Child Protective Services

Handbook Revision, September 2016

This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on September 1, 2016.

CPS wants to ensure that the general public understands what critical actions caseworkers are required to perform and why. To further this understanding, CPS has set up a policy e-mail box for the general public: CPSPolicyQuestions@dfps.texas.gov. Please feel free to contact us, via this email address, with any general questions related to policy.

For questions or concerns regarding specific cases, please contact the caseworker or supervisor, or the Office of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-720-7777.

Dispositions

FAD Policy Regarding Foster and Adoptive Home Closures, Application Denials, and Administrative/Peer Reviews

Dispositions (PATS 9397)

The items below are revised to:

  •  change “preponderance of information” to “preponderance of evidence;” and

  •  add clarification to the disposition Unable to Determine that it should be used when the allegation does not meet criteria for Reason to Believe, Ruled Out,or Unable to Complete, but does meet certain other criteria.

See:

2280 Disposition

2281 Reaching Dispositions for the Allegations and Alleged Perpetrators

2281.1 Administrative Closure

2281.2 Reason to Believe

2281.3 Ruled Out

2281.4 Unable to Complete

2281.5 Unable to Determine

FAD Policy Regarding Foster and Adoptive Home Closures, Application Denials, and Administrative/Peer Reviews (PATS 8982)

This revision updates FAD's policies regarding foster and adoptive home closures, application denials, and administrative and peer reviews. The revised policy ensures that foster and adoptive applicants and parents receive due process if adverse action is taken against them. See:

7510 When an Application to Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent Is Denied

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7623 Inactive Foster Homes

7623.1 Documenting an Inactive Home

7623.2 Contact With an Inactive Foster Home

7623.21 Training Requirements for an Inactive Foster Home

7623.22 Background Checks for Inactive Status Foster Homes

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7626.3 Closing a Foster Home

7626.4 7626.3 Foster Families that Adopt

7626.5 7626.4 Supervision of Children Receiving Treatment Services

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7627.3 Inactive Adoptive Homes

7627.31 Contact with an Inactive Adoptive Home

7627.4 Closing an Adoptive Home

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7740 7820 Administrative Review

7741 7821 Peer Review Appeal Process for DFPS Verified Foster Parents

7820 Administrative Review

7821 Peer Review Appeal Process for DFPS Verified Foster Parents

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Appendix 7740: Production of FAD Administrative Review Records for Foster and Adoptive Parents [new appendix]