1. (a) The department shall contract with an independent evaluator with expertise in child welfare and the delivery of child welfare services in rural areas to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the pilot program. The department shall consult with the lead entity and the entities described by Section 264.185(a) when selecting the independent evaluator.

2. (b) The independent evaluator shall assess:

   1. (1) the outcomes for children and families receiving services under the program;
   2. (2) the cost-effectiveness of the program;
   3. (3) the effectiveness of the community-based care approach to providing child welfare services in rural areas;
   4. (4) community engagement and satisfaction with the program;
   5. (5) program implementation fidelity; and
   6. (6) any systemic changes made in provision of child welfare services in the region under the program.
3. (c) The department and the lead entity shall cooperate with the evaluation process and provide the independent evaluator all necessary data and information to conduct the evaluation required by this section.
4. (d) The department, lead entity, and entities described by Section 264.185(a) shall review the independent evaluator's findings under Subsection (b) and develop an action plan to address any areas for improvement identified by the independent evaluator.

Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 9 (S.B. 513), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025.