Handbook Revision, August 1, 2019
This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on August 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
Family Reunification and Risk Reassessment (PATS 11407)
CPS uses Structured Decision Making (SDM) tools to support casework decisions. This policy revision reflects that CPS is starting to use two more tools from the SDM suite. The Reunification Assessment tool supports the caseworker’s decision whether to reunify a child with the parent, by looking at safety, risk, and quality of visitation. The Risk Reassessment tool assesses risk and the need for continued services when DFPS has returned a child home.
Several items have been renumbered to accommodate new policy. Items 6530 through 6544 (now items 6540 through 6554) have no policy changes, but they were updated to reflect current editorial styles and for consistency with the rest of the section.
See:
6500 Family Reunification
6510 Completing a Reunification Assessment Tool
6520 6510 Starting Initiating the Reunification Process
6521 6511 Reunification Staffing
6530 6520 Returning When a Child Is Returned
6531 6521 Providing Services and Ensuring Child Safety Aafter a Child Returns Home Is Returned
6540 6530 Maintaining Contact with the Family Families When a Children Is Are Returned Home
6541 6531 Initial Visit
6550 6540 Conducting Follow-up Visits Wwith the Family When a Children Is Are Returned Home
6551 6541 Preparing for the Visit
6552 6542 Conducting the Visit
6552.1 6542.1 During the Visit
6553 6543 Assessing the Visit
6554 6544 Following Up
6560 Completing a Risk Reassessment Tool
6570 6550 Tasks Required Before Closing a Case with a Child in the a Parent’s Home
6571 6551 Tasks Required before Dismissal
6572 6552 Tasks Required before Closure
6573 6553 Approval for Case Closure
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Definitions of Terms
Child Protective Investigations Revision
No CPI revisions were published on this date.