Services
Investigations
State law requires anyone who believes a child is being abused or neglected to report it so DFPS can investigate. Child Protective Investigations (CPI) caseworkers interview children, parents, and others who know about the family to help determine if abuse or neglect happened, if children are safe, and to gauge the risk of further harm. CPI caseworkers also consider physical evidence such as injuries, drug abuse, and other factors such as lack of food or medical care. If needed, CPI caseworkers may refer families to services to help stabilize the family and address their needs. However, if services are not enough to make a child safe, CPI may ask a judge to remove the child from the parents' custody and place the child in a relative’s care or in foster care.
For more information, see Child Protective Investigations in the CPI Section of the DFPS Data Book.Alternative Response
Alternative Response (AR) is a type of intervention that provides services and support to help families resolve child safety issues and reduces future reports of abuse or neglect. Unlike a traditional investigation, an AR intervention does not name the parent or guardian as a perpetrator (the person who commits abuse or neglect), which can affect future employment. This approach intentionally supports parents by building on existing strengths and family supports to ensure child safety. An AR intervention requires CPI to apply a rigorous screening process to lower priority cases to identify families that may benefit from this approach. Alternative Response was available in most of Texas in FY 2019 with the exception of Harris County.
For more information, see Alternative Response in the CPI Section of the DFPS Data Book.