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Section 1000: Organization and Administration
1000 Organization and Administration
1110 DFPS and CPI Mission and Vision
1120 Guiding Principles of the CPS Program
1121 Family Group Decision-Making (FGDM)
1121.2 Using Models of FGDM to Guide Safety and Service Planning
1121.21 Family Team Meeting (FTM)
1121.22 Family Group Conference (FGC)
1121.23 Circle of Support (COS)
1121.24 Permanency Conference (PC)
1121.3 Family Group Decision-Making Strategies
1121.4 The Attendance and Participation of Children and Families in FGDM Conferences
1121.41 Alternate Methods of Participation for Children
1121.42 Alternate Methods of Participation for Older Youth
1122 Focus on Resources and Outcomes
1140 Relationship to Other Agencies and Entities
1141 Federal and State Agencies
1142 Protective Services Contracts
1142.1 Development of Protective Services Contracts
1143 Statewide Parent Collaboration Group and Regional Parent Support Group
1144 Criminal Records Check for Authorized Volunteer Organizations
1145 Bookkeeping and External Entities
1150 DFPS Volunteer and Community Engagement
1151 Acceptance of Gifts and Donations
1160 Public Information About Child Protective Investigations and Child Protective Services
1171.1 Development of Regional Program Plans
1172.1 Plans Required by Federal Funding Sources
1181 Information Management Protecting Adults and Children in Texas (IMPACT)
1181.1 Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry
1181.2 Who Can Access Central Registry
1182 Self-Request Central Registry Checks
1183 Previous Information Systems (Legacy Systems)
1190 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
1200 Legal Foundation for Child Protective Investigations and Child Protective Services
1210 State Laws Governing DFPS
1211 Texas Human Resources Code
1212.1 Texas Family Code Chapter 261 (Legal Definitions of Abuse and Neglect)
1212.2 Texas Family Code Chapter 262 (Removal of Children)
1212.3 Texas Family Code Chapter 263 (Review of Placement of Children in DFPS Conservatorship)
1212.4 Texas Family Code Chapter 264 (Child Welfare Services)
1213 Texas Administrative Code
1220 The U.S. Constitution and Federal Laws
1221 Federal Funding Under the Social Security Act
1221.1 Title IV-A and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
1221.2 Title IV-B Child Welfare Services
1221.21 Title IV-B, Subpart 1 (The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program)
1221.22 Title IV-B, Subpart 2 (Promoting Safe and Stable Families)
1222 Title IV-E Payments for Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and PCA Payments
1223 Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)
1240 General Eligibility Criteria
1241 Child Protective Services Priorities
1242 Request for Child Protective Services
1243 Right to Refuse Services and Consequences of Refusal
1244 Reviews of Client Complaints
1250 Clients With Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
1251 Clients with Disabilities
1251.1 Definition of a Person with a Disability
1251.2 Documentation of Disabilities
1251.3 Child Safety Considerations
1251.4 Accommodations and Modifications to Services
1251.5 Requirements for Auxiliary Aids and Services
1251.6 Sign Language Interpreter Requirements during DFPS Interventions
1251.61 Obtaining Qualified Interpreters
1251.62 Prohibition against Using Family Members, Friends, or Child Victims as Interpreters
1251.63 Certified Interpreters Required for Court Hearings
1260 Administrative Review of Investigation Findings (ARIF)
1261 Determining Eligibility and Notifying the Requester
1261.1 Determining Eligibility for a Requester
1261.2 Notifying the Requester of Initial Eligibility Determination
1261.3 Requesting an Expedited Administrative Review of Investigation Findings
1262 Delaying the ARIF Because of a Court Case or Criminal Investigation
1262.1 Notifying the Requester of the ARIF Delay
1262.2 Determining Eligibility and Notifying the Requester After a Delay
1263 Conducting the ARIF Meeting
1263.1 Notifying People of the ARIF Meeting
1263.2 Holding the ARIF Meeting
1264 Making a Final ARIF Decision
1265 Documenting the ARIF in IMPACT
1265.1 Documenting and Changing Allegations in the ARIF Stage
1265.2 Documenting in a Closed-Stage Addendum Contact
1265.3 Changing Allegations Through a Data Fix
1265.4 Changing the Type of Abuse or Neglect in a Confirmed Allegation
1265.5 Changing the Severity of a Confirmed Allegation to or From Fatal
1266 Sending Notification of the Written Decision
1266.1 Notifying the Requester of the Decision
1266.2 Notifying the Parent or Guardian and Reporter of the Decision
1266.3 Preparing and Sending Notification Letters
1267 Providing an ARIF During the Release-Hearing Process
1270 Evaluation and Monitoring of CPS Cases
1271 Federal Monitoring of CPS Cases
1272 Federal Eligibility Reviews of Title IV-E Foster Care
1273 Federal Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSR)
1280 Reviews by the Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA)
1281 Overview of the OCA Review Process
1282 Regional Responsibilities
1290 Release Hearings When CPI Releases Investigation Findings
1291 Factors CPI Considers When Deciding Whether Release Is Necessary
1292 Approval before Releasing Information
1293 Release of Designated Perpetrator Information
1293.2 Emergency Release to Outside Entity
1294 Release of Sustained Perpetrator Information When Release Hearing Is Waived
1295 Release of Sustained Perpetrator Information When Release Hearing Occurs
1295.1 Preparation for and Scheduling of a Release Hearing
1295.2 Procedures for a Release Hearing
1295.3 Decisions an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Can Make
1295.4 Notification of SOAH Decision to DFPS and Perpetrator
1295.6 Required Regional Actions after Final SOAH Decision
1295.61 Regional Actions on Sustained Findings
1295.62 Regional Actions on Overturned or Altered Findings after an Emergency Release
1295.63 Timing of Sending Notices and Updating IMPACT
1297 Release of Previously Sustained Perpetrator Information
1298 Templates for Notice Letters in the Release Hearing Process
1332.1 Funds Received on Behalf of a Child
1400 Case Records and Workload Management
1410 Definition of Case and Stage
1411 Types of Cases and Stages of Service
1430 Documentation in the Case Record
1431 References for Detailed Requirements for Case Documentation
1431.1 References for Detailed Case Recording Requirements
1432.1 Establishing Relationships Using Family Tree in IMPACT
1432.2 Situations in Which a Staff Member Is Included in Family Tree
1432.3 Handling Exceptional Relationships in Family Tree
1432.4 Viewing Family Tree Graphs
1432.5 Printing Family Tree Reports
1432.51 Family Tree Contact Information Report
1432.6 Confidentiality and Release of Family Tree Reports
1433 Supervisory Approval Process in IMPACT
1450 Confidentiality of Information
1451 Sharing Confidential Information
1452 Requests for Case Records
1453 Releasing Information for the Safety or Protection of a Child or Family, or for Legal Processes
1453.1 Sharing Information During the Course of an Investigation
1453.2 Releasing Information to Locate Missing Parents or Children
1453.3 General Prohibition against the Release of Criminal History Records Information
1453.31 Exception Allowing Release of Information for Court and Administrative Hearings
1453.32 Releasing Information for the Child's Safety
1453.33 Criminal History Information Policy
1453.34 Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (TLETS)
1453.41 Sharing Information during an Open Investigation
1453.42 Sharing Information after the Investigation is Closed
1453.43 Sharing Information with Law Enforcement about Criminal Activity at Any Case Stage
1453.5 Releasing Information to the Family Court, or to Comply With a Court Order
1453.6 Releasing Information to Court-Appointed Attorneys and Guardians Ad Litem
1453.61 Releasing Information to CASA Staff and Volunteers
1454 Releasing Information to Obtain Services for the Child
1454.1 Releasing Information to the Caregiver of a Child in Conservatorship
1454.2 Releasing Information during Family Meetings
1454.3 Releasing Information to Access Health Care or Social Services
1454.4 Releasing Information to Access Education Services
1454.5 Releasing Information to Adoptive or Prospective Adoptive Parents
1454.6 Sharing Information with Certain Providers Who Serve Children and Youth
1454.7 Sharing Information with Texas State and Local Juvenile Justice Agencies
1455 Releasing or Using Children’s Photos and Images
1455.1 When Children May Release or Use Photos of Themselves
1455.2 When a Caregiver May Release or Use Photos of the Child
1455.3 When the Child’s Consent Is Not Required for Use of Photos
1456 Special Types of Information or Situations
