Sec. 264.113.  FOSTER PARENT RECRUITMENT.  (a)  In this section, "faith-based organization" means a religious or denominational institution or organization, including an organization operated for religious, educational, or charitable purposes and operated, supervised, or controlled, in whole or in part, by or in connection with a religious organization.
(b)  The department shall develop a program to recruit and retain foster parents from faith-based organizations.  As part of the program, the department shall:
(1)  collaborate with faith-based organizations to inform prospective foster parents about the department's need for foster parents, the requirements for becoming a foster parent, and any other aspect of the foster care program that is necessary to recruit foster parents;
(2)  provide training for prospective foster parents recruited under this section;  and
(3)  identify and recommend ways in which faith-based organizations may support persons as they are recruited, are trained, and serve as foster parents.
(c)  The department shall work with OneStar Foundation to expand the program described by Subsection (b) to increase the number of foster families available for the department and its private providers.  In cooperation with the department, OneStar Foundation may provide training and technical assistance to establish networks and services in faith-based organizations based on best practices for supporting prospective and current foster families.
(d)  The department shall work with the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services to recruit foster parents and adoptive parents who have skills, training, or experience suitable to care for children with hearing impairments.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 957, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.
Amended by: 
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1406 (S.B. 758), Sec. 16, eff. September 1, 2007.