Handbook Revision, October 1, 2024
This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on October 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
Family’s Lack Participation (PATS 14145)
This handbook revision adds policy about the next steps after an attorney representing DFPS denies a caseworker's request for a court order for participation in services.
See:
12580 Family’s Lack of Participation
Criminal and DFPS Background Checks (PATS 14148)
This handbook revision adds policy stating that criminal history is not documented in the IMPACT case management system. This is necessary to comply with House Bill 4123, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.
See:
12621 Criminal and DFPS Background Checks
Constitutional Requirements for Family-Based Safety Services (PATS 14149)
This handbook revision clarifies who can provide consent for certain actions by the caseworker and when consent is needed.
See:
12210 Constitutional Requirements for Family-Based Safety Services
12211 Consent to Enter and Remain in a Family’s Home
12212 Consent to Visually Examine the Child in the Home
12213 Consent to Transport the Child
When a Child Placed in Texas from Another State Is Missing (PATS 14154)
This handbook revision adds new policy about children who are placed in Texas from another from state and go missing.
See:
4531 When a Child in the Custody of Another State is Placed in Texas and is Absent from Their Approved Placement
4531.1 When a Child is Missing from Their Approved Placement in Texas
4531.2 Notification Requirements When a Child is Missing
4531.3 Other Initial Actions
4531.4 When a Missing Child Is Recovered
Residential Treatment Center (RTC) Placement Outside Texas (PATS 14158)
The previous policy is outdated; this edit removes specific items of the current policy and adds new detailed procedures.
See:
4513.7 Placing a Child in a Residential Treatment Center Outside of Texas
Preparing the Family and the Child for the Placement (PATS 14165)
This revision deletes an obsolete link and updates policy to align with current practice for adoptive placements.
See:
6943 Preparing the Family and the Child for the Placement
Pre-Service Training of Foster and Adoptive Homes (PATS 14166)
This handbook revision updates policy about pre-service training before being verified to foster or approved to adopt.
See:
7310 Pre-Service Training of Foster and Adoptive Homes Caregivers
Expenses of Students in DFPS Paid Foster Care (PATS 14208)
This handbook revision updates policy about the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) for students in DFPS paid foster care.
See:
10327.3 Expenses of Students in DFPS Paid Foster Care
Completing the Placement Authorization Form (PATS 14248)
This handbook revision updates policy about uploading placement authorization documentation.
See:
4123.1 Complete the Placement Authorization Form
Documenting the Communication Plan with the Attorney Ad Litem and Guardian Ad Litem (PATS 14264)
This handbook revision deletes policy about documenting the communication plan with the attorney ad litem and guardian at litem and renumbers subsequent sections.
See:
5241.5 Documenting the Communication Plan With the Attorney Ad Litem and Guardian Ad Litem
5241.5 5241.6 Providing Records to the Attorney Ad Litem and Guardian Ad Litem
5241.51 5241.61 Providing Drug or Alcohol Treatment Records
Use of Digital Services by Children in DFPS Conservatorship (PATS 14281)
This policy is needed due to House Bill 18, which went into effect on September 1, 2024. This policy states requirements about the usage of digital services by children in DFPS conservatorship.
See:
6482 Use of Digital Services by Children in DFPS Conservatorship
Medical Consenter for a Child in a General Residential Operation (PATS 14296)
This handbook revision updates policy to clarify that only the DFPS caseworker or supervisor or equivalent staff a Single Source Continuum Contractor can be designated as the primary or backup medical consenter for a child in certain residential facilities.
See:
11113.1 General Residential Operations (GRO) with Shift Staff
Child Protective Investigations Revisions
Interviews with Children (PATS 14174)
This handbook revision updates policy about interviewing children living in the home where abuse or neglect is alleged and interviewing children living elsewhere.
See:
2244 Interviews with Children
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2244.2 Interviewing Other Children Living Outside of the Home Where Abuse or Neglect is Alleged in the Home
Baby Moses (PATS 14177)
This policy revision is part of updating policy to align with current practice and protocols.
The requirement that the child must be left with an employee of a designated emergency infant care (DEIC) provider or placed in a newborn safety device located inside the DEIC provider facility has been added to the Baby Moses Criteria subsection.
See:
2351 Baby Moses