1456.1 Release of Information on a Child Fatality Investigation
1456.3 Drug or Alcohol Treatment Records about a Child
1456.4 Disability Rights Texas
1456.5 Releasing Information to Military Personnel
1456.6 Media Inquiries and Requests from Legislative Offices
1458 Public Information (Open Records) Requests
1459 Family Advocates and Other Advocacy Organizations
1459.3 Participation in Meetings
1459.4 Participation in Interviews
1461 Closing Stages or Cases in IMPACT
1462 Preparing the External Record
1462.1 Unit Staff Responsibilities
1462.2 Items Retained in the External Record
1462.3 Items Returned to the Child When a Conservatorship Case Is Closed
1470 Retention and Disposition of Case Information
1480 Workload Management – Case Conferences and Supportive Supervision
1500 Eligibility for Child Protective Services
1511 Applying for Foster Care Assistance
1512.1 Consistency With Income and Resources Information
1512.2 Unknown Family Income on the Foster Care Assistance Application
1512.3 Zero Family Income on the Foster Care Assistance Application
1514 Annual Review of Eligibility
1515 Notifications to SSA and Use of the Wire Third Party Query System
1516 Foster Care Eligibility Case Record
1520 Obtaining Certified Birth Certificates and Birth Records Screenshots
1521 Requesting Certified Birth Certificates
1521.1 Requesting Birth Certificates for Children Born in Texas
1521.2 Applying for Delayed Birth Certificates for Children Born in Texas
1521.3 Requesting Birth Certificates for Children Born in Texas for Adoption Purposes
1521.4 Requesting Out-of-State Birth Certificates
1521.5 Requesting International Birth Certificates
1521.6 Request Reimbursement if Personal Funds Must Be Used to Obtain Certificate
1531 General Foster Care Assistance Eligibility Requirements
1531.1 General Eligibility Requirements for Title IV-E and State-Paid Foster Care
1531.11 Responsibility for Placement and Care
1531.14 Social Security Number
1531.2 General Eligibility Requirements for MAO Foster Care
1532 Additional Eligibility Requirements for Title IV-E Foster Care
1532.1 Judicial Determinations
1532.2 Citizenship or Immigration Status
1532.4 Valid Removal from the Home
1532.5 Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) Requirements
1533 Requirements When IV-E Children are in a Non-IV-E Placement
1533.1 Trial Home Visits/Monitored Returns
1533.2 Placements Outside the Scope of Foster Care
1534 Additional Eligibility Requirements for State-Paid Foster Care
1535 Medical Coverage for Children in Foster Care
1535.1 Medicaid Eligibility Types
1535.2 Medical Assistance Only (MAO) Auto-Eligibility
1535.3 MAO Coverage for Children Placed in Kinship, Relative, or Own Home Placement
1535.4 MAO Coverage for Children in Adoptive Placements
1535.5 MAO Coverage for Children in Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) Placements
1536 Eligibility in Medical Facilities Before Placement
1537 Foster Care Payments During Absences From Foster Care Placements
1538 Medicaid Benefits for Foster Care Children Placed in Texas From Other States
1539 Medicaid Benefits for Foster Care Children Placed Out of State
1541 Extended Foster Care Assistance
1542 Return for Extended Foster Care
1543 Payment for Long-Term Care in Adulthood
1544 Medicaid for Young Adults Who Age Out of Foster Care
1550 DFPS Accounting Staff Information and Responsibilities
1551 Foster Care Maintenance Payments
1551.1 Rates for DFPS Foster Care Maintenance Payments
1551.2 Participation in the Paid Foster Care Program
1551.3 Effective Dates of Foster-Care Maintenance Payments
1551.4 Foster Care Maintenance Payments to Licensed Foster Family Homes
1553 Recoupment of Foster Care Maintenance Overpayment
1553.21 Review of the Invoice Recoupment Report
1553.22 Manual Recoupment Process
1553.23 Provider Responds within 30 Days
1553.24 Documenting Receipt of Payment (State Office)
1553.25 When Payment is Not Received within 30 Days
1553.26 Provider Does Not Respond Within 30 Days
1553.3 Notifying Providers of Recoupment that Exceeds 50 Percent of Next Payment
1553.31 Extreme Hardship and Repayment Plans
1553.4 When Not to Initiate Recoupment Procedures
1560 Managing Children’s Funds
1561 Accounting Procedures for Children’s Funds
1561.1 Organization of the Accounting Unit
1561.4 Accounts Receivable (Income)
1561.5 Accounts Payable (Expenditures)
1562 Management of Children’s Income Accounts (CIAs)
1562.11 Electronic Access to Children’s Funds
1562.12 Deposits and Withdrawals of Children’s Funds
1562.15 IMPACT Financial Account Pages
1562.2 Account Resource Limits for Children Who Receive SSI
1562.3 Adoptive Placement and Children’s Income
1562.4 Deceased Children’s Income
1563 Management of Children’s Savings Accounts
1563.2 Establishment of a Child’s Savings Account
1563.3 Closure of Accounts in a Timely Manner
1563.31 Children with a Legal Status of Resp Terminated
1564 Duties of Accounts Receivable (AR) Staff
1564.1 Manual Receipt of Funds by Accounts Receivable (AR) Staff
1564.11 Checks Payable to Person Versus DFPS
1564.2 Monthly Procedures for Accounts Receivable (AR) Staff
1565 Duties of Accounts Payable (AP) Staff
1565.1 New Benefit Award from SSA
1565.3 Income When Child Is in Paid Substitute Care
1565.4 Income When Child Is Not in Paid Substitute Care
1566 Reconciliation Requirements for Accounts Reconciliation (Recon) Staff
1567 Duties of Accounting Team Lead
1567.1 Procedures for Reviewing Information and Reports
1567.2 Monthly Reconciliation Responsibilities of Accounting Team Lead
1567.3 Annual Reconciliation for Each Child
1567.4 Reconciliation of Child’s Income at Discharge
1567.5 Reconciliation of Discrepancies
1568 Records Retention Requirements for Transactions Involving Children’s Funds
1569.1 Request for Court Order for Child Support
1569.2 Enforcement of Child Support Court Order
1569.3 Distribution of Child Support Funds When the Child Is in DFPS Conservatorship
1569.4 Excess Child Support Funds in Title IV-E Cases
1569.5 Distribution of Child Support Funds after the Child Leaves DFPS Conservatorship
1569.6 Child Support Funds in Placements That Are Unapproved or Not Yet Fully Approved
1569.7 Restitution Payments for Intoxication Manslaughter
1570 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Children in Foster Care
1571 Effect of SSI Eligibility on Title IV-E Foster Care
1571.1 Receiving SSI or Title IV-E Benefits
1571.2 Changes that Affect Claiming SSI or Title IV-E Benefits
1572 Effect of SSI Eligibility on State-Paid Foster Care
1573 Effect of SSI Eligibility on MAO Foster Care
1574 SSI Applications for Youth Aging Out of Care
1575 Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) Placement
1575.1 SSI Coordinator and Foster Care Eligibility Specialist Responsibilities
1575.11 If the Child’s SSI Benefits are Active
1575.12 If the Child’s SSI Benefits are Suspended by SSA
1575.13 Child Never Had SSI Benefits or SSA Denies Benefits After Suspension
1575.2 Medical Assistance Only (MAO) Eligibility in HCS Placements
1576 Child Specific Contract Placements
1577 Establishing a Dedicated Account Using a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Lump Sum
1578 Personal Bank Accounts for Youth
1579 Third Party Resources for Medical Care Services
1579.2 Reporting Third Party Payers
1581 Managing SSI and RSDI Lump Sums
1581.2 Approvals for Lump Sum Expenditures
1581.3 Nine-Month Exclusion Period for SSI and RSDI Lump Sums
1581.4 Conserved Funds From Prior Payee
1581.5 Returning Conserved Funds to SSA
1581.6 Receipt and Deposit of SSI Lump Sum
1582 Use and Conservation of SSI and RSDI Lump Sums for Children Receiving SSI
1582.1 Step 1: Consider the Appropriate Needs of the Child
1582.11 Expenditure Request Form
1582.2 Step 2: Maintain Funds in a Savings Account
1582.3 Step 3: Apply Balance to Nine Month's Cost of Care
1582.4 Step 4: Determine If There Will Be Excess Funds
1583 Child Receiving SSI Not in Paid DFPS Care
1583.1 Child Receiving SSI Is Not in DFPS Paid Placement
1583.2 Child Resides With a Kinship Caregiver or Other Unpaid Caretaker
1584 How Monthly Payments are Distributed
1584.1 Child Resides With a Kinship Caregiver or Other Unpaid Caretaker
1584.2 Child is in an Adoptive Placement
1584.21 Child is Eligible for Adoption Assistance Payments and Receives SSI
1584.3 Child Returns to Parents
1584.4 Child is No Longer in DFPS Conservatorship
1585 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Reports
1600 Permanency Care Assistance (PCA)
1610 Definitions Related to PCA
1612 PCA Eligibility Requirements
1612.1 Eligibility Requirements for a Prospective Permanent Managing Conservator to Receive PCA
1612.2 PCA Eligibility Requirements for Children
1612.3 PCA Eligibility Requirements for Siblings
1612.4 When a Child Is Not Eligible for PCA (State Paid or Paid by Title IV-E)
