Relating to monetary assistance provided by the Department of Family and Protective Services to certain relative or designated caregivers.

HB 1473 would require Texas' Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to provide monetary assistance and support services to relatives or designated caregivers (like grandparents or family friends) caring for children under DFPS supervision. Eligible caregivers must have family incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, with assistance capped at 50% of the daily foster care rate. Support services include case management, referrals to public benefits, family counseling, and child-care expense reimbursement for children under 13 (or 18 with developmental disabilities). Assistance is limited to the first year after the initial payment, with possible six-month extensions for good cause.