Gregory S. Love, Esq
Kimberlee D. Norris, Esq
in mid-June 2011, the Governor of Texas signed SB 471 into law, amending current law related to public schools, charter schools, day care centers and child placing agencies.
The overarching purpose of SB 471 requires child abuse and neglect training and policies in schools and child care facilities. Though entities who are impacted are clearly identified, lawmakers addressed the challenge of 'how' to require the desired change, given that the public schools comply with requirements in the Texas Education Code, while Day Care Centers and Child Placing Agencies submit to the Human Resources Code (though not exclusively).
CHANGES IN THE LAW -- the "WHAT"
Understanding new requirements for Day Care Centers and Chlld Placing Agencies incorporated in SB 471 requires an understanding of the context of the original code sections being modified in the Human Resources Code. Click here to access a copy of SB 471 with analysis and appendicies containing all other code sections referenced in the new law.
HOW TO COMPLY WITH SB 471 -- the "HOW"
In response to requests from our day care and foster/adoption clients, we have prepared a step-by-step guide concerning compliance with the new requirements of SB 471. Click here to access that guide. For some entities, the new law simply requires a modification to existing systems; for others, it may require starting from scratch. The step-by-step guide will direct all Child Care Centers and Child Placing Agencies to tools created to make compliance possible and doable.
ABOUT US
MinistrySafe and Abuse Prevention Systems provide ministry-based and secular trainings and policies to hundreds of Texas entities that provide services to children. As attorneys, we closely follow changes in Texas law related to our realm of practice: child sexual abuse litigation and prevention. Our goal is to provide excellent training and tools consistent with existing and new legal requirements, both live and online. To learn more about online Sexual Abuse and Maltreatment Training, tracking systems, sample policies, HR screening forms and additional resources, go to www.MinistrySafe.com or www.AbusePreventionSystems.com.
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