Handbook Revision, November 1, 2018
This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on November 1, 2018.
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 email 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 Relations at 1-800-720-7777.
Documenting Health Information (PATS 10447)
State law requires children coming into conservatorship to receive a medical exam within three days after CPS removes the child from the home (Section 15, SB 11, 85th Legislature, Regular Session, 2017). This revision adds the 3-Day Medical Exam to CPS policy.
See:
11210 Meeting the Requirements for Medical and Dental Services
11211 3-Day Medical Exam
11212 11211 Initial Texas Health Steps Medical Checkup
11213 11212 Initial Texas Health Steps Dental Checkup
11214 11213 Subsequent, Ongoing Texas Health Steps Checkups
11215 11214 Immunizations
Surrogate Parents (PATS 11237)
This policy revision allows a foster parent or kinship caregiver, under certain circumstances, to begin acting as a child’s parent for meetings and decisions related to special education immediately, without a waiting period. This policy revision also includes the revised circumstances in which a surrogate parent is necessary. This revision makes the policy comply with S.B. 1556, 85th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, which added or amended the following:
• Texas Education Code §29.015 and §29.0151.
• Texas Family Code §263.0025.
See:
15372 Participating in Special Education Meetings and Decisions Surrogate Parents for Children With Disabilities