Handbook Revision, May 2022
These revisions of the Child Protective Services Handbook were published on May 2, 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
Billing Service Levels and the Role and Responsibilities of the Foster Care Billing Program Specialist in State Office (PATS 13639)
This handbook revision updates policy to allow staff to request Intense Plus as a billing service level that is higher than the authorized service level (ASL). It also updates the job title of the state office foster care billing program specialist.
See:
4432 Requesting a BSL That Is Higher Than the ASL
4433 State Office Eligibility Program Specialist Role and Responsibilities of the State Office Foster Care Billing Program Specialist
Notification Requirements and Schedule (PATS 13643)
This handbook revision updates policy to include that DFPS notifies all paternal and maternal relatives of the child within the fourth degree of consanguinity about the termination of parental rights.
See:
6151.3 Notification Requirements and Schedule
Issues to Address in Permanency Planning Meetings when DFPS Has Permanent Managing Conservatorship (PATS 13644)
This handbook revision updates policy about Permanency Planning Meetings to comply with HB 2926, which became law during the 87th Legislative Session. There are also changes to focus on building more relationships and a network of support, as well as planning for a youth’s transition to a successful adulthood.
See:
6251.6 Issues to Address if CPS DFPS Has PMC
Temporary Absence from Paid Placement (PATS 13733)
This policy update clarifies and defines what is a temporary absence from a paid placement, including stating that the absence must be at least overnight. This update also specifies that staff must enter the address and contact information in the Temporary Absence tab in IMPACT.
See:
4280 Temporary Absence from Paid Placement
Family Advocates and Other Advocacy Organizations (PATS 13768)
This policy revision removes references to a family advocate being disruptive during a meeting facilitated by DFPS or related to legal proceedings.
See:
1459.3 Participation in Meetings
1459.4 Participation in Interviews
When RCCI Notifies CPS of Alleged Abuse or Neglect in a Foster Home (PATS 13769)
This handbook revision updates policy to reflect additional caseworker and supervisor requirements for when the alleged victim of abuse or neglect is a child in DFPS conservatorship.
See:
4221.1 RCCI Notifying CPS of Alleged Abuse or Neglect in Foster Homes
4221.2 CPS Responsibility and Procedure after Receiving a Notification of Abuse or Neglect by Either RCCI or CPI
4221.3 CPS Protocol During an Investigation Involving a Child in Conservatorship
4221.4 Using Intermittent Alternate Care and Respite During an Abuse and Neglect Investigation
4221.5 How CPS Conducts Safety Checks or Other Safety Measures
4221.6 CPS Actions When Abuse or Neglect Is Alleged to Have Occurred in a Foster Home
Child Protective Investigations Revisions
None