Handbook Revision, April 2, 2018

This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on April 2, 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.

Race, Color, or National Origin as a Placement Factor

Adoption Legislative Updates

Race, Color, or National Origin as a Placement Factor (PATS 10627)

The item below is revised to clarify the prohibition of race, color or national origin as a factor in placement decisions. See:

6931.3 Race, Color, and National Origin

Adoption Legislative Updates (PATS 10582)

The items listed below are revised to reflect Senate Bill 11 and House Bill 834, 85th Regular Legislative Session, which require the caseworker to provide:

  •  a copy of any portion of the HSEGH prepared by DFPS or a contractor to each licensed CPA, single-source continuum contractor, or other person placing a child for adoption; and

  •  research on underlying health issues and underlying trauma that could impact a child's development and permanency to a prospective adoptive parent.

House Bill 834, 85th Regular Legislative Session, requires that the caseworker must provide prospective adoptive parents with the options available if the prospective adoptive parent becomes unable to care for the adopted child. The caseworker must inform the prospective adoptive parent that it is illegal to informally transfer custody of the adopted child to another person, except in specific circumstances.

See:

6921 Completing the Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History (HSEGH) Report

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6930 Selecting an Adoptive Family

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6941.1 Sharing the HSEGH Report with the Prospective Adoptive Family, Child-Placing Agency, Single Source Continuum Contractor, or Other Person Placing a Child for Adoption

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6941.4 Providing Adoptive Parents with Access to Research

6941.5 6941.4 Refusal to Review the Child’s Records

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6944.4 Informing the Adoptive Family of the Availability of Continuing Services

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Appendix 6000-3: Requirements for Completing the Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History Report