1613 Requesting an Extension of PCA
1614 Informing Families about PCA
1616 Determining PCA Eligibility
1616.1 Regional Eligibility Assistance Units
1616.2 Steps for Determining PCA Eligibility
1616.3 Eligibility Units’ Ongoing PCA Responsibilities
1616.4 Reimbursing Nonrecurring Expenses Covered by PCA
1616.5 Determining Which Region Maintains a Case Involving PCA
1617 Negotiating Permanency Care and Deferred Agreements
1617.1 Role of the Negotiator in Determining PCA
1617.2 Determining the Payment Ceiling When Negotiating for PCA
1617.3 Other Considerations When Negotiating for PCA
1617.4 Explaining Education Requirements When Negotiating for PCA
1617.5 Explaining PCA Successor Benefits
1617.6 Negotiating Deferred Agreements for PCA
1618 Providing Medical Assistance to PCA Recipients
1618.1 Providing Medical Care to a Child Who Lives in Texas and Receives PCA
1618.2 Providing Medical Care to a Child Who Lives Out of State and Receives PCA
1620 A Change in the Circumstances of a PCA Recipient
1621 Benefits: PCA Recertification and Termination
1621.1 Recertification of PCA Eligibility
1621.3 Recertification of Eligibility for Extended PCA
1622 Recouping a PCA Overpayment
1622.1 Standard Cases – Recouping PCA Overpayments in 30 Days
1622.2 Hardship Cases – Recouping PCA Payments in Any Dollar Amount
1623 Fair Hearings Regarding Decisions about PCA
1623.1 Duties of the Adoption Assistance Eligibility Specialist
1623.2 Appealing Decisions Made Regarding PCA
1625 Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
1625.1 Definition of Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
1625.2 Eligibility Requirements for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
1625.4 Approval Process for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
1625.41 Regional Approval Process
1625.42 State Office Approval Process
1625.43 Approvals and Notification to Family
1625.5 Timing of Negotiation for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance and Placement
1625.6 Authorization of Payments for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
1625.7 Denials of Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
1625.8 Deferred Agreements for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
1625.9 Appeals and Fair Hearings for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
1700 Adoption Assistance Program
1711 Eligibility Requirements for Adoption Assistance for Children Adopted from DFPS Conservatorship
1711.1 General Eligibility Requirements
1711.2 Determining Whether a Child Has Special Needs
1711.3 Medical Assistance Only (MAO) Medicaid When a Child Has Not Qualified for Adoption Assistance
1711.4 Additional Eligibility Requirements for Monthly Payments and Medicaid Coverage
1711.5 Eligibility Requirements for State-Paid Adoption Assistance
1711.6 Determining Who Is an Applicable Child
1711.7 Eligibility Requirements for Extended Adoption Assistance
1711.8 Permanent Managing Conservatorship When Adoption Assistance Is Not Available
1712.1 Eligibility Requirements
1712.2 Case Record for Adoption Assistance
1712.3 International Adoptions
1713 Jurisdiction and Responsibility for Determining Eligibility and Activating Benefits
1713.1 Determining Which Children Are within DFPS Jurisdiction
1713.2 Determining Which Region Has Responsibility for a Case
1714 Program Notification, Application Process, and Responsibility for Cases
1714.1 Informing Families of the Adoption Assistance Program
1714.2 Application Process for Adoption Assistance
1714.3 Determination of Eligibility
1714.5 Commencement of Benefits
1714.6 Ongoing Responsibilities of Adoption Assistance Eligibility Units
1714.7 Reimbursement of Nonrecurring Adoption Expenses
1715 Negotiation of Adoption Assistance Agreements and Deferred Adoption Assistance Agreements
1715.1 Responsibilities of Negotiators for Initial Adoption Assistance Agreement
1715.2 Ongoing Responsibilities of Negotiators
1715.3 Considerations during Negotiations
1715.4 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Payments and Adoption Assistance Payments
1715.5 Determining the Payment Ceiling for Adoption Assistance
1716 Deferred Adoption Assistance Agreements
1717 Changes in Circumstances and Periodic Certification of Continued Eligibility
1717.1 Recertification of Eligibility
1717.2 Adoptive Parents Die or Their Parental Rights Are Terminated
1718 Termination of Adoption Assistance and Recoupment of Overpayments
1718.1 Termination of Adoption Assistance Benefits
1718.2 Recoupment of Overpayments of Adoption Assistance
1718.21 Standard Cases - Recouping an Adoption Assistance Payment in 30 Days
1719 Fair Hearings about Adoption Assistance Determinations
1719.1 Appealing Determinations about Adoption Assistance
1719.2 Adoption Assistance Agreement Was Not Signed before the Adoption’s Consummation
1719.3 Responsibilities of the Adoption Assistance Eligibility Specialist and Negotiator
1720 Enhanced Adoption Assistance
1721 Definition of Enhanced Adoption Assistance
1722 Eligibility Requirements for Enhanced Adoption Assistance
1723 Proceeding with Adoptive Placements in a Timely Manner
1724 Approval Process for Enhanced Adoption Assistance
1724.1 Regional Approval Process
1724.2 State Office Approval Process
1724.3 Approvals and Notification to Family
1725 Timing of Negotiation for Enhanced Adoption Assistance and Placement
1726 Authorization of Payments for Enhanced Adoption Assistance
1727 Denials of Enhanced Adoption Assistance
1728 Deferred Agreements for Enhanced Adoption Assistance
1729 Appeals and Fair Hearings for Enhanced Adoption Assistance
1731 The Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance and its Effect on Adoption Assistance
1732 Procedures of the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance
1733 Procedures for Children Eligible for Adoption Assistance who Are Placed or Moved Out of Texas
1810 Legal Requirements for Criminal Records Checks
1820 Purpose and Types of Background Checks
1830 People on Whom Criminal Records Checks Can Be Made
1840 Disclosure and Release of Criminal History Records Information (CHRI)
1842 Releasing of a Copy of the DPS Criminal Records Check
1910 Tools and Resources to Address Substance Use
1920 Factors to Consider Identifying Possible Substance Use
1931 Requirements for Requesting a Drug Test
1932 Eligibility for Drug Testing
1932.1 Eligibility for Drug Testing by DFPS or a Contracted Lab
1932.2 Drug Testing Results from External Entities
1933 Frequency of Drug Testing
1934 Time Frames for Checking Drug Test Results
1950 Authorization for Drug Testing and Substance Use Services
1960 Substance Use that Affects Children and Youth
1961 Assessment of Substance Use
1962 Safety and Risk When Substances Are Present
1962.1 Safety during Home Visits When Substances Are Present
1963 Children and Youth Who Are Exposed to or Using Substances
1963.1 Infants Exposed to or Affected by Substances
1963.2 Children and Youth Who Are Not in DFPS Conservatorship and Are Not Emancipated
1963.3 Children and Youth in DFPS Conservatorship
1963.4 Youth in Extended Care or Return to Care
1970 Treatment and Other Resources for Substance Use
1971 Referral to Outreach, Screening, Assessment, and Referral (OSAR) Center
1972 Direct Referral to Treatment Provider
1973 Referral Forms for Substance Use Services
1974 Resources When Treatment Is Not Recommended
1975 Resources When Treatment Is Unavailable or Difficult to Access
1980 Casework and Substance Use
1981 Substance Use Affecting a Parent-Child Visit or Family Group Decision-Making (FGDM) Conference
1982 Recovery, Relapse, and Long-Term Planning
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Section 2000: Intake, Investigation, and Assessment
2000 Intake, Investigation, and Assessment
2100 Processing Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2110 Definitions of Abuse/Neglect and Authority
2112 Primary Statutory Definitions
2113 Statutory Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect
2114 Statutory Definition of Person Responsible for Child's Care, Custody, or Welfare
2115 Terms Used in Primary Statutory Definitions
2120 CPI Authority for Investigating Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2121 Reports within CPI Authority to Investigate
2121.1 DFPS Employee or Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) Abuse or Neglect Investigations
2121.2 Expedited Investigations
2122 Reports Not Within CPI Authority to Investigate
2123 Children Not Yet Born or Not Born Alive
2130 The Roles of SWI and CPI During Intake
2131 Legal Requirements for Reporting Abuse or Neglect
2132 Reporting Requirements for DFPS Staff
2132.1 Reporting Requirements for Licensed or Certified DFPS Staff
2132.3 Reporting Requirements for All DFPS Staff When a Person Refuses to Report
