About the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) was created with the passage of House Bill 2292 by 78th Texas Legislature, Regular Session. Previously called the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, DFPS is charged with protecting children, adults who are elderly or have disabilities living at home or in state facilities, and licensing group day-care homes, day-care centers, and registered family homes.

The agency is also charged with managing community-based programs that prevent delinquency, abuse, neglect and exploitation of Texas children, elderly and disabled adults. The agency's services are provided through its Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, and Child Care Licensing divisions. Prevention and Early Intervention is administered as part of Child Protective Services. Every day, about 10,000 DFPS employees in more than 300 offices across the state protect the physical safety and emotional well-being of the most vulnerable citizens of Texas.

Introduction to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

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DFPS Mission

The mission of The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is to protect children, the elderly, and people with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation by involving clients, families and communities.

DFPS Vision

The Department of Family and Protective Services:

• Is recognized for innovative, effective services;
  
• Builds strong, effective partnerships with clients, communities and state leaders;
  
• Provides effective leadership that is accountable for its actions and communicates openly with clients and stakeholders; and
  
• Supports staff who are highly motivated, diverse, ethical, well trained, and professional.

DFPS Values

• We protect the unprotected.
  
• We involve clients, families and communities in decision-making.
  
• We provide quality services.
  
• We are innovative and strive for excellence.
  
• We are ethical and accountable.
  
• We promote diversity.
  
• We value our staff.

County map of Texas showing DFPS regional boundaries