Relating to prohibiting the dismissal of certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship involving the Department of Family and Protective Services.

SB 2165 prevents courts from dismissing certain custody cases involving the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) when a child is missing from their foster care placement. It amends Texas Family Code to require courts to retain jurisdiction and not dismiss these cases if a child is reported missing from a substitute care provider (like foster care). The bill specifically applies to cases where the child is either in juvenile justice custody or missing from care, unless the child is adopted or custody is awarded to someone other than DFPS. This change takes effect September 1, 2025, ensuring ongoing court oversight for vulnerable children in these specific situations.