2132.4 Exception to the Requirement That CPI Staff Notify SWI About Additional Allegations
2133 Special Issues Relating to Reporting Abuse or Neglect
2134 Reporting Directly to SWI About Abuse or Neglect
2135 Reports Made to Field Offices
2136 When to Notify Law Enforcement About Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2140 Screening an Intake for Investigation
2141 Screening and Prioritizing Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2142 Reports Accepted by CPI for Investigation and Assessment
2142.2 Incomplete or Questionable Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2142.3 When Abuse or Neglect Occurs in a Foster Home, Adoptive Home, or Child Care Facility
2143 Assigning Priority to Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2143.1 Criteria for Assigning a Report as a Priority 1 (P1)
2143.11 When a Priority 1 (P1) Report Is Received After-Hours
2143.2 Criteria for Assigning a Report as a Priority 2 (P2)
2143.3 Criteria for Assigning a Report as Priority None (PN)
2150 The CPI Supervisor’s Role in Reviewing Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2151 Notification of a Report Involving a Child in DFPS Conservatorship
2152 Contacting Collateral Sources About Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2153 Notifying the Reporter When a Report Is Closed
2154 Changing the Priority of a Report about Abuse or Neglect
2155 Closing Investigation Reports of Abuse or Neglect Using Priority None (PN) Closure Codes
2155.1 Closing Reports Priority None (PN) That Involve Children in Care
2155.2 Closing Reports Priority None (PN) That Involve a Child Fatality
2155.3 Closing Reports Using Priority None (PN) Closure Codes
2155.4 Required Tasks before Closing Report Using Priority None (PN)
2155.5 Reports of Abuse or Neglect That Require Program Director Approval for Closure
2155.6 Reports of Abuse or Neglect That Require Program Administrator Approval for Closure
2156 Receiving a New Intake During an Open Investigation of Abuse or Neglect
2156.1 Determining Whether Face-to-Face Contact Is Required
2200 Basic Investigation Process
2221 Documentation and Same Day Contact Entry for Alleged Victims and Other Children
2222 Case Activities Requiring 24 Hour Documentation
2231 Communication Between Stages When New Intake Involves Same Principal
2232 When to Notify Children Advocacy Centers About Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2233 Making a Referral to the Forensic Assessment Center Network
2233.1 When and When Not to Make a Referral to FACN
2233.2 Specialty Consultations
2233.3 Documenting Results from FACN Consultations
2233.4 Requesting an Extension While Awaiting FACN Response
2233.5 Removing a Child Based on FACN Consult
2234 Preliminary Investigation of an Anonymous Report
2240 Interviewing, Examining, Transporting, and Removing a Child
2241 Constitutional Protections Under the Fourth Amendment
2242.11 Determining Whether a Child Has the Capacity to Consent
2242.5 Documenting Consent and Actions Taken Based on Exigent Circumstances
2243.1 Consent to Enter the Home
2243.11 Who Has the Authority to Give Consent to Enter the Home
2243.12 Consent Provided by an Adult Resident of the Home
2244.1 Time Frames for Interviewing Children
2244.2 Interviewing Children Outside of the Home Where Abuse or Neglect is Alleged
2244.3 Consent to Interview a Child
2244.31 Consent to Interview a Child at Home
2244.32 Consent to Interview a Child at School
2244.4 Conducting the Interview
2244.41 Assessing Communication Needs when Interviewing a Child
2244.5 Notifying a Parent that a Child Has Been Interviewed
2244.6 Interviews with Children at Specialized Facilities
2244.7 Accepting Child Interviews Conducted by Others
2244.8 Interviews with a Child Who Is Alleged to Be a Victim and a Perpetrator
2245.1 Consent for Visual Examination of a Child
2245.2 Consent for Visual Examination of a Child at School
2245.21 Visual Examination of a Child at a School Under TEA Jurisdiction
2245.22 Visual Examinations of a Child at a School Not Under TEA Jurisdiction
2245.3 Conducting a Visual Examination
2245.31 Photographs of a Child
2245.4 Audio or Video Recording of a Child’s Interview
2245.5 Examinations by External Entities
2245.51 Sexual Abuse Examinations
2245.52 Medical, Psychological, and Psychiatric Assessments
2246.1 Authority to Transport a Child From School
2246.2 Transporting a Child in Other Circumstances
2246.3 Notifying the Parents Before Transporting a Child
2247 Removing a Child from the Child’s Home
2248.11 Required Notification of Rights
2248.13 Assessing Communication Needs When Interviewing an Adult
2248.2 Recording Interviews of an Adult
2248.3 Notice of Right to Record an Alleged Perpetrator’s Interview
2248.4 Obtaining Demographic Information from Principals
2248.5 Determining the Alleged Perpetrator’s Military Status
2249 Courtesy Requests and Transfer Requests
2260 Adding Additional Information to an Open Investigation
2270 Completing the Safety and Risk Assessment Tools
2271 Completing Safety Assessment Tool
2271.1 Time Frames for Completing a Safety Assessment Tool
2271.3 Safety Assessment Discussion Box
2272 Completing Risk Assessment Tool
2272.1 Time Frames for Completing the Risk Assessment Tool
2273 Supervisor Review of Case Actions and Safety Decisions
2274 Assessment of Ongoing Child Safety
2281 Reaching Dispositions for the Allegations
2281.6 Entering the Date of the Alleged Abuse or Neglect on the Allegation Detail Page
2282 Referral to Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
2290 Submitting Investigations
2291 Submitting an Investigation for Closure
2291.2 Unable to Complete, Family Moved/Cannot Locate
2291.3 All Other Recommended Actions
2291.4 Need for Ongoing Services
2292 Action on a Submitted Investigation
2292.1 Roles of the Child Safety Specialist, Supervisor, and Program Director
2292.2 Child Safety Specialist Approval Required on Child Fatalities
2292.3 Required Documentation When Requesting Legal Orders
2292.4 Reopening a Closed Investigation
2292.5 Required Notification When Changes Are Made to a Closed Investigation
2293 Notifying Clients of Investigation Findings
2293.1 Exceptions to Notifying Clients of Investigation Findings
2294 Investigation Recommended Actions at Closure
2300 Special Circumstances for Investigations
2310 Criteria for Administrative Closure of an Investigation
2312 ADMIN – Refute the Allegations
2314 ADMIN – Already Investigated
2315 ADMIN – Investigation Is Longer Than 60 Days
2321 Criteria for a School Investigation
2322 Actions Required before Starting a School Investigation
2323 Actions Required during a School Investigation
2324 Schools Not Under the Jurisdiction of the Texas Education Agency (TEA)
2325 Danger to a Child during a School Investigation
2326 Completion and Closure of a School Investigation
2327 Release of the School Investigation Report
2331 Case-Related Special Request (CRSR) Child Fatality
2332 Actions in the First 24 Hours
2333 Notifications of a Child Fatality
2333.1 Notifying Law Enforcement about a Child Fatality
2333.2 Notifying the Medical Examiner or Justice of the Peace of a Child Fatality
2333.3 Notifications within DFPS
2333.31 Notifications in Specialized Cases
2334 Documenting the Final Medical Examiner’s Findings
2335 Requesting an Extension Due to Pending Autopsy or Criminal Investigation Results
2336 Releasing Information about an Investigation into the Death of a Child
2340 OAG Address Confidentiality
2350 Abandoned or Missing Child
2352 When a Child is Abandoned at a DADS Facility
2353 Taking Possession of a Missing Child
2354 Providing Assistance to TJJD about Non-CPS Youth
2361 Child Under the Age of 11 With a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
2363 Prenatal Substance Exposure
2363.1 Prenatal Substance Exposure Definition
2363.2 Disposition for Physical Abuse
2363.3 Disposition for Neglectful Supervision
2364 Dispositions Involving Emotional Abuse
2370 Jurisdiction in Certain Situations
2372 Out-of-State Abuse or Neglect Incidents
2372.1 Handling Requests for Taking Legal Custody of Children Who Are Out of State
2373 Custody Order or Abduction Suit Involving a Foreign Country
2374 Children in DFPS Conservatorship in Certain Types of Placements
2374.1 Child in DFPS Conservatorship Lives in a Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Home
2374.2 Child in DFPS Conservatorship Lives in an Unlicensed Kinship Placement
2380 Child Trafficking (Sex and Labor Trafficking) Investigations
2381 Informing Special Investigations of Child Sex or Labor Trafficking
2382 Informing Law Enforcement of Child Sex or Labor Trafficking
2383 Confirmed and Suspected Victims of Child Sex or Labor Trafficking
2391 Assessing the Parent or Legal Guardian’s Access to Mental Health Services
