Handbook Revision, March 11, 2021

This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on March 11 2021.

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 Revisions

Child Protective Investigations Revisions

Child Protective Services Revisions

Obtaining Qualified Interpreters (PATS 12444)

This policy revision adds the following:

  • Language and information about interpreter qualifications and certification.
  • Information on how to file a complaint if an interpreter is not meeting clients’ needs.

See:

1251.6 Sign Language Interpreter Requirements during CPS DFPS Interventions

1251.61 Obtaining Qualified Interpreters

Eligibility for Child Protective Services (PATS 12992)

The sections below are being updated to reflect current definitions and practices and to mirror relevant policy updates in other sections of the handbook.

See:

1500 Eligibility for Child Protective Services

1510 Foster Care Assistance

1511 Applying for Foster Care Assistance

1512 Determining Eligibility

1512.1 Consistency With Income and Resources Information

1512.2 Unknown Family Income on the Foster Care Assistance Application

1512.3 Zero Family Income on the Foster Care Assistance Application

1513 Data Broker

1514 Annual Review of Eligibility

1515 Notifications to SSA and Use of the Wire Third Party Query System

1516 Foster Care Eligibility Case Record

1520 Obtaining Certified Birth Certificates and Screen-Printing Birth Records Screenshots

1521 Requesting Certified Birth Certificates

1521.1 Requesting Birth Certificates for Children Born in Texas

1521.2 Requesting Birth Certificates for Children Born in Texas for Adoption Purposes

1521.3 Requesting Out-of-State Birth Certificates

1521.4 Requesting International Birth Certificates

1521.5 Request Reimbursement if Personal Funds Must Be Used to Obtain Certificate

1530 Foster Care Assistance Eligibility Requirements for Children and Youth Who Are in DFPS Conservatorship

1531 General Foster Care Assistance Eligibility Requirements

1531.1 General Eligibility Requirements for Title IV-E and State-Paid Foster Care

1531.11 Responsibility for Placement and Care

1531.12 Age

1531.13 Placement Facility

1531.14 Social Security Number

1531.15 Young Adults and DADS

1531.2 General Eligibility Requirements for MAO Foster Care

1532 Additional Eligibility Requirements for Title IV-E Foster Care

1532.1 Judicial Determinations

1532.2 Citizenship or Immigration Status

1532.3 Social Security Number

1532.4 Valid Removal from the Home

1532.5 Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) Requirements

1533 Requirements When IV-E Children are in a Non-IV-E Placement

1533.1 Trial Home Visits/Monitored Returns

1533.2 Placements Outside the Scope of Foster Care

1534 Additional Eligibility Requirements for State-Paid Foster Care

1535 Medical Coverage for Children in Foster Care

1535.1 Medicaid Eligibility Types

1535.2 Medical Assistance Only (MAO) Auto-Eligibility

1535.3 MAO Coverage for Children Placed in Kinship, Relative, or Own Home Placement

1535.4 MAO Coverage for Children in Adoptive Placements

1535.5 MAO Coverage for Children in Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) Placements

1536 Eligibility in Medical Facilities Before Placement

1537 Foster Care Payments During Absences From Foster Care Placements

1538 Medicaid Benefits for Foster Care Children Placed in Texas From Other States

1539 Medicaid Benefits for Foster Care Children Placed Out of State

1540 Foster Care Assistance Eligibility Requirements for Young Adults Formerly in DFPS Conservatorship

1541 Extended Foster Care Assistance

1542 Return for Extended Foster Care

1543 Payment for Long-Term Care in Adulthood

1543.1 Youth Age 18 or Older in Voluntary Foster Care: Signing Over SSI and RSDI Benefits

1544 Medicaid for Young Adults Who Age Out of Foster Care

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Appendix 1530-F: Categorical Requirements for AFDC: A. Removal Requirements

Child Protective Investigations Revisions

None