Handbook Revision, May 3, 2021
These revisions of the Child Protective Services Handbook were published on May 3, 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
CPI Release Hearings (PATS 12512)
This update streamlines the section of policy about the release hearing process.
See:
1290 Release Hearings When CPI Releases Investigation Findings
1291 Definitions Related to Release Hearings Factors CPI Considers When Deciding Whether Release Is Necessary
1292 Release on a Non-Emergency or an Emergency Basis
1292.1 Non-Emergency Release
1292.2 Emergency Release
1292 Approval before Releasing Information
1293 Providing Notice to Designated Perpetrators of DFPS’s Decision to Release the Findings Release of Designated Perpetrator Information
1293.1 Notice Templates Notice to Perpetrator
1293.2 Certified Mail Emergency Release to Outside Entity
1293.3 What the Notice Must Include
1294 Designated Perpetrator Does Not Request a Release Hearing Release of Sustained Perpetrator Information When Release Hearing Is Waived
1294.1 Notifications
1295 Release of Sustained Perpetrator Information When Release Hearing Occurs
1295.1 1295 Preparing for and Scheduling Release Hearings Preparation for and Scheduling of a Release Hearing
1295.1 When DFPS May Schedule a Release Hearing
1295.2 After a Designated Perpetrator Requests a Release Hearing
1295.2 1296 Release Hearing Conduct and Decisions Procedures for a Release Hearing
1295.3 1296.1 Decisions an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Can Make
1295.4 Notification of SOAH Decision to DFPS and Perpetrator
1295.5 Appeal of the Decision
1295.6 Required Regional Actions after Final SOAH Decision
1295.61 Regional Actions on Sustained Findings
1295.62 Regional Actions on Overturned or Altered Findings after an Emergency Release
1295.63 1296.2 Timing of Sending Notices and Updating IMPACT
1296.3 Appeal of the Decision
1296.4 Notification of Court Decisions
1296.5 Regional Actions if Finding Is Sustained (Upheld)
1296.6 Regional Actions if Finding Is Reversed or Altered
1296 1297 Release of Sustained Perpetrator Information When Designated Perpetrator Does Not Appear at the Release Hearing
1297 Release of Previously Sustained Perpetrator Information
1298 Appendix 2872 When to Use Templates for Release Hearing Notice Letters Templates for Notice Letters in the Release Hearing Process
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Appendix 2871: Additional Procedures for Release to Licensing Boards
Appendix 2872: When to Use Templates for Release Hearing Notice Letters
Disaster Procedures for FAD Workers (PATS 12993)
CPS is now using the Send Word Now emergency response system for initial contacts with FAD homes during an emergency or disaster. This revision updates directives to match protocols as specifically outlined in new CPS Disaster Protocol documents.
See:
7642.3 Disaster Procedures for FAD Workers
Concurrent Stages (PATS 13307)
Section 12220 now gives direction on when FBSS receives a case from Alternative Response (AR) or CPI through the new concurrent stages process.
Section 12230 now gives staff direction on what circumstances are appropriate for closing a case within 10 days, based on concurrent stages policy.
Section 12510 now includes guidance for staff on when the FSNA is required, based on the concurrent stages process.
There are also additions to policy that reflect recent changes to closure policy in section 12700.
Section 12800 now gives staff updated guidance on FBSS program director involvement, based on practice changes.
See:
12220 Receiving a Case in FBSS from Alternative Response or Investigation
12221 FBSS Actions When the CPI INV or AR and Family Preservation (FPR) Stages Are Open Concurrently
12230 Ten-Day Tasks and Case Decisions
12231 Closing the FBSS Case within Ten Days
12232 Ten-Day Tasks When the FBSS Case Is Remaining Open
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12500 Providing Services in FBSS
12510 Family Strengths and Needs Assessment (FSNA)
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12781 Using Closure Code Services Inappropriate When Closing before Initial Family Plan of Service
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12800 Program Director Involvement in FBSS
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12911 Staffing with Risk Manager
12911 12912 Child Trafficking (Sex and Labor Trafficking)
The section on child trafficking was renumbered but not revised.
Child Protective Investigations Revisions
None