2392 Determining Residential Treatment Center (RTC) Bed Project Eligibility
2393 Assessing for Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC)
2394 Documenting the Discussion of Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC)
2395 Dispositioning Allegations Related to Children with Severe Emotional Disturbance
2396 Relinquishment of Custody Question on Allegation Detail Page
2397 Providing Crisis Services during the Referral Process
2410 Process for Concurrent Stages – Referring a Case to Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
2411 Role of the Referring Caseworker
2412 Role of the Referring Supervisor
2413 Concurrent Stages Process
2414 Court-Ordered Participation in FBSS
2610 Eligibility for Alternative Response
2611 Intakes or Cases Ineligible for Alternative Response (AR)
2611.1 Intakes Ineligible for Alternative Response
2611.2 Criteria for Routing a Case to Traditional Investigation
2612 New Intakes on an Open Alternative Response Case
2612.1 If the New Intake Meets Alternative Response Criteria
2612.2 If the New Intake Does Not Meet Alternative Response Criteria
2612.4 Determining Whether Family Contact Needs to be Made on a New Intake
2621 Documentation and Contact Entry
2621.1 Same Day Contact Entry with Children
2621.2 Case Activities Requiring 24 Hour Documentation
2621.3 All Other Documentation
2622.2 First Face-to-Face Contact
2622.4 Notifying and Making Face-to-Face Contact with an Involved Parent
2622.5 Family Member Not Present
2622.6 Family Refuses to Participate
2622.9 Determining Military Status
2623.11 Required Notification of Rights to A Parent or Legal Guardian
2623.12 Audio and Video Recordings in an AR Case
2623.2 Contact with Collaterals
2624.1 Completing the Safety Assessment Tool
2624.2 Time Frames for Completing a Safety Assessment Tool
2624.4 Safety Assessment Discussion Box
2625 Completing the Risk Assessment Tool
2625.1 Time Frames for Completing the Risk Assessment Tool
2626 Supervisor Review of Case Actions and Safety Decisions
2627 Alternative Response Family Agreement Plan
2627.1 Completing the Family Agreement Plan
2627.2 Documenting the Family Agreement Plan in IMPACT
2630 Stage Progressing an AR Case to Traditional Investigation
2631 When an AR Case Must be Progressed to Traditional Investigation
2632 When an AR Case May be Progressed to Traditional Investigation
2633 Approval for Transferring a Case to Traditional Investigations
2634 Stage Progression Time Frames
2635 Referring a Case to Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
2636 Legal Orders to Participate in Services
2637 Parent or Caregiver Request for Reassignment
2642 When Not to Allow Extension
2643 Closure Time Frames for Cases with Extension
2653 Action on a Submitted AR Case
2654 Alternative Response Case Closure Notifications
2654.1 Exceptions to Providing Case Closure Notifications
2656 Submitting an Alternative Response Case for Administrative Closure
2656.1 Close – ADMIN – Anonymous Report
2656.2 Close – ADMIN – Refuting the Allegations
2656.3 Close – ADMIN – Lacks Authority
-
Section 3000: Ensuring Child Safety
3100 When a Child Who is With His or Her Family Cannot be Located
3110 Purpose of the Child Safety Check Alert List
3111.1 Types of Diligent Searches Relating to CSCAL
3111.2 Time Frames for Preliminary and Diligent Searches
3111.3 Required Preliminary Search Actions
3111.4 Required Actions During the Diligent Search
3111.5 When the Family Is Located During Diligent Search Process
3111.6 When the Family Is Not Located During Preliminary Search Process
3112 Making the Referral to Request CSCAL
3113 Exceptions to Placing a Family on CSCAL
3114 Closing a Case with a Family on CSCAL
3115 Length of Time Family Is on CSCAL
3116 Requesting a Family Be Removed from CSCAL
3117 Child in DFPS Conservatorship Goes Missing
3200 DFPS Actions When Danger to a Child is Present
3211 Out-of-State Safety Plan Monitor or Family-Initiated PCSP
3212.1 Assessment of Caregivers
3212.2 Completing Background Checks
3212.5 Approval or Denial of a Safety Plan or Family-Initiated PCSP
3212.6 New Child Placed into an Existing Family-Initiated PCSP
3212.7 New Child Placed into a Kinship or Licensed Foster Home
3212.8 Court Places a Child in a Family-Initiated PCSP without DFPS Agreement
3213 Required Ongoing Contacts after Implementing a Safety Plan and Family-Initiated PCSP
3213.1 Required Ongoing Contacts During a Safety Plan
3213.2 Required Ongoing Contacts During a Family-Initiated PCSP
3214 Extending a Family-Initiated PCSP Past 30 Days
3215 Ending a Safety Plan or Family-Initiated PCSP
3215.1 Closing a Case When the Child Remains in a Family-Initiated PCSP
3216 Refusal to Participate in a Safety Plan
3220 Taking Legal Custody of a Child
3221.1 Placement and Possession of Child Following Removal
3221.2 Steps in the Removal Process
3221.3 Removal of a Child Is Granted or Not Granted
3222 Notification and Assignment of Conservatorship Caseworker
3223 Diligent Search for Possible Relative or Fictive Kin Placement
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Section 4000: Placing Children in DFPS Conservatorship
4000 Placing Children in DFPS Conservatorship
4110 Actions Required Before Making a Placement
4111 Identify the Need for Initial or Subsequent Placement
4111.1 Seek Regional Placement Team Assistance If Needed
4112 Notify the Current Caregiver of the Planned Placement Change
4113 Gather Information and Recommendations to Select a Placement
4113.1 Review the Permanency Goal
4113.2 Check IMPACT Records for Siblings
4113.4 Consult the Child or Youth
4113.5 Consult the Attorney Ad Litem, Guardian Ad Litem, and CASA Representative
4113.6 Review Additional Information about the Needs of the Child or Youth
4113.7 Review Information from the Current Caregiver
4113.71 Caregiver-Initiated Placement Move
4113.72 DFPS-Initiated Placement Move
4114 Required Factors to Consider When Evaluating a Possible Placement
4114.1 Preference for Relatives and Other Connections
4114.11 Placement with Noncustodial Parents
4114.12 Placement with Relatives and Fictive Kin
4114.13 Placement with Former Foster Parents
4114.14 Placement with Adoptive Parents of Siblings
4114.15 Continuing Obligation to Make Kinship Placements
4114.21 Separating Siblings in Paid Foster Care
4114.22 Separating Siblings for Safety Purposes
4114.23 Siblings of Youth in Extended Foster Care
4114.3 Ensuring Educational Stability
4114.31 Placement Considerations
4114.32 When Placement in a New School is Necessary
4114.4 Preference for the Least Restrictive Setting
4114.5 Placing the Child Close to the Child’s Home
4114.6 Substitute Caregiver’s Circumstances
4115 Prohibited Considerations Based on Race, Color, or National Origin
4116 Additional Requirements Based on Specific Placement Type
4117 Specific Placement Considerations for Children or Youth Who Have Primary Medical Needs
4118 Additional Actions for Placing Children with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
4118.1 Assessing the Need for Facility Placement
4118.2 Home and Community-Based Services (HCS)
4118.3 Obtaining CPS Associate Commissioner Approval to Place a Child or Youth in a Facility
4118.4 Emergency Placement Approval Process
4118.5 Requirement to Continue Seeking Less Restrictive Setting
4118.6 Additional Requirements for Specific Facilities
4120 Actions Required After Selecting a Placement
4121 Prepare the Child or Youth and Caregivers for the Move
4121.1 Prepare the Child or Youth for the Move
4121.2 Prepare the Current and New Caregivers for the Move
4121.3 Complete the Placement Summary Form
4121.4 Update the Child or Youth’s Medical and Educational Information in IMPACT
4122 Schedule and Conduct a Pre-Placement Visit
4122.1 Pre-Placement Visit for Emergency Placement
4122.2 Before the Pre-Placement Visit
4122.3 During the Pre-Placement Visit
4122.4 After the Pre-Placement Visit
4123 Complete Authorization Forms Provided at Time of Placement
4123.1 Complete the Placement Authorization Form
4123.2 Complete the Medical Consenter Form
4123.3 Complete the Education Decision-Maker Form
4124 Provide Advance Notice to AAL, GAL, and CASA
4130 Actions Required When a Child Moves
4131 Gather the Child or Youth’s Personal Belongings and Important Documents
4131.1 Durable Medical Equipment
4132 Transport the Child or Youth to the Placement
4133 Provide and Discuss the Placement Summary (Form 2279)
4134 Complete the Placement Authorization and Consent Forms
4135 Provide the Child’s Plan of Service and Discuss Services
4136 Provide Additional Documentation
4137 Provide Critical Documents to the Kinship Caregiver
4140 Actions Required After a Placement Change
4141 Make a Referral to the Kinship Development Worker
4142 Enter the Placement Change Information in IMPACT
4143 Provide Required Notifications
