Handbook Revision, February 1, 2018
This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on February 1, 2018.
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 email 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.
Transferring an Investigations or Alternative Response to FBSS (PATS 10407)
This revision clarifies responsibilities of Investigations, Alternative Response, and FBSS staff during the transfer process. See:
2400 Transferring a Case from Investigation to Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
Child Day Care Services Policy (PATS 10482)
The items below have been revised to remove procedures that are now performed by IMPACT. Mention of programs that no longer exist have been removed.
See:
8235 Child Day Care Services
8235.1 For All Child Day Care Cases
8235.11 Definitions
8235.12 Contracting for Child Day Care
8235.13 Identifying Available Services
8235.14 Availability of Funding for Child Day Care Services
8235.1 Funding Availability for Child Day Care Services
8235.2 8235.15 Authorizing, Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, Terminating, or Changing Services
8235.21 8235.16 Caseworker Worker Responsibilities
8235.22 8235.17 When a Child Care Provider’s Licensing Status Changes
8235.3 8235.2 General Protective Child Day Care
8235.31 8235.21 Determining Eligibility
8235.32 8235.22 Types of Centers That May Be Used
8235.33 8235.23 Resolving Issues of Space
8235.34 8235.24 Authorizing, Reauthorizing, and Terminating Services
8235.4 8235.3 Foster Child Day Care
8235.41 8235.31 Determining Eligibility
8235.42 8235.32 Types of Day Care Centers That May Be Used
8235.43 8235.33 Resolving Issues of Space
8235.44 8235.34 Authorizing, Reauthorizing, and Terminating Services
8235.4 Special Needs Foster Child Day Care
8235.41 Determining Eligibility
8235.42 Types of Centers That May Be Used
8235.43 Authorizing, Reauthorizing, and Terminating Services
8235.5 Kinship Child Day Care
8235.51 Determining Eligibility
8235.52 Types of Centers That May Be Used
8235.53 Resolving Space Issues of Space
8235.54 Initiating, Authorizing, Reauthorizing, and Terminating Services
8235.6 Former CPS Child Day Care – Provided by the Texas Workforce Commission
8235.61 Determining Eligibility
8235.62 Types of Centers That May Be Used
8235.63 Ensuring Continued Care
8235.64 Authorizing Services
8235.6 8235.7 Regional Day Care Coordinator Responsibilities
8235.61 8235.71 Handling Program-Related Duties
8235.72 Handling Fiscal Responsibilities
8235.73 Coordinating With Local Child-Care Management Services (CCMS) Agencies
Appeal Process for a Denied Home Assessment (PATS 10492)
The items below are revised and added pursuant to Senate Bill 879, 85th Regular Legislative Session, describing the policy for conducting an appeal when a potential kinship caregiver is denied a home assessment because of a low-risk criminal offense. See:
6624 Obtaining CPS Approval of the Home Assessment and Placement of a Child in a Kinship Home
6624.1 Appeal Process for Denied Home Assessment
6624. 11 Notifying the Kinship Caregiver of the Appeal Process
6624.12 Conducting the Appeal
6624. 13 Notifying the Kinship Caregiver of the Appeal Determination
6624. 14 Case Documentation
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Appendix 4525: Offenses From the Texas Penal Code
Forensic Assessment Center Network (PATS 10517)
This revision adds policy that:
• Explains the function of the Forensic Assessment Center Network (FACN).
• Provides policy for when and how to make a referral to the FACN.
• Provides policy on documenting results from FACN consultation.
• Provides policy on requesting an extension while waiting for a response from the FACN.
See:
2137 Making a Referral to the Forensic Assessment Center Network
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2291 Submitting an Investigation for Approval