Child Protective Services Handbook Revision September 2012
This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on September 4, 2012. Summaries of new or revised items are provided below.
CPS Overhaul: Updates to Documentation of Investigations in IMPACT
CPS Overhaul: Release Hearings
CPS Overhaul: Updates to Documentation of Investigations in IMPACT (PATS 5582)
The appendices below, revised as part of the CPS Handbook Overhaul project, are updated to include legislative updates, TAC corrections, and legacy clean up language. See:
Appendix 2284.12-A: Adding, Deleting, and Changing Allegations in the Investigation Stage
Appendix 2284.12-B: Correcting Information in Intake Allegations
Appendix 2284.12-E: Child Under Age 10 Incorrectly Named as Alleged Perpetrator in Intake Allegation (Case Scenario)
CPS Overhaul: Release Hearings (PATS 5167)
The items below are revised and added to:
• decentralize the release process by changing the authority for approval to proceed with a release from state office to the managing regional attorney and regional director for the region that issued the finding of abuse or neglect;
• allow release when there is a risk of harm to vulnerable adults, as well as children;
• expand the outside parties to whom findings can be released to include licensing boards, as well as employers and other entities that have control over a designated perpetrator’s access to children and vulnerable adults;
• make available standardized letters related to the release process that will be accessible on the intranet desktop (Smiley icon);
• simplify the notice process by deleting:
• any requirement for the designated perpetrator to pay for a copy of the investigation record, and
• the DFPS discretionary administrative review requirement for a release;
• clarify that the designated perpetrator is responsible for notifying DFPS of any change in address.
This information was distributed to CPS staff with the issuance of PSA 12-072 on 3/19/2012.
See:
2293 Release Hearings
2293.1 Definitions
2293.2 Release on a Non-Emergency or an Emergency Basis
2293.21 Non-Emergency Release
2293.22 Emergency Release
2293.3 Providing Notice to Designated Perpetrators of DFPS’s Decision to Release the Findings
2293.31 Notice Templates
2293.32 Certified Mail
2293.33 What the Notice Must Include
2293.4 Designated Perpetrator Does Not Request a Release Hearing
2293.41 Notifications
2293.5 Preparing for and Scheduling Release Hearings
2293.51 When DFPS May Schedule a Release Hearing
2293.52 After a Designated Perpetrator Requests a Release Hearing
2293.6 Release Hearing Conduct and Decisions
2293.61 Decisions
2293.62 Timing of Sending Notice Letters and Updating IMPACT
2293.63 Appeal of the Decision
2293.64 Notification of Court Decisions
2293.65 Regional Actions if Finding Is Sustained (Upheld)
2293.66 Regional Actions if Finding Is Reversed or Altered
2293.7 Designated Perpetrator Does Not Appear at the Release Hearing
Appendix 2293.1: Additional Procedures for Release to Licensing Boards
Appendix 2293.2: When to Use Templates for Release Hearing Notice Letters
Correction
The item below was deleted from the handbook on August 21, 2012. It was an inaccurate duplication of policy published in 4211.1 Disallowing Placements into Foster Homes. Deleted:
4273 Disallowing Placements into Foster Homes