Family Code
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.
Blog Summary
SB 1930 - Policies and procedures for children placed in residential treatment or qualified residential treatment by DFPS
1 more bills that modify the Family Code
Published: 2025-05-27
SB 1930
Policies and procedures for children placed in residential treatment or qualified residential treatment by DFPS
Guardian ad litems for the child need to seek developmentally appropriate opinion regarding the child's current or proposed placement. (Something I saw guardian ad litems doing for years.)
If a child is to be placed in a residential treatment center, then the guardian ad litem must review information to determine if the placement is appropriate for the child's needs; meet with the child in person before providing a recommendation; and provide the court with a report or testimony regarding a placement that is in the child's best interest. The guardian may request a placement conference and participate in the conference.
If a child is to be placed in a residential treatment or qualified residential treatment or similar, the attorney at litem must review available information regarding the child's needs, including psychological evaluations, discharge notices, recent incident reports, and counseling notes. They must review information on whether the placement is appropriate for the child's needs, meet with the child before the hearing. The meeting will allow the attorney to prepare for the hearing in accordance with the child's wishes and elicit the child's opinion and concerns about the placement. The attorney must advise the child regarding the department's request or recommendation for placement; and advocate to the court for the child's specific desires. The attorney may request a placement conference and participate in it.
The court shall determine if the child's needs can be met in a family-like setting; if the recommended program can provide the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child; the program is the least restrictive setting; and if the placement is consistent with short-term and long-term goals for the child. The court may look at medical/psychological/psychiatric assessments; current treatment plan and progress; any significant medical or legal or behavioral incidents; reasons for the child's discharge from prior placements; the programs available for the child's needs; program's place to discharge post treatment; if there are other programs available; and any other information the court finds would assist them.
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