Handbook Revision, June 1, 2018
This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on June 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 Relations at 1-800-720-7777.
Timeframes for Completing a Safety Assessment or Reassessment (PATS 10812)
The item below is revised to include the requirement that before closing an investigation a safety reassessment must be done if:
• the last safety finding was safe; and
• more than 45 days have passed since the last assessment was completed.
See:
2271 Time Frames for Completing a Safety Assessment or Reassessment
Referrals from TJJD About Non-CPS Youth (PATS 10907)
This new policy explains how to handle CRSRs involving youth who
• Are not in the custody of DFPS.
• Are scheduled for release from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD).
• Have no family members who are able to or willing to take the youth into their custody.
This supports an agreement made between Child Protective Investigations and TJJD to assist in looking for placement options before such a youth’s release from TJJD to prevent the need for emergency placements. See:
2354 Referrals from TJJD About Non-CPS Youth
Notification of INV Findings (PATS 10917)
The rules concerning this item (2293) have changed and we are revising the policy to sync up with the rules. The inconsistency between the current rules and out-of-date policy are causing problems in the field. See:
2293 Notification of Investigation Findings
Recording Interviews with an Adult (PATS 10937)
This revision updates the specific circumstances when CPI (Child Protective Investigations) may record an interview with an adult. This is based upon a reasonable need to record and reasoning must be documented in the case record. Notification to the adult should be made prior to the recording and the recording must be maintained in the case record. See:
2246 Interviews and Contact with Parents, Alleged Perpetrators, Other Adults, and Principals
2246.1 Interviewing Parents and Alleged Perpetrators
2246.2 Recording Interviews With an Adult
2246.3 Obtaining Demographic Information from Principals
2246.4 Required Documents to Provide to Parents
2246.5 Complaints or Requests for Clarification from Alleged Perpetrators or Principal Adults