Current with legislation from the 2023 Regular and Special Sessions signed by the Governor as of November 21, 2023.
Section 261.502 - Certification of Findings(a) In making the application under this subchapter, the department must certify that: (1) the department has diligently searched for and:(A) was unable to locate the child's parent, legal guardian, or custodian, other than the respondent to the application; or(B) located and provided notice of the proposed application to the child's parent, legal guardian, or custodian, other than the respondent to the application; and(2) if applicable, the relative or caregiver who is jointly filing the petition, or with whom the child would reside following an entry of the protective order, has not abused or neglected the child and does not have a history of abuse or neglect.(b) An application for a temporary ex parte order under Section 261.503 may be filed without making the findings required by Subsection (a) if the department certifies that the department believes there is an immediate danger of abuse or neglect to the child.Added by Acts 2017, Texas Acts of the 85th Leg. - Regular Session, ch. 317,Sec. 14, eff. if a specific appropriation for the implementation of the Act is provided in a general appropriations act of the 85th Legislature.