Handbook Revision, August 1, 2022
These revisions of the Child Protective Services Handbook were published on August 1, 2022.
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 Revisions
Child Protective Investigations Revisions
Child Protective Services Revisions
Placement Process for Children or Youth in Foster Care (PATS 13641)
This handbook revision does the following:
- Adds policy about heightened monitoring to 4118.6 Additional Requirements for Specific Facilities.
- Deletes 4119 Get Approvals within the Required Time Frame.
- Updates 4142 Enter the Placement Change Information in IMPACT to ensure consistency in language about approving placement documentation in IMPACT and clarify that supervisor approval is required within seven calendar days.
See:
4118.6 Additional Requirements for Specific Facilities
4119 Get Approvals within the Required Time Frame
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4142 Enter the Placement Change Information in IMPACT
Approving and Closing Cases in IMPACT (PATS 13682)
The State Auditor's Office conducted an audit of IMPACT processes for DFPS. Based upon this audit, there are changes to policy around approval of cases in IMPACT that the State Auditor's Office would like to see. Updates to Policy 1433 and Policy 1461 incorporate the recommended changes.
See:
1433 Supervisory Approval Process in IMPACT
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1461 Closing Stages or Cases in IMPACT
Psychotropic Medication Utilization Review (PATS 13697)
This update in policy is required to ensure consistency between policy, the Medical Services Resource Guide, and materials sent out by Superior Health for children in foster care who need to take psychotropic medications.
See:
11327 Psychotropic Medication Utilization Review (PMUR)
Notice of Termination Required for Certain Relatives (PATS 13777)
This handbook revision adds the use of a standardized form to policy on notifying relatives about termination of parental rights for a child in DFPS conservatorship.
See:
5561.3 Notice of Termination Required for Certain Relatives
Child Protective Investigations Revisions
Assessment of Ongoing Child Safety (PATS 13540)
This policy revision shows an exception for obtaining additional criminal history and child abuse and neglect history for a child in a home, age 14 or older, who is considered both a victim and an alleged perpetrator.
See:
2274 Assessment of Ongoing Child Safety