Handbook Revision, November 3, 2025
This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on November 3, 2025.
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
Parental Notification about Child’s Medical Conditions and Prescriptions (PATS 00113)
The updates to section 11162 of the Child Protective Services Handbook concern the legal parents being notified of their child’s significant medical conditions and the use of psychotropic prescriptions.
See:
11162 Notifying Parents About Psychotropic Prescriptions and Significant Medical Conditions
Missing Children and Trafficking (PATS 00126)
This policy revision implements House Bill (HB) 451 from the 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.
See:
6120 Initial and Ongoing Caseworker Activities
6121 Complete a Post-Removal Transfer Staffing
6122 Required Tasks at Conservatorship Assignment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6133.7 Documenting Other Actions
6133.71 Documenting Services to Parents and Caregivers
6133.72 Documenting Permanency Planning Meetings
6133.73 Maintaining Current Photograph of a Child
6133.74 Maintaining Screening for Commercial Sexual Exploitation
6133.75 6133.74 Documenting Transfer and Closing Summaries
6134 External Documentation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6460 When a Child or Youth Is Missing from CPS DFPS Conservatorship
6461 Child or Youth Missing from Substitute Care Placement
6461.1 Notification Requirements When a Child or Youth Runs Away or iIs Missing
6461.11 Runaway Prevention
6461.2 Other Initial Actions
6461.3 Ongoing Efforts to Recover
6461.31 Documentation and Review
6461.4 When a Child Who Is Missing Is Recovered a Missing Child or Youth Is Located
6461.5 Caseworker Actions When a Missing Child or Youth Returns to Care Is Recovered
6461.51 Documentation and Review
6462 Confirmed or Suspected Victims of Human Trafficking
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10150 Victims of Trafficking
Child Protective Investigations Revisions
None