Handbook Revision, July 1, 2024
These revisions of the Child Protective Services Handbook were published on July 1, 2024.
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
Transferring a Case from Alternative Response or Investigation to Family Based Safety Services (PATS 14150)
This handbook revision updates policy to reflect correct time frames and clarify what stage of service a referral to FBSS can come from.
See:
12310 Transferring a Case from Alternative Response or Investigation to in Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
Provide and Discuss the Placement Summary (PATS 14155)
This handbook revision makes minor revisions related to storing forms related to the placement summary.
See:
4133 Provide and Discuss the Placement Summary (Form 2279)
Notification of Rights (PATS 14176)
This handbook revision adds a new section about notifying relevant parties of their rights before being interviewed by staff. It aligns policy with House Bill 730, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.
See:
12216 Notification of Rights
Notification of Parent's Rights (PATS 14200)
This handbook revision adds a new section about notifying relevant parties of their rights before being interviewed by staff. It aligns policy with House Bill 730, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.
See:
6126 Notification of Rights of a Parent
6127 6126 Case Conference and Supportive Supervision in CVS, Local Permanency, and Kinship
Maintaining a Current Photograph of a Child (PATS 14224)
This handbook revision updates policy about maintaining a current photograph of a child and filing external documentation.
See:
6133.73 Maintaining Current Photograph of a Child
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6134 External Documentation
Child Protective Investigations Revisions
Notification of a Report Involving a Child in DFPS Conservatorship (PATS 14135)
This handbook revision aligns this policy with 2231 Initial Tasks Involving a Child in DFPS Conservatorship. The revised policy clarifies that:
- A staffing must include the CPI and CVS or SSCC program directors when a safety concern has been identified or either stage of service is staffing for legal intervention.
- A request for a staffing may be made to the child safety specialist if further review, discussion, or guidance is needed.
See:
2151 Notification of a Report Involving a Child in DFPS Conservatorship
Communication Between Stages When New Intake Involves Same Principal (PATS 14136)
This handbook revision updates policy about required notifications when a principal in an investigation is also a principal in an open Family Preservation, Family Substitute, Substitute Care, or Family Reunification stage.
See:
2231 Communication Between Stages When New Intake Involves Same Principal Initial Tasks Involving a Child in DFPS Conservatorship