Text of section effective on April 01, 2025
Sec. 546.0252.  FAMILY-BASED ALTERNATIVES SYSTEM: PURPOSE, IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION.  (a)  The purpose of the family-based alternatives system is to further this state's policy of providing for a child's basic needs for safety, security, and stability by ensuring that a child becomes a part of a successful permanent family as soon as possible.
(b)  In achieving the purpose described by Subsection (a), the family-based alternatives system is intended to operate in a manner that recognizes that parents are a valued and integral part of the process established under the system.  The system must:
(1)  encourage parents to participate in all decisions affecting their children; and
(2)  respect the authority of parents, other than parents whose parental rights have been terminated, to make decisions regarding their children.
(c)  The commission shall begin implementing the family-based alternatives system in areas of this state with high numbers of children who reside in institutions.
(d)  The family-based alternatives system may be administered in cooperation with public and private entities.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 769 (H.B. 4611), Sec. 1.01, eff. April 1, 2025.