4143.2 Notify the AAL, GAL, and CASA of an Emergency Placement
4143.3 Notify Secondary and Ancillary Workers of a Subsequent Placement
4144 Request Day Care for the Placement
4145 Request an Initial Service Level or Service Level Change if Needed
4146 Discuss Medical and Dental Appointments with the Caregiver
4147 Follow Up on Education-Related Issues
4150 Special Circumstances Affecting Placements
4151 Court-Ordered Placements in Unapproved Facilities
4152 Involving State Office in a Placement Search
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
4152.24 Supervision for a Child or Youth without Placement
4152.25 Education for a Child or Youth without Placement
4152.26 Entertainment and Recreational Activities for a Child or Youth without Placement
4152.27 Additional Support and Services for a Child or Youth without Placement
4153 Placements Outside the Region or State
4153.1 Out-of-State Placements
4153.2 Out-of-Region Placements
4153.3 Requesting Placements Across Regional Lines into Community-Based Care Catchment Areas
4154 Unauthorized Arrangements of Youth in DFPS Conservatorship
4160 Placements and Child Safety
4161 Safety and Related Concerns for Placements
4200 Foster and Licensed Facility Placements
4210 The Regional Placement Team
4211 Seeking Placement Through the Regional Placement Team
4211.1 Caseworker Notifies Regional Placement Team
4211.2 Placement Team Searches for Placement Options
4211.3 Placement Team Confers with Providers and Communicates Options to Caseworker
4211.4 Caseworker and Supervisor Make Placement Selection
4211.5 CPU or RPC Provide Confirmation of Selected Placement
4211.6 Placements into Operations on Heightened Monitoring (HM)
4220 Placements into Facilities Regulated by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
4221 Abuse and Neglect Investigations of Placements
4221.1 RCCI Notifying CPS of Alleged Abuse or Neglect in Foster Homes
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
4222.1 Disallowing Placements into a Foster Home
4222.2 Re-Allowing Placements into a Foster Home
4223 General Residential Operations
4223.1 Restrictions on the Length of Stay in GROs Providing Emergency Care Services
4230 Facilities Under the Authority of Other State Agencies
4232 Reporting Problems to Other State Agencies
4240 The Intensive Psychiatric Transition Program
4241 IPTP 60- to 120-Day Limit
4242 Eligibility for IPTP Placement
4243 Referring a Child for IPTP Placement
4243.1 Referral Process and Required Documentation
4244 Planning for Discharge from IPTP Placement
4244.1 Submitting the Child’s Service Level Request
4244.2 Discharge from IPTP Placement
4245 Requesting Extension of an IPTP Placement
4250 Intense Foster Family Care Services
4251 Requesting Intense Foster Family Care Placement
4260 Treatment Foster Family Care (TFFC) Program
4261 Treatment Foster Family Care (TFFC) Time Frames
4262 Eligibility for TFFC Placement
4263 Referring a Child for TFFC Placement
4265 Requesting an Extension of a TFFC Placement
4270 Placements and Living Arrangements for Youth and Young Adults
4280 Temporary Absence from Paid Placement
4281 Criteria for Paying for Foster Care During a Child’s Absence
4282.1 Emergency Care 4282.2 Foster Care
4283 The Plan or Intent for the Child or Youth to Return
4284 When the Caregiver or Provider Does Not Agree for the Child or Youth to Return
4300 Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) System
4310 Recommendation and Selection of a Service Package
4311 Foster Family Homes Service Packages
4311.1 Primary Service Packages
4311.11 T3C Basic Foster Family Home Support Services
4311.12 Substance Use Support Services
4311.13 Short-Term Assessment Support Services
4311.14 Mental and Behavioral Health Support Services
4311.15 Sexual Aggression/Sex Offender Support Services
4311.16 Complex Medical Needs or Medically Fragile Support Services
4311.17 Human Trafficking Victim/Survivor Support Services
4311.18 Intellectual or Developmental Disability (IDD)/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services
4311.19 T3C Treatment Foster Family Care Support Services
4311.21 Transition Support Services for Youth and Young Adults Add-On
4311.22 Kinship Caregiver Support Services Add-On
4311.23 Pregnant and Parenting Youth or Young Adult Support Services Add-On
4312 General Residential Operations – Tier I T3C Treatment and Transition Service Packages
4312.1 Tier I: T3C Basic Child Care Operation
4312.2 Tier I: Sexual Aggression/Sex Offender Treatment Services to Support Community Transition
4312.4 Tier I: Substance Use Treatment Services to Support Community Transition
4312.5 Tier I: Emergency Emotional Support and Assessment Center Services
4312.6 Tier I: Complex Medical Needs Treatment Services to Support Community Transition
4312.8 Tier I: Human Trafficking Victim/Survivor Treatment Services to Support Community Transition
4312.9 Tier I: Mental and Behavioral Health Treatment Services to Support Community Transition
4313 General Residential Operation – Tier II T3C Stabilization Support Service Packages
4313.1 Tier II: Sexual Aggression/Sex Offender Services to Support Stabilization
4313.2 Tier II: Substance Use Services to Support Stabilization
4313.3 Tier II: Aggression/Defiant Disorder Services to Support Stabilization
4313.4 Tier II: Complex Mental Health Services to Support Stabilization
4313.5 Tier II: Complex Medical Services to Support Stabilization
4313.6 Tier II: Human Trafficking Victim/Survivor Services to Support Stabilization
4400 Texas Service Levels System
4410 Service Level Determinations and Reauthorizations
4411 Authorizing Service Levels
4411.2 Moderate, Specialized, Intense, or Intense Plus Service Levels
4411.3 Intensive Psychiatric Transition Program (IPTP) Service Level
4411.4 Treatment Family Foster Care (TFFC) Service Level
4420 Caseworker Responsibility for Timely Determinations
4421 Application for Placement
4422 Obtaining an Initial Authorized Service Level (ASL)
4422.1 Submitting Information to the Third-Party Contractor (Youth for Tomorrow)
4423 Obtaining a Scheduled or Nonscheduled Review of a Service Level
4423.1 Requesting a Review of a Service Level by Preparing a Complete Clinical Record
4423.2 If a Complete Clinical Record Is Not Available When Requesting a Review of a Service Level
4424 Guidelines for Expired Service Level Authorization
4425 Retroactive Service Level Authorization
4425.1 Obtaining a Retroactive Service Level
4430 When Authorized Service Levels and Billing Service Levels Are Not the Same
4431 Requesting a BSL That Is Lower Than the ASL
4432 Requesting a BSL That Is Higher Than the ASL
4433 Role and Responsibilities of the State Office Foster Care Billing Program Specialist
4434 Appealing Disagreements with ASLs
4434.1 Service Level Peer Review Committee
4510 Placing Children Outside of Texas
4511 Documenting a Request to Place a Child Outside of Texas
4512 Expedited ICPC Home Screening
4512.1 Criteria for an Expedited Home Screening
4512.2 Initiating an Expedited Home Screening
4513 Placing a Child with an Out-of-State Caregiver
4513.1 Placing a Child with an Out-of-State Non-Custodial Parent
4513.11 Assessing the Non-Custodial Parent
4513.12 If the Caseworker Does Not Have Concerns With the Placement
4513.13 If the Caseworker Has Concerns With the Placement
4513.14 Issues to Address Before Dismissal and Placement With the Non-Custodial Parent
4513.2 Placing a Child with an Out of State Custodial Parent
4513.3 Placing a Child with a Relative Out of State
4513.4 Placing a Child With a Foster Family Outside of Texas
4513.5 Placing a Child With an Adoptive Family Outside of Texas
4513.6 If a Texas Caregiver Moves to Another State
4513.61 If the Caregiver Is a Foster Family
4513.7 Placing a Child in a Residential Treatment Center Outside of Texas
4513.8 If a Juvenile Probation Officer Requests Placement in a Licensed Residential Facility
4514 Obtaining the Other State's Decision on an Interstate Placement
4514.2 If Permission Is Denied
4514.3 If Permission Is Granted
4515 Placing the Child in the Other State if the Placement is Approved
4515.1 Notifying the Receiving State
4515.3 Canceling a Placement Request
4515.4 Out-of- State Placement Disruptions
4520 Placing Children From Another State In Texas
4521 Illegal Interstate Placements
4522 Accepting Requests From Other States to Place With a Non-Custodial Parent Living in Texas
4522.1 Completing a Home Screening When a Child From Another State Is Placed in Texas
4523 Notification and Supervision
4524 Requirement That the Court Retain Jurisdiction After Making an Interstate Placement
4525 If a Caregiver Moves During the Supervision of an ICPC Case
4525.1 Caregiver Moves Within Texas
4525.2 Caregiver Moves Outside of Texas
4526 Interstate Placement Disruption
4527.4 Ending the Placement in IMPACT
