Child Protective Services

Handbook Revision, January 3, 2017

This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on January 3, 2017.

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.

Administrative Review of Investigation Findings (ARIF)

End of Life Decisions

Delete Appendix 3120

Eligibility Requirements for State-Paid Foster Care

Administrative Review of Investigation Findings (ARIF) (PATS 9517)

This revision makes minor changes to procedure steps to bring in line with current procedure. It includes global replacements of term “convener” with “resolution specialist” and “CAPS” system with “IMPACT” system. See:

1260 Administrative Review of Investigation Findings

1261 Determining Eligibility and Notifying the Requester Determination and Notice of Eligibility

1261.1 Determining Initial Eligibility Initial Determination of Eligibility

1261.2 Notifying the Requester of Initial Eligibility Determination Notice of Initial Eligibility Determination

1262 Delaying the ARIF Conditions Allowing a Delay of the ARIF

1262.1 Notifying the Requester of the ARIF Delay Notice of Delay of ARIF

1262.2 Determining Eligibility and Notifying the Requester After a Delay Eligibility Determination and Notice After an ARIF Has Been Delayed

1263 Conducting the ARIF

1263.1 Notifying the Requester of the ARIF Details Notification of the Time, Place, and Conduct of the ARIF

1263.2 Holding the ARIF ARIF Proceedings

1264 Making a Final ARIF Decision Final Written Decision of ARIF

1265 Documenting the ARIF Decision and Change of Allegations in IMPACT Documentation of the ARIF Decision and Change of Allegations in IMPACT

1265.1 Documenting and Changing Allegations in the ARIF Stage Documentation and Changing Allegations in the ARIF Stage

1265.2 Documenting in a Closed-Stage Addendum Contact Documentation in a Closed-Stage Addendum Contact

1265.3 Changing Allegations Through Database Correction

1265.4 Changing the Type of Abuse or Neglect in a Confirmed Allegation

1265.5 Changing the Severity of a Confirmed Allegation to or From “Fatal”

1266 Sending Notification of the Written Decision Notification of Results of the ARIF

1266.1 Notifying the Requester of the Decision Notification of Written Decision to Requester

1266.2 Notifying the Parent/Guardian and Reporter Notification of Written Decision to Parent/Guardian and Reporter

1266.3 Accessing, Processing, and Filing Notification Letters

1267 Providing an ARIF During the Release-Hearing Process ARIF During the Release-Hearing Process

End of Life Decisions (PATS 9782)

The item below is revised to clarify CPS policy. See:

11720 End of Life Medical Decisions

11720 Withholding and Withdrawing Life Sustaining Treatment

Delete Appendix 3120 (PATS 9792)

Appendix 3120: Types of Family-Based Safety Services, is deleted as part of the FBSS TAC rules revision project.

Eligibility Requirements for State-Paid Foster Care (PATS 9717)

This revision incorporates changes that are updated to reflect current practices, and to simplify the policy. See:

1534 Additional Eligibility Requirements for State-Paid Foster Care

1535 Additional Eligibility Requirements for MAO Foster Care

1535 1535.1 Medical Coverage for Children in Foster Care

1535.1 Medicaid Eligibility Types (new item)