Handbook Revision, October 2, 2023
These revisions of the Child Protective Services Handbook were published on October 2, 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
CPI Authority to Investigate (PATS 13879)
This policy revision is part of updating policy to align with current practice and protocols.
Section 2121 was updated to clarify what reports are within CPI authority to investigate.
Section 2121.1 was updated to include the protocol for notifying a DFPS or Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) employee that they are being investigated for abuse or neglect of a child, and what actions will be taken against the DFPS or SSCC employee during the course of the investigation.
See:
2121 Reports Wwithin CPI Authority to Investigate
2121.1 DFPS Employee or Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) Abuse or Neglect Investigations
2121.2 Expedited Investigations
Person Characteristics (PATS 13967)
There have been no definitions for person characteristics, though policy exists requiring that these be completed by CPI and CPS caseworkers.
Person characteristics will be defined.
Standardizing person characteristics will ensure that staff know if a trait should be marked for children, youth, parents, or caregivers. This will help identify youth or caregivers who fall into certain categories in all cases.
See:
Appendix 6241.25: Definitions of Person Characteristics for CPS
Child Protective Investigations Revisions
When to Notify a Children’s Advocacy Center about a Report of Abuse or Neglect (PATS 13880)
This handbook revision updates policy on notifying a children’s advocacy center (CAC) about a report of abuse or neglect. It also clarifies that if DFPS cannot reach the CAC or schedule an interview within priority time frames, DFPS staff must assess for child safety.
See:
2232 When to Notify Children Advocacy Centers About Reports of Abuse or Neglect
Luggage Requirement (PATS 14004)
These policy sections were updated to reflect HB 3765 legislative requirement. When a child is initially removed or moved from the assigned placement, the child will be issued luggage to move his or her personal belongings.
See:
4131 Gather the Child or Youth’s Personal Belongings and Important Documents
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Definitions of Terms
Luggage
Interviews and Contact with Alleged Perpetrators, Parents, Legal Guardians, and Other Adults (PATS 14018)
These policy sections were updated to reflect the legislative requirement from House Bill 730, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, about notification, upon first contact, of the rights of alleged perpetrators, parents, legal guardians, and other persons who are the subject of the investigation.
See:
2157.1 Determining Whether Face-to-Face Contact Is Required
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2248 Interviews and Contact with Parents, Alleged Perpetrators, Parents, Legal Guardians, or and Other Adults in the Home Where Abuse or Neglect Is Alleged
2248.1 Interviewing an Alleged Perpetrator, Parents, Legal Guardian, or and Other Adults in the Home Where Abuse or Neglect Is Alleged
2248.11 Interviewing an Alleged Perpetrator
2248.11 Required Notification of Rights
2248.12 Interviewing a Parent or Legal Guardian Who Does Not Live in the Home Where Abuse or Neglect Is Alleged
2248.13 Assessing Communication Needs When Interviewing an Adult
2248.2 Notice of Right to Record an Alleged Perpetrator’s Interview
2248.2 2248.3 Recording Interviews of an Adult
2248.3 2248.4 Obtaining Demographic Information from Principals
2248.4 Determining the Alleged Perpetrator’s Military Status
2248.5 Required Documents to Provide to Parents
2248.5 2248.6 Complaints or Requests for Clarification from the Alleged Perpetrators, or Principal Adults Parent, Legal Guardian, or Other Adult in the Home Where Abuse or Neglect Is Alleged
2248.7 Determining Alleged Perpetrator’s Military Status
PCSP, Court Orders, and CPI Investigations Affected by HB 730 (PATS 14024)
These policy sections were updated to reflect HB 730 legislative requirements regarding:
- Parental Child Safety Placements (FBSS).
- Clarifying requirements for aid to investigate and court-ordered services.
- Reopening of an investigation before or after 60 days.
See:
2243.3 Court Order
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2292.4 Reopening a Closed Investigation
2292.5 Required Notification When Changes Are Made to a Closed Investigation
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2323 Actions Required During a School Investigation
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2612.4 Determining Whether Family Contact Needs to be Made on a New Intake
2622.4 Notifying and Making Face-to-Face Contact with an Involved Parent
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2623.1 Initial Tasks
2623.11 Required Notification of Rights to A Parent or Legal Guardian
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5112 Proof Required to Obtain a Court Order in Aid of Investigation
5113 Notice and Service Requirements for a Court Order
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5131 Approval to Seek a Court Order to Obtain a Parent’s Records or Require an Examination
5132 Proof Required in Support of a Court Order to Obtain a Parent’s Records or Require an Examination
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5160 Requesting a Court Order to Participate in Services
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5162 Process for Obtaining a Court Order to Participate in Services
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12660 Family-Initiated Parental Child Safety Placement (PCSP)
12670 Removing a Child When a Child Is Unsafe