1000 Overview
1100 History
OCA July 2018
State law requires that DFPS establish a statewide system to receive, respond to, and catalog complaints against DFPS.
Texas Human Resources Code §40.0041
1200 The Mission of the Office of Consumer Affairs
OCA July 2018
The Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) acts as a neutral party in reviewing formal complaints about case-specific activities of the DFPS program areas to determine whether agency policies were followed. OCA respects every person’s right to make those complaints and be treated with dignity.
The mission of OCA is to address consumers’ complaints in an unbiased manner and to work with DFPS administration to identify areas of concern that require the improvement of DFPS services.
DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §702.801(a)
1300 Relationship With the Health and Human Services Commission Office of the Ombudsman
OCA July 2018
In accordance with the memorandum of understanding between DFPS and the Health and Human Service Commission (HHSC), both agencies will collaborate and coordinate closely regarding access to support areas, including the HHSC Office of the Ombudsman and the Foster Care Ombudsman.
1400 Methods of Informing Consumers About Filing Complaints
OCA July 2018
OCA must notify the public, consumers, service recipients, and elected officials of the right to make a complaint against DFPS and the role of OCA in resolving complaints.
OCA publicizes the procedures for filing a case-specific complaint in:
• signs in Spanish and English displayed in DFPS offices;
• a brochure distributed to elected officials;
• program-specific handbooks;
• the DFPS website;
• the Parent’s Guide to DFPS Investigations web page; and
• the Texas Foster Care Handbook for Children, Youth, and Young Adults.
DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §702.811
1500 Contact Information
OCA July 2018
OCA can be contacted via:
• Phone (toll-free): 1-800-720-7777
• Fax: 1-512-339-5892
• Email: DFPS Office of Consumer Affairs mailbox
• Online form: Case-Specific Question and Complaint Form (also available in Spanish)
• Standard mail:
Office of Consumer Affairs
Y-946
Department of Family and Protective Services
Post Office Box 149030
Austin, TX 78714-9030
DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §702.821
1600 Confidentiality
OCA July 2018
Strict laws protect the confidentiality of DFPS records. OCA adheres to statutory requirements and DFPS program policy regarding the handling of confidential information. OCA staff notify complainants of the confidential nature of DFPS records when appropriate, and explain that the caller may not be eligible to receive confidential information.
If an attorney makes a complaint or requests an OCA Review on behalf of his or her client, the attorney must provide a release of information document signed by the client giving DFPS permission to share information with the attorney. The document must be on the attorney’s agency letterhead. OCA must receive this form before sharing case-specific information with the attorney.
See 5000 Appealing an Administrative Review of Investigation Findings (ARIF) and its sub-items.
1700 OCA Data Reports
OCA July 2018
OCA maintains information files through an automated tracking system. The tracking system includes a means to retrieve data relating to complaints and inquiries filed with OCA. Data can be retrieved by DFPS program, region, and type of inquiry, including complaints filed by DFPS consumers, the public, elected officials, and other state agencies.
The OCA director provides a written report to the DFPS commissioner and state office managers that analyzes information and data from complaints filed with the OCA. The report includes any areas of concern that are related to DFPS policy and procedure.
DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §702.829
Beginning December 1, 2018, OCA will prepare an annual report relating to the number, nature, and resolution of all contacts with OCA from the year. The report will be posted to the DFPS website and shared with the governor, lieutenant governor, and standing legislative committees with oversight of DFPS.