TX HB194

Religious organizations may establish and operate "faith-based child-care facilities" to provide 24-hour care for foster children in state conservatorship, with requirements including a comprehensive care plan, staff training program, and contract with a licensed mental health provider

Each facility must be overseen by an appointed committee that includes a religious leader, two congregation members, a licensed mental health professional, a child welfare expert, and a local elected official

Faith-based facilities are exempt from standard state child-care licensing requirements but must meet minimum standards adopted by the department for health, safety, welfare, fire safety, and cleanliness, with periodic evaluations

Facilities must establish "faith-family programs" to pair foster youth with congregation members as mentors, who may host children in their homes for increasing periods and are encouraged to become foster or adoptive parents

The department must administer a grant program using available funds or private donations to help religious organizations establish these facilities, and facilities may participate in state/federal funding without meeting standard licensing requirements