4531.1 When a Child is Missing from Their Approved Placement in Texas
4531.2 Notification Requirements When a Child is Missing
4531.4 When a Missing Child Is Recovered
4600 Heightened Monitoring (HM)
4610 Criteria for Placing an Operation on HM
4621 Operation’s HM Assessment
4623 Duration of HM and Monitoring after HM
4630 Role of the CPS HM Program
4631 Stages of Heightened Monitoring
4632 HM Coordination and Responsibilities
4633 Heightened Monitoring Visits by CPS
4634 Foster Home Placement Review and Child Placement Review
4640 HM Monitoring Evaluations
-
Section 5000: CPS Legal Functions
5110 Court Orders in Aid of an Investigation
5111 Approval to Seek a Court Order in Aid of an Investigation
5112 Proof Required to Obtain a Court Order in Aid of Investigation
5113 Notice and Service Requirements for a Court Order
5120 Removing the Perpetrator or Alleged Perpetrator From the Home
5121 Types of Orders to Remove a Perpetrator or Alleged Perpetrator from the Home
5122 When DFPS Seeks an Order to Remove a Perpetrator or Alleged Perpetrator from the Home
5123 Seeking an Order to Remove an Alleged Perpetrator From the Home
5123.1 Approval to Seek an Order to Remove an Alleged Perpetrator From the Home
5123.2 Proof Required to Support an Order to Remove an Alleged Perpetrator From the Home
5123.3 Standard for Court’s Decision on Whether to Issue a Temporary Restraining Order
5123.5 Agreed Order to Remove an Alleged Perpetrator from the Home
5124 The Effect of a Temporary Restraining Order for Removal of the Alleged Perpetrator
5125 Duration of a Temporary Restraining Order for Removal of an Alleged Perpetrator
5130 Order to Obtain a Parent’s Mental Health Records or an Examination of a Parent
5131 Approval to Seek a Court Order to Obtain a Parent’s Records or Require an Examination
5133 Notice and Service Requirements for a Court Order to Obtain a Parent’s Records or Examination
5140 Protective Order for a Child or Family Member
5141 Seeking a Protective Order
5141.1 Who May Apply for a Protective Order
5141.2 Alternatives to Seeking a Protective Order
5141.3 Approval to Seek a Protective Order
5141.4 Notice About a Protective Order
5142 Required Findings and the Protective Order
5143 Duration of Protective Orders
5143.1 Duration of a Temporary Protective Order
5143.2 Duration of a Final Protective Order
5143.3 The Caseworker’s Role in Supporting the Victim
5150 Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO)
5151 Purpose and Use of Temporary Restraining Orders
5152 Approval to Seek a Temporary Restraining Order
5153 Service Requirements for a Temporary Restraining Order
5154 Duration of a Temporary Restraining Order
5160 Requesting a Court Order to Participate in Services
5161 Approval to Seek a Court Order to Participate in Services
5162 Process for Obtaining a Court Order to Participate in Services
5163 Legal Notice and Service Requirements for Hearing on a Court Order to Participate in Services
5163.1 Standard for Court’s Decision on Whether to Issue a Court Order to Participate in Services
5163.2 Status Review Hearings Required if a Court Order to Participate in Services is Issued
5164 Requesting Extension of a Court Order to Participate in Services
5170 Taking Possession of a Child With Intent to Return
5180 Taking Possession of a Missing Child
5190 Hague Abduction Convention and Foreign Custody Court Orders
5200 Notice, Service, and Working with Attorneys and Advocates
5210 General Caseworker Duties and Restrictions
5220 The Child’s Best Interest
5231 Purpose of Serving a Citation for a Lawsuit
5232 Caseworker Requirements Related to Missing Parents
5233 Exercising Due Diligence to Locate Missing Parents and Other Relatives
5233.1 Overview of Due Diligence: Making a Diligent Effort to Locate Missing Parents and Relatives
5233.2 Court Monitoring of Due Diligence
5233.21 Requirements When a Parent Is Not Located Before the Status Hearing
5233.3 Making a Diligent Search for a Missing Parent
5233.31 Asking the Custodial Parent for Absent Parent Information
5233.32 Requesting a Diligent Search
5233.33 Searching for Residents of a Foreign Country
5233.34 Attempting Contact by Mail
5233.36 Notifying Parties Involved That the Parent Is Located
5233.37 Repeating Diligent Search With New Information
5233.4 Additional Requirements When Locating an Alleged Father
5233.5 Making a Diligent Search for Relatives
5233.6 Serving a Citation When a Parent Lives in a Foreign Country
5233.61 Due Diligence Search for a Person Believed to Be in Mexico
5233.7 Additional Requirements When the Parent of a Native American Child Cannot Be Located
5234 Providing Notice of a Hearing
5235 General Notice Requirements for CPS Hearings
5236 Notice Requirements Specific to Parents and Children
5236.1 Notify Parents and Children About Planned Court Actions
5236.2 Notify Parents of Their Rights to an Attorney and to Attend Hearings
5240 Working With the Child’s Attorney Ad Litem, Guardian Ad Litem, and CASA
5241 Court Appoints Attorney Ad Litem and Guardian Ad Litem
5241.1 Roles of the Attorney Ad Litem and Guardian Ad Litem
5241.2 Cooperating With the Attorney Ad Litem and the Guardian Ad Litem
5241.3 Providing Access to the Child
5241.4 Communicating With the Child’s Attorney Ad Litem and Guardian Ad Litem
5241.5 Providing Records to the Attorney Ad Litem and Guardian Ad Litem
5241.51 Providing Drug or Alcohol Treatment Records
5242 Working With a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
5242.1 Working With a CASA Who Is Appointed as a Guardian Ad Litem
5242.2 Working With a CASA Who Is Not Appointed as a Guardian Ad Litem
5242.21 Court Orders for CASAs Seeking Access to a Child or a Child’s Records
5242.22 Statewide Memorandum of Understanding and Local Agreements
5250 Documenting Legal Status and Legal Action
5251 Entering a Change in Legal Status or Legal Action Into IMPACT
5300 Court Orders, Notice to the Court, Indian Child Welfare Act, Paternity, and Child Support
5310 The Requirement for Staff to Elevate Certain Court Orders
5311 Notice Requirements for Elevating Certain Court Orders
5312 Court Orders That Must Be Elevated to State Office
5313 Notice Requirements for Court-Ordered Placements in Unapproved Facilities
5313.1 Definition of Unapproved Facility
5314 Court Orders That Violate the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children
5320 Special Court Approvals and Notifications
5321 Obtaining Approval From the Court for Out-of-State Placements and Reunification
5322 Required Notification to the Court
5322.1 Notifying the Court When a Child Is or May Be Harmed
5322.2 Notifying the Court About a Child Who Is Without a Placement
5322.3 Notifying the Court About a Change of Jurisdiction
5322.4 Notifying the Court About a Subsequent Removal
5322.5 Notifying the Court About a Designated Medical Consenter
5322.6 Notifying the Court About the Education Decision Maker
5330 Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
5340 Seeking Child Support for Children in Substitute Care
5341 Requesting Child Support From the Parents of Children in DFPS Conservatorship
5341.1 Requirements for Requesting a Court to Order Parents to Provide Support
5341.2 DFPS’s Right to Review Child Support Payments
5342 Ongoing DFPS Responsibilities in a Child Support Case
5342.1 Contacting the Office of the Attorney General (OAG)
5342.11 Making the OAG Aware of Issues That Could Affect the Collection of Child Support
5342.12 Requesting Information on a Parent’s Payment of Child Support in Conservatorship Cases
5342.2 When Relatives or Caregivers Are Not Receiving Court-Ordered Child Support
5343 Dismissing a DFPS Case and Closing a Child Support Case
5343.1 Dismissal Orders Not Terminating Parental Rights
5343.11 Dismissal of Child Support Orders Following Termination of Parental Rights
5343.12 Waiving Child Support Owed to DFPS
5344 Closing the Child Support Case in the OAG System
5344.1 Initiating the Closing of a Child Support Case in the OAG System
5344.2 Determining Whether a DFPS Child Support Case Has Been Closed in the OAG System
5344.3 Factors That Affect the Closing of a DFPS Child Support Case in the OAG’s Automated System
5344.4 Helping a Caregiver Obtain Child Support After DFPS Conservatorship Is Dismissed
5351 Court Ordered Testing When Paternity Has Not Been Established
5351.1 Referring Cases to the Office of the Attorney General for Paternity Testing
5351.2 Paternity Testing by the OAG and Court Ruling
5352 Court Ordered Testing When Paternity Has Been Established But Is Questioned
5352.1 Acknowledgment of Paternity
5352.2 Court Order Establishing Paternity
5400 From Removal to the Adversary Hearing
5410 Types of Court Orders and the Process for Obtaining a Court Order for Removing a Child
5411 Obtaining a Court Order Before Conducting an Emergency Removal
