Handbook Revision, August 1, 2023
These revisions of the Child Protective Services Handbook were published on August 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
3-Day Medical Exam (PATS 13977)
This handbook revision updates policy on the 3-Day Medical Exam. Only children who meet certain criteria will receive the exam rather than all children receiving it.
See:
11211 3-Day Medical Exam
Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) Age and Finances (PATS 14001)
This handbook revision ensures compliance with House Bill 2969, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session. HB 2969 prohibits DFPS, child placing agencies, and single source continuum contractors from implementing and enforcing any policies that do the following:
- Set a maximum age limit for any prospective adoptive parent.
- Set a maximum age differential between a child and any prospective adoptive parent.
See:
7222 Age and Finances
Child Protective Investigations Revisions
Assessment of Ongoing Child Safety (PATS 13920)
To align policy 2274 with 2230, this revision updates 2274 to include wording about when and when not to run criminal history checks on a child who is an alleged victim and also an alleged perpetrator.
See:
2274 Assessment of Ongoing Child Safety
Memorandum of Understanding (PATS 13930)
This new policy describes what a memorandum of understanding (MOU) is and why it is used.
See:
1190 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)