What is CANS?
The Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment is designed to empower children, youth, and families to meet needs and build upon strengths.
Watch one of the following videos to learn more:
What is the CANS 3.0 assessment?
Since January 1, 2025, DFPS has used an enhanced CANS 3.0 assessment tool for all children, youth, and young adults in DFPS conservatorship who are 3 years of age and older. The CANS 3.0 replaced the CANS 2.0 assessment that was previously used.
As part of the T3C System, this enhanced CANS 3.0 Assessment (customized based on the prior CANS 2.0) will be conducted at different stages of a child’s case and will be used to help inform which one of the twenty-four T3C Service Packages is recommended to meet the child’s unique needs.
What are the differences between the CANS 2.0 and CANS 3.0?
The CANS 3.0 will look very similar to the CANS 2.0 with the addition of two new modules, Medical Health and Exploitation.
If I am already certified to administer the CANS 2.0, do I need to get re-certified in the CANS 3.0?
Current providers who administer the CANS may continue to complete CANS 3.0 Assessments under their current CANS 2.0 certification. These providers will be required to re-certify with the CANS 3.0 through the TCOM website when their next annual CANS certification is due.
How will a caregiver know how to schedule a CANS assessment for a child under their care?
As children begin moving into T3C placements, CANS 3.0 assessments will become the responsibility of either DFPS or SSCC CANS Assessors, based on the child’s legal DFPS region or Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) catchment area. DFPS or SSCC CANS Assessors will reach out directly to the child’s caregiver to schedule and complete the CANS 3.0 assessment.
For children who have NOT moved into a T3C placement, caregivers will follow the normal process of scheduling a CANS assessment through STAR Health, though the CANS 3.0 tool will be used.
How frequently are CANS assessments done for children in DFPS Conservatorship?
How frequently the CANS assessment is completed is based on several factors, including the child’s age, acuity of need, and the type of services being offered. Please review the CANS Periodicity Schedule for detailed information.
Where can I find more information and CANS 3.0 resources?
For questions related to T3C, please email DFPSTexasChildCenteredCare@dfps.texas.gov.
For questions related to the CANS 3.0 or eCANS, please email CANS@dfps.texas.gov.
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