Working with Partners
Child Protective Investigations works with many partners to protect children from abuse and neglect and provide services to children and their families. Some of those partners include child welfare boards, law enforcement agencies, children’s advocacy centers, the Forensic Assessment Center Network, and various providers and community partners.
Child Welfare Boards
Many counties provide additional resources to help DFPS meet the needs of children in state care. In Texas, 192 counties have child welfare boards appointed by commissioners’ courts. These boards provide significant support to enhance care and services for children in foster care and their families and help with child abuse prevention efforts. CPI staff regularly sit on child welfare boards as non-voting members.
Law Enforcement
DFPS and law enforcement jointly investigate when there are allegations that children are crime victims and are at immediate risk of death or serious harm. DFPS and law enforcement also work together on cases when children are exposed to the selling or making of drugs. Law enforcement notifies DFPS if they plan to raid a home so DFPS can protect the children. DFPS contacts law enforcement if it finds evidence of a possible crime. DFPS and law enforcement also work together closely on cases involving human trafficking.
Children's Advocacy Centers
Children’s advocacy centers (CACs) provide a safe place where law enforcement officers, DFPS caseworkers and investigators, and other professionals can obtain a forensic interview of children who may be victims of sexual abuse or severe physical abuse, or who witnessed a violent crime. Many CACs also offer services such as counseling, medical exams, and classes for abuse victims and their families. CACs have also partnered with DFPS to train caseworkers on child welfare topics.
Forensic Assessment Center Network (FACN)
CPI works with the Forensic Assessment Center Network to ensure that caseworkers have access to the most current information about abuse and neglect so they can make sure children are safe. The network ensures that pediatric doctors with specialty training in child abuse and neglect are available to review incidents of abuse or neglect, and offer advice and expertise to caseworkers.
Community Partners Programs
Rainbow rooms help meet the critical needs of abused and neglected children and their families. These resource rooms supply a variety of items such as car seats, clothing, shoes, underwear, baby formula, school supplies, and safety and hygiene items to families and children who need them. This service promotes the well-being of children and often helps caseworkers engage parents.