Handbook Revision, March 1, 2019
This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on March 1, 2019.
On September 1, 2017, the investigations branch of CPS became a separate division named Child Protective Investigations (CPI). Until CPI develops its own policy handbook, investigation policies and procedures will remain in the CPS handbook.
See:
Child Protective Services Revision
Child Protective Investigations Revision
CPS wants to make sure that the 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 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 about specific cases, please contact the caseworker or supervisor, or the Office of Consumer Relations at 1-800-720-7777.
Child Protective Services Revision
Medicaid Funding for Youth in Juvenile Detention Facilities (PATS 11197)
Life Skills Training (PATS 11217)
Divorce Waiver Policy (PATS 11337)
U Visa Applications (PATS 11382)
Child Protective Investigations Revision
Providing Medical Consent for Care Withheld Because of Legitimate Religious Beliefs (PATS 11457)
Administrative Review of Investigation Findings (PATS 11282)
Child Protective Services Revision
Medicaid Funding for Youth in Juvenile Detention Facilities (PATS 11197)
This policy revision states that Medicaid ends for a youth when authorities place him or her in a locked facility (such as a detention center or jail). This revision also addresses who pays for a youth’s medical care (instead of Medicaid), under certain circumstances. The CPS Federal/State Support Division says this policy revision is necessary to satisfy federal requirements.
See:
6822.1 Pre-Adjudication Detention Before an Adjudication (Court Decision) Hearing
6822.11 Documenting IMPACT Living Arrangement in IMPACT s and Medicaid Eligibility Issues
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6822.13 Providing Medical Care Medical Payment Issue for Non Medicaid CPS Youth in JPD placements
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6822.3 When a Youth Is in Juvenile Probation Department (JPD) Custody or on JPD Probation
6822.31 Providing Medical Care for a to Youth Adjudicated to in JPD Custody or on JPD Probation
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6823 When a Youth Is in Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) Custody in a Secure Facility or on TJJD Parole
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6823.2 Providing Medical Care for a to Youth in TJJD Custody or on TJJD Parole
Life Skills Training (PATS 11217)
This policy revision addresses a legislative change due to an identified need as part of the State Business Plan to increase the number of youth who complete life skills training.
See:
10222 Life Skills Training
Divorce Waiver Policy (PATS 11337)
This revision adds specific information that CPS must share with a court when CPS approves a waiver of the divorce requirement.
See:
7223.22 Requesting a Waiver of the Divorce Requirement for Adoptive Parents
U Visa Applications (PATS 11382)
The item below is updated to clarify that the purpose of forwarding U Visa requests to state office is to ensure consistent responses.
External stakeholders interpreted previous policy to mean that state office would process the request. The intent of forwarding the request to state office is to ensure that a consistent message is provided to the requestor. Regional staff must not attempt to respond to the request.
See:
6733 U Visa Certification Requests
Child Protective Investigations Revision
At the time of this publication the policy being followed by the new Child Protective Investigations (CPI) program is published in handbooks owned by the programs of which CPI was previously a part.
Providing Medical Consent for Care Withheld Because of Legitimate Religious Beliefs (PATS 11457)
This revision clarifies when DFPS may consent to medical care for a child whose parent or guardian previously denied care for religious reasons.
See:
2362 Religion
Administrative Review of Investigation Findings (PATS 11282)
This policy revision reflects legislative changes to Texas Family Code §261.002(b)(3) and other updates to the procedures for conducting an administrative review of investigation findings (ARIF).
See:
1260 Administrative Review of Investigation Findings (ARIF)
1261 Determining Eligibility and Notifying the Requester
1261.1 Determining Initial Eligibility
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1262 Delaying the ARIF Because of a Court Case or Criminal Investigation
1262.1 Notifying the Requester of the ARIF Delay
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1263 Conducting the ARIF Meeting
1263.1 Notifying People the Requester and CPS Staff of the ARIF Meeting
1263.2 Holding the ARIF Meeting
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1265 Documenting the ARIF Decision and Change of Allegations in IMPACT
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1265.5 Changing the Severity of a Confirmed Allegation to or Fromfrom “Fatal”
1266 Sending Notification of the Written Decision
1266.1 Notifying the Requester of the Decision
1266.2 Notifying the Parent or / Guardian and Reporter of the Decision
1266.3 Preparing and Sending Accessing, Processing, and Filing Notification Letters
1267 Providing an ARIF During the Release-Hearing Process
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1280 Reviews by the Office of Consumer Relations (OCR) Affairs
1281 Overview of the OCR Review Process
1282 Regional Responsibilities
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1296.2 Timing of Sending Notices Letters and Updating IMPACT