Handbook Revision, February 1, 2023
These revisions of the Child Protective Services Handbook were published on February 1, 2023.
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
Personal Documents Provided to Youth (PATS 13790)
HB 700 of the 87th Legislature put into law certain requirements for youth in foster care regarding receiving their personal documents in encrypted emails, storing them in a safe place, and proof of Medicaid insurance card. The changes to policy, resource guide, and a form are part of these requirements.
Note: The form will become a separate policy alert.
See:
6452 Personal Documents Provided to Youth
6452.1 Personal Documents Provided to Youth before Age 16
6452.2 Personal Documents Provided to Youth before Age 18
6452.3 Documentation Requirements for Personal Documents
Weapons in Foster or Adoptive Homes (PATS 13854)
This handbook revision adds a policy on weapons, firearms, explosive materials, and projectiles in foster or adoptive homes. This new policy is necessary to comply with HHSC Child Care Regulation’s updated Minimum Standards for Child Placing Agencies.
See:
7644 Weapons, Firearms, Explosive Materials, and Projectiles
Child Protective Investigations Revisions
Requirements for the Adversary Hearing (PATS 13755)
HB 567 Update: Policy is being updated to match statute that child placement with the other parent is a form of reasonable effort, when staff are considering removal of a child from a one parent household. Policy is being updated to state that child placement with the other parent should be considered in lieu of removal, unless there is a continuing danger to the child to be placed there. Policy is also being updated to state the removal affidavit or petition should include, as part of reasonable efforts, any efforts the investigator made to place the child with the other parent and why that cannot be done.
See:
5431.1 Evidence Required on Request Prior to Adversary Hearing
5431.11 Required Information Provided to the Court before the Adversary Hearing
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5431.3 Standard of Proof in an Adversary Hearing
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5431.5 Temporary Visitation Schedule