Child Protective Services
Handbook Revision, March 2017
This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on March 1, 2017.
CPS wants to ensure that the general public understands what critical actions caseworkers are required to perform and why. To further this understanding, CPS has set up a policy e-mail box for the general public: CPSPolicyQuestions@dfps.texas.gov. Please feel free to contact us, via this email address, with any general questions related to policy.
For questions or concerns regarding specific cases, please contact the caseworker or supervisor, or the Office of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-720-7777.
Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status
Eligibility for Alternative Response
Citizenship or Qualified Alien Status (PATS 9732)
Revising 1532.2 and Appendix 1531 to clarify required U.S. Citizenship and Qualified Alien status verification for Title IV-E assistance, and the acceptable U.S. citizenship verification documents. See:
1532.2 Citizenship or Qualified Alien Immigration Status
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Appendix 1000-2 1531: Additional Acceptable U.S. Citizenship Verification Documents
Eligibility for Alternative Response (PATS 9812)
This item is revised to clarify the types of cases eligible for Alternative Response. See:
2610 Eligibility for Alternative Response
Out of State FAD Homes (PATS 9822)
The item below is revised to add policy on when to create a FAD stage for a foster family that is moving away from Texas. See:
7624.2 When Foster Families Move Out of State
Face-to-Face Visits (PATS 9952)
If the child is able to communicate verbally, face-to-face visits must include quality time with the child alone and in privacy away from the caregiver, such as away from the home or in a separate room. The item below is revised to clarify this applies to all contacts with the child. See:
6411.2 Frequency of Face-to-Face Visits