Sec. 264.601.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Abused or neglected child" means a child who is:
(A)  the subject of a suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed by a governmental entity;  and
(B)  under the control or supervision of the department.
(1-a)  "Active volunteer advocate" means an individual who:
(A)  has been trained by a volunteer advocate program in accordance with recognized standards for volunteer advocate programs; and
(B)  is currently serving as a volunteer advocate on at least one child's case.
(1-b)  "Inactive volunteer advocate" means an individual who:
(A)  has been trained by a volunteer advocate program in accordance with recognized standards for volunteer advocate programs; and
(B)  is not currently serving as a volunteer advocate.
(2)  "Volunteer advocate program" means a volunteer-based, nonprofit program that:
(A)  provides advocacy services to abused or neglected children with the goal of obtaining a permanent placement for a child that is in the child's best interest; and
(B)  complies with recognized standards for volunteer advocate programs.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
Amended by: 
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1224 (S.B. 1369), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 119 (H.B. 474), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.