CPS Services
Investigations of Child Abuse and Neglect Reports
State law requires anyone who believes a child is being abused or neglected to report it so CPS can investigate. CPS interviews children, parents, and others who know about the family to help determine if abuse or neglect happened, if children are safe, and assess the risk of further harm. CPS investigators also consider physical evidence such as injuries, illegal drug use, and other factors such as insufficient food or the need for medical care. If needed, CPS investigators may refer families to services to help stabilize the family and address their needs. However, if services are not enough to make a child safe, CPS may ask a judge to remove the child from the parents' custody and place the child in a relative’s care or foster care.
Alternative Response
In FY 2015, CPS started using an alternative to traditional investigations in a few parts of the state. Alternative Response lets CPS handle less serious allegations of abuse or neglect in a more flexible way – engaging families while still focusing on the safety of the children. CPS provides services and support to help families resolve safety issues and reduce future involvement with CPS. CPS used Alternative Response in the Amarillo, Laredo, and Dallas areas and plans to use this approach statewide by December 2017.
For more information on CPS investigations, see: DFPS Data Book, pages 39-46 and pages 144-179.
Family-Based Safety Services
CPS provides in-home services to help stabilize families and reduce the risk of future abuse or neglect. Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS) can help avoid the need to remove children from their homes. These services often make it possible for children to return home by helping families understand and protect their children from danger. Services include family counseling, crisis intervention, parenting classes, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence intervention, and day care. Most children receiving these services live at home while CPS works with their families. In some cases, children may live elsewhere, usually with relatives or family friends, until they can safely return home.
For more information on in-home services, see DFPS Data Book, page 45.