Handbook Revision, August 1, 2019

This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on August 1, 2019.

On September 1, 2017, the investigations branch of CPS became a separate division named Child Protective Investigations (CPI). Until CPI develops its own policy handbook, investigation policies and procedures will remain in the CPS handbook.

See:

Child Protective Services Revision

Child Protective Investigations Revision

CPS wants to make sure that the 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 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 about specific cases, please contact the caseworker or supervisor, or the Office of Consumer Relations at 1-800-720-7777.

Child Protective Services Revision

Family Reunification and Risk Reassessment (PATS 11407)

CPS uses Structured Decision Making (SDM) tools to support casework decisions. This policy revision reflects that CPS is starting to use two more tools from the SDM suite. The Reunification Assessment tool supports the caseworker’s decision whether to reunify a child with the parent, by looking at safety, risk, and quality of visitation. The Risk Reassessment tool assesses risk and the need for continued services when DFPS has returned a child home.

Several items have been renumbered to accommodate new policy. Items 6530 through 6544 (now items 6540 through 6554) have no policy changes, but they were updated to reflect current editorial styles and for consistency with the rest of the section.

See:

6500 Family Reunification

6510 Completing a Reunification Assessment Tool

6520 6510 Starting Initiating the Reunification Process

6521 6511 Reunification Staffing

6530 6520 Returning When a Child Is Returned

6531 6521 Providing Services and Ensuring Child Safety Aafter a Child Returns Home Is Returned

6540 6530 Maintaining Contact with the Family Families When a Children Is Are Returned Home

6541 6531 Initial Visit

6550 6540 Conducting Follow-up Visits Wwith the Family When a Children Is Are Returned Home

6551 6541 Preparing for the Visit

6552 6542 Conducting the Visit

6552.1 6542.1 During the Visit

6553 6543 Assessing the Visit

6554 6544 Following Up

6560 Completing a Risk Reassessment Tool

6570 6550 Tasks Required Before Closing a Case with a Child in the a Parent’s Home

6571 6551 Tasks Required before Dismissal

6572 6552 Tasks Required before Closure

6573 6553 Approval for Case Closure

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Definitions of Terms

Child Protective Investigations Revision

No CPI revisions were published on this date.