In this subchapter:

1. (1) "Abused or neglected child" means a child who is:

   1. (A) the subject of a suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed by a governmental entity; and
   2. (B) under the control or supervision of the department.

2. (1-a) "Active volunteer advocate" means an individual who:

   1. (A) has been trained by a volunteer advocate program in accordance with recognized standards for volunteer advocate programs; and
   2. (B) is currently serving as a volunteer advocate on at least one child's case.

3. (1-b) "Inactive volunteer advocate" means an individual who:

   1. (A) has been trained by a volunteer advocate program in accordance with recognized standards for volunteer advocate programs; and
   2. (B) is not currently serving as a volunteer advocate.

4. (2) "Volunteer advocate program" means a volunteer-based, nonprofit program that:

   1. (A) provides advocacy services to abused or neglected children with the goal of obtaining a permanent placement for a child that is in the child's best interest; and
   2. (B) complies with recognized standards for volunteer advocate programs.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995.

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1224 (S.B. 1369), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2009.

Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 119 (H.B. 474), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.