Child Protective Services Handbook Revision November 17, 2009

This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on November 17, 2009. Summaries of new or revised items are provided below.

Reclassifying Casework-Related Special Requests Into Intakes

Kinship Policy

Reclassifying Casework-Related Special Requests Into Intakes (PATS 2597)

The item below is revised to establish protocols for changing a casework-related special request (CRSR) to an intake for abuse or neglect. Staff were informed about this policy with the release of PSA 08-054 on January 18, 2008. See:

2371.1 Reclassifying a Casework-Related Special Request as an Intake

Kinship Policy (PATS 1997)

The CPS handbook is revised to incorporate policies initiated by the issuance to staff of the following PSAs (protective services alerts):

07-085 Kinship Program Forms, issued 2/15/2007

PSA 08-22 Kinship Stage of Service in IMPACT, issued 10/10/07.

08-072 Investigations, FBSS, and Conservatorship Staff Input Required Through Survey Monkey, issued 3/5/08

09-014 Investigations, FBSS, and Conservatorship Staff Input Required Through Survey Monkey, issued 10/6/2008

09-058 Important Information For All Staff About Kinship Caregiver Integration and Reimbursement Payments, issued 2/6/2009

09-094 Kinship Caregiver Disposition and Summary Form is Now Automated in IMPACT, issued 6/2/2009

The following items are updated or added:

6322 Placing a Child With Relatives and Other Kinship Caregivers

6322.1 Definitions Related to Kinship Care

6322.11 Definition of Relative

6322.12 Definition of Fictive Kin or Other Designated Caregiver

6322.13 Definitions Related to Kinship Care

6322.2 Initial Steps for Placing a Child With a Kinship Caregiver

6322.21 Identify Potential Kinship Caregivers

6322.22 Assess the Kinship Caregiver's Home and Conduct History Checks

6322.23 Identify Additional Relatives and Kin

6322.3 Steps to Place the Child With a Kinship Caregiver Following a Removal

6322.31 Conduct and Evaluate CPS History Checks on Potential Kinship Caregivers

6322.32 Contact Potential Kinship Caregivers Not Ruled Out by a CPS History Check

6322.33 Conduct and Evaluate Criminal History Checks on Potential Kinship Caregivers

6322.34 Complete a Risk Assessment and a Written Home Assessment of the Kinship Caregiver

6322.35 Obtain Approval for a Caregiver With a CPS or Criminal History

6322.36 Request Special Court Action for Placement With Fictive Kin (Caregivers Not Related to the Child)

6322.37 Place a Child With a Kinship Caregiver After All Prerequisites Are Met

6322.4 Services for Kinship Caregivers

6322.41 Provide the Kinship Manual and Agreement at Placement

6322.42 Refer the Case to the Regional Kinship Development Worker

6322.43 Explain the Federal Financial Assistance Available to a Kinship Caregiver

6322.44 Explain the DFPS Financial Assistance Available to a Kinship Caregiver

6322.45 Advise the Kinship Caregiver About Support Services

Appendix 6322-A: Working in the KIN Stage of Service in IMPACT

Appendix 6322-A.1: Add a Kinship Home to IMPACT

Appendix 6322-A.2: Search for a Home That Already Exists in IMPACT

Appendix 6322-B: How to Conduct a Kinship Caregiver Home Assessment

Appendix 6322-B.1: Enter Identifying Information for All Person's Living in a Kinship Home

Appendix 6322-B.2: Assess the Level of Safety in a Kinship Home

Appendix 6322-B.3: Assess the Kinship Caregiver's Family Relationships (Including a History of Family Violence)

Appendix 6322-B.4: Describe How Well the Kinship Family Functions

Appendix 6322-B.5: Describe the Kinship Caregiver's Ability to Provide the Child With a Sense of Permanency

Appendix 6322-B.6: Describe the Kinship Caregiver's Ability to Provide for the Child's Well-Being

Appendix 6322-B.7: Enter Five References for the Kinship Caregiver

Appendix 6322-B.8: Make a Recommendation for the Kinship Home

Appendix 6322-C: Offenses From the Texas Penal Code