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HB 1825

Relating to the exchange of certain information between the Department of Family and Protective Services or certain foster care services contractors and a state or local juvenile justice agency.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Alma Allen and 3 co-sponsors

HB 1825 allows Texas child welfare and juvenile justice agencies to share information about youth involved in both systems to improve coordination and service delivery.

Left pending in committee
#family&protectiveservices #departmentof(v0461) #fostercare(s0064) #family--childprotection(i0351) #family--juveniledelinquency(i0360) #minors--juvenilejustice(i0534)
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Bill Summary · HB 1825

Legislative bill overview

HB 1825 establishes new protocols for information sharing between Texas's Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), foster care contractors, and juvenile justice agencies. The bill enables these entities to exchange data about individuals involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems to improve coordination and service delivery.

Why is this important

Many children cycle through both foster care and the juvenile justice system, and fragmented information between these agencies can result in duplicated services, missed intervention opportunities, or inappropriate placements. Better data sharing could help identify at-risk youth earlier and ensure agencies have complete background information when making placement or intervention decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Expanding information sharing between government agencies raises questions about data security, who can access sensitive child welfare records, and whether safeguards adequately protect vulnerable minors' privacy
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's reference to "certain information" and "certain contractors" leaves undefined what data can be exchanged and which private foster care providers are included, potentially allowing broader sharing than intended
  • Disproportionate impact: Enhanced juvenile justice agency access to foster care histories could disproportionately affect children of color and low-income families already overrepresented in both systems, potentially creating bias in decision-making

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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