| (a) Establishment. The Committee on Advancing Residential
Practices (CARP) is established.
(b) Purpose. The purpose of CARP is to advise DFPS
regarding the impact of Department policy on contracted foster care
providers.
(c) Tasks. CARP performs the following tasks:
(1) makes recommendations to the Department through
regularly scheduled meetings and Department staff assigned to the
committee; and
(2) performs other tasks consistent with CARP's purpose
that are requested by the Commissioner.
(d) Reporting requirements and Department action.
(1) CARP reports the committee's recommendations to
the Department at least annually.
(2) CARP's recommendations may inform Department policy
or practice.
(3) CARP's recommendations are advisory and do not
obligate the Department to take action.
(e) Membership.
(1) CARP consists of no more than 24 members.
(2) Members are appointed by the Commissioner.
(3) Membership requirements.
(A) Members must have demonstrated a commitment to
the children, youth, and families of Texas and have knowledge of and
experience with the Texas foster care system.
(B) Members must be current employees of contracted
foster care providers or members of trade associations.
(C) Members must attend and participate in meetings.
(D) In choosing CARP members, the Commissioner considers
how the diverse service provider types, service provider sizes, and
geographic communities in Texas are represented on the committee.
(4) Except as may be necessary to stagger terms, a
member serves for a two-year term and may be appointed for additional
terms at the Commissioner's discretion.
(f) Presiding officer. The presiding officer serves
a two-year term.
(g) Meetings. CARP will meet at least quarterly.
(h) Decision-making. The committee will make decisions
by consensus.
(i) Bylaws. CARP will adopt bylaws to govern committee
practices, including selection of the presiding officer, attendance
requirements, workgroups and subcommittees, and conflicts of interest.
(j) Abolition. CARP is abolished, and this section
expires, August 31, 2026.
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