Sec. 40.0526.  BUILDING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.  (a)  The department shall develop a statewide strategy to build alliances and networks at the local level that support the detection and treatment of child abuse and neglect and enhance the coordination and delivery of services to children and families.
(b)  The strategy must include plans to:
(1)  move staff from centralized office sites into community-based settings to the greatest extent feasible; and
(2)  enter into agreements for the establishment or development of joint offices or workplaces with local officials and organizations, including:
(A)  children's advocacy centers;
(B)  law enforcement officials;
(C)  prosecutors;
(D)  health care providers; and
(E)  domestic violence shelters.
(c)  The department may employ specialized staff, to the extent that funds are appropriated for that purpose, to serve as:
(1)  local legal liaisons who support the prosecution in each region of legal cases through the judicial system by improving coordination and cooperation in case consultation and preparation of cases for court; and
(2)  local community initiative specialists in each region who focus on building community alliances and networks.
(d)  An agreement made in accordance with this section for the joint location of department personnel with other local officials or organizations is not subject to Chapter 2167, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 268 (S.B. 6), Sec. 1.86, eff. September 1, 2005.