Child Protective Services Handbook Revision December 2012
This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on December 1, 2012. Summaries of new or revised items are provided below.
Caregiver Access to Caseworker and Unit Management
General Updates of Investigation Policy
Guidelines for Preplacement Visits
Offenses From the Texas Penal Code
Caregiver Access to Caseworker and Unit Management (PATS 5692)
The items below are revised to remove the requirement that a caseworker return contact from caregiver within 24 hours. Response within 24 hours is optimal, but not required. See:
6313 Child or Youth Access to Caseworker and Unit Management
6313.1 Explaining How to Obtain Immediate Assistance
6313.2 Responding to a Message From a Child or Youth
6421 Caregiver Access to Caseworker and Unit Management
General Updates of Investigation Policy (PATS 5604)
The items below are updated to incorporate legislative updates and changes to the Texas Administrative Code, and update terminology. See:
2240 Investigative Interviews
2240.1 Limited English Proficiency and Clients With Communication Disabilities
2241 Interviews With Alleged Victims
2241.1 Obtaining Consent to Interview
2241.2 Basic Requirements During the Interview
2242 Interviews With Other Children in the Home
2245 Visits to the Home
2245.1 Consent to Enter a Home
2245.11 Caseworker Requests Permission to Enter a Home
2245.12 Who Has the Authority to Give Consent to Enter the Home
2245.15 Withdrawal of Consent
The appendix below is deleted:
Appendix 2240: Standards for Investigators of Child Abuse
Guidelines for Preplacement Visits (PATS 5857)
The appendix below is deleted as part of the CPS Overhaul.
Appendix 6123.2: Guidelines for Preplacement Visits
Offenses From the Texas Penal Code (PATS 5882)
An attachment to the appendix below is replaced.
Appendix 4525: Offenses From the Texas Penal Code