Handbook Revision, May 1, 2024
These revisions of the Child Protective Services Handbook were published on May 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
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Title IV-E Benefits for Children in Foster Care (PATS 13603)
This handbook revision updates policies relating to Title IV-E and SSI benefits for children who are dually eligible for these benefits. The updated policies provide guidance to staff on the appropriate claiming of Title IV-E, the children’s SSI funds, and keeping children’s SSI benefits under the Social Security Administration’s SSI resources limit.
See:
1570 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Children in Foster Care
1571 Effect of SSI Eligibility on Title IV-E Foster Care
1571.1 Receiving SSI or Title IV-E Benefits
1571.2 Changes Affecting SSI and/or Title IV-E Benefit Claiming
1572 Effect of SSI Eligibility on State-Paid Foster Care
1573 Effect of SSI Eligibility on MAO Foster Care
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1581.7 SSI Resources Limit
1581.8 1581.7 SSI Overpayments
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1582.2 Step 2: Maintain Funds in a Savings Account
Training Requirements (PATS 14050)
This handbook revision updates policy to reflect the correct number of required training hours for foster parents.
See:
7521 Annual Training Requirements for Foster Parents
Placement Team Searches for Placement Options (PATS 14067)
This handbook revision updates policy to ensure that placement staff are clear about not placing children in foster homes with substantiated findings of abuse or neglect, even if there is an approved risk evaluation.
See:
4211.2 Placement Team Searches for Placement Options
New Intake Received during Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS) (PATS 14074)
This handbook revision updates policy about new intakes received during open FBSS cases.
See:
12910 New Intake Received on Opening an Investigation While an Open FBSS Case is Open
The Kinship Development Worker Policy (PATS 14077)
This handbook revision updates policy about the kinship development worker’s role and responsibilities.
See:
6640 The Kinship Development CasewWorker
6641 Duties of the Kinship Development Worker
6642 Services and Initial Contact with the Kinship Caregiver
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6645 Conducting the Kinship Caregiver Visit
Financial Responsibility (PATS 14080)
This handbook revision adds a new policy about how DFPS helps youth become financially responsible.
See:
6457 Financial Responsibility
Youth’s Personal Bank Account (PATS 14085)
This handbook revision updates policy about a youth’s income and eligibility for Supplemental Security Income benefits.
See:
1578 Personal Bank Accounts for Youth Money Earned by Foster Children From Full- or Part-Time Employment
Texas Foster Care Handbook (PATS 14159)
This new policy directs Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) workers to discuss the Texas Foster Care Handbook with youth and states requirements for this discussion.
See:
10214 Review of the Texas Foster Care Handbook
Staff Administers Medications (PATS 14164)
This handbook revision clarifies the use of certain forms when DFPS or SSCC staff or a contracted registered nurse administers medication to a child without placement.
See:
11310 If DFPS or SSCC Staff Administers Medications
Texas Foster Care Handbook Update (PATS 14169)
This edit provides clarity for Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) in Child Protective Services (CPS) and Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC).
See:
6421 Texas Foster Care Handbook
Child Protective Investigations Revisions
Home Visits (PATS 13986)
This policy update clarifies that when a caseworker conducts a home visit, the caseworker must only photograph the home where abuse or neglect is alleged.
See:
2250 Home Visits
2251 Safe Sleep