Services
Investigations
State law requires anyone who believes a child is being abused or neglected to report it so DFPS can investigate. Child Protective Investigations (CPI) caseworkers interview children, parents, and others who know about the family to help determine if abuse or neglect happened, if children are safe, and to gauge the risk of further harm. CPI caseworkers also consider physical evidence such as injuries, drug abuse, and other factors such as lack of food or medical care. If needed, CPI caseworkers 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, CPI may ask a judge to remove the child from the parents' custody and place the child in a relative’s care or in foster care.
For more information, see Child Protective Investigations in the CPS Section of the DFPS Data Book.Alternative Response Expands
CPI does Alternative Response (AR) investigations. Alternative Response lets CPI handle less serious allegations of abuse or neglect in a more flexible way than in a traditional investigation – engaging families while still focusing on the safety of the children. AR provides services and support to help families resolve safety issues and reduce future allegations of abuse or neglect. Unlike a traditional investigation, CPI does not name the parent or guardian as a perpetrator (the person who commits abuse or neglect), which can affect future employment.
Alternative Response was available in most of Texas in FY 2018 with the exception of Region 2 (North Texas) and Region 6A (Harris County). AR will be expanded to those areas in FY 2019.
For more information, see Alternative Response in the CPS section of the DFPS Data Book.