Handbook Revision, September 1, 2021
These revisions of the Child Protective Services Handbook were published on September 1, 2021.
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
Relying on Previous Fingerprint Check for an Initial Check (PATS 12722)
This revision deletes an outdated FAD policy that is no longer permissible or applicable.
See:
7421.2 Relying on a Previously Conducted Fingerprint Check for an Initial Check
Specific Placement Type (PATS 13604)
The placement type “foster group home” has been removed from this policy because it is no longer a valid placement type.
See:
4116 Additional Requirements Based on Specific Placement Type
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4222 Foster Homes
Heightened Monitoring and Placement Team Searches (PATS 13572)
This policy update reflects changes in IMPACT that allow heightened monitoring placement requests to be submitted and approved in IMPACT, rather than through email processes.
See:
4211.2 Regional Placement Team Searches for Placement Options
4211.3 Regional Placement Team Confers with Providers and Communicates Options to Caseworker
4211.4 Caseworker and Supervisor Make Placement Selection
4211.5 CPU or RTPC RPC Provides Confirmation of Selected Placement
4211.6 Placements into Operations on Heightened Monitoring (HM)
4211.7 Regional Placement Team Notification to Caseworkers for Heightened Monitoring Placements
Plans for a Child or Youth When Placement Is Unavailable (PATS 13571)
This policy revision removes references to children and youth without placement being allowed to stay overnight in DFPS offices. This update is in response to recently signed legislation that is effective immediately.
See:
4152.1 Plans for a Child or Youth When Placement Is Unavailable
4152.2 Meeting the Needs of a Child or Youth without Placement
4152.21 Food for a Child or Youth without Placement
4152.22 Medication for a Child or Youth without Placement
4152.23 Toiletries, Linen, and Bedding for a Child or Youth without Placement
Supervision of a CWOP (PATS 13632)
Small update clarifies that the CPI or CPS staff and trained adult caregivers who are supervising a child without placement must be in close proximity to the child or youth and that the supervision requirements are based upon factors including normalcy, the child's service plan, and the child's best interests.
See:
4152.24 Supervision for a Child or Youth without Placement
Parent Collaboration and Support Groups (PATS 13137)
This handbook revision updates policy on regional parent support groups and moves it to the Regional Parent Support Groups Resource Guide.
See:
1143 Statewide Parent Collaboration Group and Local Regional Parent Support Groups
1143.1 Statewide Parent Collaboration Group
1143.2 Local Parent Support Groups
1143.21 Eligibility for CPS Staff Liaison
1143.22 Regional Parent Liaison
1143.3 Roles of Local Parent Support Group
1143.31 Parent Liaison
1143.32 Regional CPS Liaison
1143.33 Joint CPS Liaison and Parent Liaison Responsibilities
1143.4 Statewide Parent Collaboration Group
1143.41 Background Check Procedures
1143.42 Background Check Results
1143.43 Self-Reporting Requirement for Regional Parent Liaison
1143.5 Local Parent Support Groups
1143.51 Whom to Refer to the Local Parent Support Groups
1143.52 Procedures for the Local Parent Support Group Background Check
1143.53 Travel Reimbursement for Parents Facilitating Parent Support Groups
1143.54 Encouraging Parent Participation in the Local Parent Support Groups
1143.55 Referrals to Parent Support Groups
1143.56 When Attorneys Have Questions About the PSG – Guidelines for Staff
Child Protective Investigations Revisions
None