Child Protective Services Handbook Revision December 2012

This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on December 1, 2012. Summaries of new or revised items are provided below.

Caregiver Access to Caseworker and Unit Management

General Updates of Investigation Policy

Guidelines for Preplacement Visits

Offenses From the Texas Penal Code

Caregiver Access to Caseworker and Unit Management (PATS 5692)

The items below are revised to remove the requirement that a caseworker return contact from caregiver within 24 hours. Response within 24 hours is optimal, but not required. See:

6313 Child or Youth Access to Caseworker and Unit Management

6313.1 Explaining How to Obtain Immediate Assistance

6313.2 Responding to a Message From a Child or Youth

6421 Caregiver Access to Caseworker and Unit Management

General Updates of Investigation Policy (PATS 5604)

The items below are updated to incorporate legislative updates and changes to the Texas Administrative Code, and update terminology. See:

2240 Investigative Interviews

2240.1 Limited English Proficiency and Clients With Communication Disabilities

2241 Interviews With Alleged Victims

2241.1 Obtaining Consent to Interview

2241.2 Basic Requirements During the Interview

2242 Interviews With Other Children in the Home

2245 Visits to the Home

2245.1 Consent to Enter a Home

2245.11 Caseworker Requests Permission to Enter a Home

2245.12 Who Has the Authority to Give Consent to Enter the Home

2245.15 Withdrawal of Consent

The appendix below is deleted:

Appendix 2240: Standards for Investigators of Child Abuse

Guidelines for Preplacement Visits (PATS 5857)

The appendix below is deleted as part of the CPS Overhaul.

Appendix 6123.2: Guidelines for Preplacement Visits

Offenses From the Texas Penal Code (PATS 5882)

An attachment to the appendix below is replaced.

Appendix 4525: Offenses From the Texas Penal Code