1. (a) Establishment. The Committee on Advancing Residential Practices (CARP) is established.
2. (b) Purpose. The purpose of CARP is to advise DFPS regarding the impact of Department policy on contracted foster care providers.

3. (c) Tasks. CARP performs the following tasks:

   1. (1) makes recommendations to the Department through regularly scheduled meetings and Department staff assigned to the committee; and
   2. (2) performs other tasks consistent with CARP's purpose that are requested by the Commissioner.

4. (d) Reporting requirements and Department action.

   1. (1) CARP reports the committee's recommendations to the Department at least annually.
   2. (2) CARP's recommendations may inform Department policy or practice.
   3. (3) CARP's recommendations are advisory and do not obligate the Department to take action.

5. (e) Membership.

   1. (1) CARP consists of no more than 24 members.
   2. (2) Members are appointed by the Commissioner.

   3. (3) Membership requirements.

      1. (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.
      2. (B) Members must be current employees of contracted foster care providers or members of trade associations.
      3. (C) Members must attend and participate in meetings.
      4. (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. (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.
6. (f) Presiding officer. The presiding officer serves a two-year term.
7. (g) Meetings. CARP will meet at least quarterly.
8. (h) Decision-making. The committee will make decisions by consensus.
9. (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.
10. (j) Abolition. CARP is abolished, and this section expires, August 31, 2026.

Source Note:The provisions of this §702.507 adopted to be effective July 1, 2016, 41 TexReg 4053.