Child Protective Services
Handbook Revision, June 1, 2015
This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on June 1, 2015.
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.
Required Contacts (PATS 8167)
CPS is clarifying the policy for changes to PCSP households or frequent visitors to those households. This is not a new requirement; it just makes explicit the expectation that has always existed. It is vital that caseworkers ask and keep track of any changes to the household, and that the PCSP caregiver assume responsibility for informing the caseworker of any changes to the household or any frequent visitors, so that CPS can fully assess the situation on an ongoing basis. See:
3215 Required Contacts
When a Child or Youth is Missing From Care (PATS 8097)
Sections 6314.1 through 6314.3 of the CPS Policy Handbook are being updated. These updates include:
• adding to the list of individuals/groups requiring notification
• detailing the role of the Special Investigator in efforts to locate the child
• explaining the SI requirement to document efforts in IMPACT
• explaining actions to take when the child is located
• explaining actions to take when the child returns to care
In addition, this update removes section 6314.3 Documenting a Child as a Runaway.
See:
6314 When a Child or Youth is Missing from Care
6314.1 Minor Child Missing from Foster Care Placement
6314.2 When a Missing Child Returns to Care
Section 15000 Education for Children (PATS 7427)
Section 15000 Education for Children has been revised in its entirety. It has been updated to include:
• specific responsibilities for Investigative, Family Based Services, and CVS staff to ensure education stability for students in substitute care;
• defined roles, rights and responsibilities of the caseworker, education decision-maker, surrogate parent, and school district foster care liaison in order to meet the students’ educational needs and goals;
• a requirement that all students ages 3. 4. and 5 attending a pre-kindergarten program at the local public school have Education Portfolios;
• an approval process for education exceptions, including home school exceptions, certain online instruction, and private schools, to be reviewed and approved by the regional education specialist; and
• guidelines to maintain the confidentiality for children and youth enrolled in school.
See:
15000 Education for Children
15100 The Role of DFPS in Ensuring Education Stability and Success
15110 The Role of the Caseworker in Ensuring Education Stability
15111 The Role of the Investigations Worker in Maintaining Education Stability
15112 The Role of the Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS) Worker in Maintaining Education Stability
15113 The Role of the Conservatorship Worker in Maintaining Education Stability
15114 McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act
15200 School Options for Children
15210 Early Childhood Education Programs for Children
15211 Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) From Birth to Age 3
15212 Enrollment for Children Ages 3, 4, and 5
15213 Pre-Kindergarten Programs Offered Through the Public Schools
15214 Head Start Programs
15215 Pre-School Programs for Children With Disabilities (PPCD)
15220 Standard Schooling Options for Children and Youth Ages 5 Through 21
15221 Choosing a Public School or Residential Treatment Center (RTC) Program
15222 Exceptions to Standard Schooling
15223 Home Schooling
15224 Private School
15225 General Education Development (GED)
15226 Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) and Virtual Schools
15227 Education Services for Children in Nursing Homes or Hospitals, or Who Are Homebound
15228 Education Services for School-Age Children Who Are Placed Out-of-State
15228.1 Paying Out-of-State Tuition
15228.2 Requesting an Exception to Standard Schooling
15300 Enrollment, Records Transfer, and Withdrawal for Children Changing Schools
15310 Documents Required by School District for Enrollment
15320 Immunization Requirements
15330 Documents Required by DFPS for Enrollment
15331 Placement Authorization Forms (The 2085s)
15332 Court Order
15333 Education Decision-Maker Form
15340 Accessing and Maintaining School Records
15350 Requesting Transfer of School Records
15360 Withdrawing a Student From School
15370 Education Decision Making
15371 Designating an Education Decision-Maker
15372 Surrogate Parents for Children With Disabilities
15373 Rights and Responsibilities of the Caseworker
15374 Rights and Responsibilities of the Education Decision-Maker
15375 Rights and Responsibilities of the School
15380 Maintaining Confidentiality for Children and Youth While Enrolled in School
15390 Education Records
15391 Creating a Child’s Educational Record
15392 Education-Related Documents Required for the Child’s Case File
15400 The Education Portfolio
15410 Education-Related Documents Required for the Education Portfolio and Case File
15420 The Role of the Worker in Maintaining the Portfolio
15421 Maintaining the Education Portfolio
15421.1 The Role of the Worker in Maintaining the Education Portfolio
15421.2 The Role of the Caregiver in Maintaining the Education Portfolio
15422 Delivering and Transferring the Education Portfolio to the Child’s Caregiver
15423 Collecting the Documents Required for the Education Portfolio at Discharge
15500 Discipline of Children in DFPS Conservatorship in the Public Schools
15510 Corporal Punishment and Other Physical Discipline in Schools
15511 Requirement to Opt Out of Corporal Punishment
15512 Discipline for Children With Disabilities Who May Be Eligible for Special Education Services
15513 Discipline Strategies and Restrictions for Children With Disabilities Who Are Eligible for Special Education Services
15600 Education Resources
15610 Role and Responsibilities of the Regional Education Specialist
15620 School District Foster Care Liaisons
15630 Personal Graduation Plans (PGP)
15640 Credit Recovery Programs
15700 School Services for Children With Disabilities
15710 The Role of the School in Serving Children With Disabilities
15711 The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
15712 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
15720 Referring a Child for a Special Education Assessment and Evaluation
15721 Conditions That Make a Child Eligible For Special Education Services
15722 Obtaining Consent for Testing
15723 The Role of Surrogate Parents in the Education of Children With Disabilities
15724 Eligibility to Serve as a Surrogate Parent
15724.1 Denial of a Foster Parent as Surrogate Parent
15725 The Admissions, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee and the Individualized Education Program (IEP)
15726 Transition Plans for Youths Age 14 Who Are Receiving Special Education Services
15727 Denial of Services and Due Process Rights or Denial of Education-Related Services
15800 Tuition and Funding for Post-Secondary Education
15810 Exemptions From College Tuition
15820 The Education and Training Voucher Program