| (a) Establishment. The Parent Collaboration Group ("PCG")
is established.
(b) Purpose. The purpose of the PCG is to provide a
forum for individuals who have had involvement with the child welfare
system as parents to discuss their experiences and make recommendations
to the Department for improving the system.
(c) Tasks. The PCG 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 its purpose
and bylaws.
(d) Reporting requirements and Department action.
(1) The Department will gather information on the PCG
activities to compile an annual report.
(2) The annual report may guide Department policy or
practice.
(e) Membership.
(1) The PCG consists of no more than 22 members.
(2) Members are appointed by the Regional Directors.
(3) Membership requirements:
(A) All members must have previously been involved
in the child welfare system as parents.
(B) In general, the member's Child Protective Services
case must have been closed for one year; the Regional Director may
make exceptions to this rule if the parent is otherwise qualified.
(C) Two members per Department region will serve on
the PCG if possible.
(4) Except as may be necessary to stagger terms, a
PCG member serves for a two-year term and may be appointed for additional
terms, not to exceed three terms.
(f) Meetings. The PCG will meet a minimum of three
times per year.
(g) Decision-making. The committee will make decisions
by consensus.
(h) Abolition. The PCG is abolished, and this section
expires, August 31, 2026.
(i) The PCG is not a "governmental body" for purposes
of the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 551.
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