5411.1 Determining Whether to Conduct an Emergency Removal with a Court Order
5411.2 Standard for Obtaining a Court Order before Conducting an Emergency Removal
5411.3 Basic Process for Obtaining a Court Order before Conducting an Emergency Removal
5412 Conducting an Emergency Removal before Obtaining a Court Order (Exigent)
5412.1 Standard for Conducting an Emergency Removal before Obtaining a Court Order (Exigent)
5412.11 Exigent Circumstances and Imminent Danger
5412.2 Basic Process for Conducting an Emergency Removal before Obtaining a Court Order (Exigent)
5412.3 Required Time Frame for Ex Parte Emergency Hearing (Exigent)
5413 Obtaining a Waiver of the Requirement to Provide Notice of Removal
5414 Rescinding the Decision for Emergency Removal
5420 Beginning a Child Protection Lawsuit
5421 Requirements for Completing a Removal Affidavit
5422 Essential Information for the Petition
5423 Limited Time Before Dismissal
5431 Requirements for the Adversary Hearing
5431.1 Evidence Required on Request Prior to Adversary Hearing
5431.11 Required Information Provided to the Court Before the Adversary Hearing
5431.2 Time Frame for the Adversary Hearing
5431.3 Standard of Proof in an Adversary Hearing
5431.4 Requesting Services and Participation at the Adversary Hearing
5431.5 Temporary Visitation Schedule
5431.6 Designation of an Education Decision Maker and Notification of a Surrogate Parent
5432 Requirements Following the Adversary Hearing
5500 From Status Hearing to the Final Hearing
5510 The 60-Day Status Hearing
5511 Findings the Court Makes at the Status Hearing
5512 Notice Requirements for the Status Hearing
5513 Required Filings in Preparation for the Status Hearing
5513.1 Original Service Plan Filed 45 Days After DFPS Is Named Temporary Managing Conservator
5513.2 Status Report (Form 2070) Filed 10 Days Before the Status Hearing
5513.4 Visitation Plan 10 Days Before the Hearing
5514 Required Action Following the Status Hearing
5520 The Family’s Service and Visitation Plans: Filing and Review Requirements
5521 Original Family Service Plan
5521.1 Filing a Service Plan With the Court
5521.2 Purpose of the Service Plan
5521.3 Failure to Comply With a Service Plan
5521.4 When the Original Service Plan Takes Effect
5521.5 A Service Plan for the Family of a Native American Child
5522 Amended Service Plans: Signing and Taking Effect
5523 Duration and Scope of the Service Planning Requirement
5524 Visitation Plan: Filing and Court Review
5530 Permanency Hearings for Children Under Temporary DFPS Conservatorship
5531 The Purpose of a Permanency Hearing Before the Final Order
5532 Meeting the Time Frames for Holding a Permanency Hearing
5532.1 Time Frames for the Initial Permanency Hearing
5532.2 Time Frames for Subsequent Permanency Hearings
5533 Filing Requirements for Permanency Hearings
5534 Notice Requirements for All Hearings Before Final Order
5535 Meeting the Content Requirements for the Permanency Plan and Progress Report for a Child in TMC
5536 Obtaining Approval of a Permanency Progress Report
5540 Final Orders and Supporting Actions
5541 Issues to Resolve Before DFPS’s Role in the Lawsuit Ends
5542 Dismissal Deadlines and the Final Order Requirement
5542.1 A Final Order in a DFPS Conservatorship Case in General
5542.2 Standard for Modifying a Final Order
5542.3 Required Preparation for Final Hearing
5543 Extending the Dismissal Deadline
5550 Outcomes in a Court’s Final Order
5551 Family Reunification and Dismissal of DFPS as Conservator
5551.1 Monitored Return of a Child to a Parent
5551.2 Presumption in Favor of a Parent as Managing Conservator
5552 Appointing a Conservator Who Is Not the Parent and Dismissing DFPS From the Case
5553 DFPS Named as the Child’s Permanent Managing Conservator (PMC)
5553.1 DFPS Named as the Child’s PMC With Termination of Parental Rights
5553.11 Standard for DFPS to Be Named as the Child’s PMC With Termination of Parental Rights
5553.12 Procedural Requirements Following an Award of PMC With Termination of Parental Rights
5553.2 When DFPS Is Named as the Child’s PMC Without Termination of Parental Rights
5553.21 The Limited Circumstances in Which DFPS Requests PMC Without Terminating Parental Rights
5553.23 The Casework Requirements When PMC Is Awarded Without Terminating Parental Rights
5553.3 Pursuing Preferred Permanency Options When DFPS Is Named as the Child’s PMC
5553.4 Requesting a Change in PMC After DFPS Is Appointed
5560 Involuntary and Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights
5561 Terminating Parental Rights
5561.1 Providing Services to the Parents
5561.2 Searching for Missing Parents
5561.3 Notice of Termination Required for Certain Relatives
5562 Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights
5562.1 Circumstances in Which Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights May Be Appropriate
5563 Involuntary Termination of Parental Rights
5564 The Legal Basis for Termination of Parental Rights
5564.1 Grounds for Termination of Parental Rights
5564.13 Failure to Support a Child
5564.14 Criminal Activity and Imprisonment
5564.15 Court-Ordered Service Plan
5564.2 Additional Grounds for Termination of Parental Rights
5565 The Child’s Best Interest in Regard to Terminating Parental Rights
5570 Mediation and Other Forms of Dispute Resolution
5571 Requirements for Mediations and Other Dispute Resolutions
5571.1 Court-Ordered Mediation
5571.11 Overview of Court-Ordered Mediation
5571.12 Who Must Attend Court-Ordered Mediation
5571.13 When a Named Person Cannot Attend Court-Ordered Mediation
5571.2 Informal Dispute Resolution
5571.3 Requirements Before Entering Into an Agreement in an Informal Mediation
5572 Agreeing to Accept DFPS Conservatorship Without Termination of Parental Rights
5573 Actions Prohibited When Negotiating for Conservatorship
5573.1 The Termination of Parental Rights Agreement Must Comply With Law, Rule, and Policy
5573.2 Visitation May Not Be Used to Encourage Agreement to Termination of Parental Rights
5573.3 Parent Must Not Be Pressured to Relinquish Parental Rights
5573.4 An Agreement to Relinquish Parental Rights Must Reflect a Child’s Permanency Goals
5573.5 Joint Managing Conservatorship and Mediation
5574 Considering Sibling Groups
5582 Meeting the Time Frames for Holding a Permanency Hearing After Final Order (PMC)
5584 Notice Requirements for Permanency Hearings for Children Under Permanent DFPS Conservatorship
5585 Meeting the Content Requirements for a Permanency Progress Report for a Child in PMC
5586 Obtaining Approval of a Permanency Progress Report
5590 Reinstatement of Parental Rights
5591 Factors to Consider in Seeking Reinstatement
5592 Approval to Seek Reinstatement of Parental Rights
5593 Process for Requesting Reinstatement of Parental Rights
5594 Notice and Service Requirements for Petition for Reinstatement and Hearing
5595 Hearing on Petition for Reinstatement
5596 Standard for Court’s Decision on Whether to Order Reinstatement
5600 Extended Court Jurisdiction When a Youth Turns 18
5610 When a Youth Turns 18 in DFPS Conservatorship
5611 Actions Required by the Caseworker for All Youth Aging Out of DFPS Conservatorship
5611.1 Requesting That the Court Approve a Trial Independence (TI) Period
5611.2 Notifying the Court About a Young Adult’s Status After Turning 18
5611.3 Documenting Court Orders
5621 Court Review Hearings for Extended Foster Care
5622 Actions Required by the Caseworker for Young Adults in Extended Foster Care
5622.1 Request a Review Hearing for Extended Foster Care
5622.2 Provide Notice of the Review Hearing for Extended Foster Care
5622.3 Submit Documents in Preparation for a Review Hearing for Extended Foster Care
5622.4 Request Approval of a 12-Month Trial Independence Period
5622.5 Record the Review Hearing for Extended Foster Care in IMPACT
5622.6 Send a Notice at the Start of the Young Adult’s Trial Independence Period
5622.7 Record the Start or End of a Trial Independence Period in IMPACT
5622.8 When a Young Adult Turns 21
5631 Required Actions During and After Trial Independence
5631.1 If a Hearing Is Held During Trial Independence
5631.2 If a Young Adult Returns to Extended Foster Care Before Trial Independence Ends
5631.3 If a Young Adult Returns to Extended Foster Care After Trial Independence Ends
5641 Reviews for Transitional Living Services After Trial Independence
5642 Caseworker Actions When the Young Adult Requests Jurisdiction for Transitional Living Services
5642.1 Obtain Extended Jurisdiction for a Case Involving Transitional Living Services
5642.2 File a Motion to Extend the Court’s Jurisdiction to Review Transitional Living Services
5642.3 Participate in Hearings Held for a Young Adult’s Case
5642.4 Complete a Report in Preparation for a Service Review Hearing
5642.5 Young Adult Withdraws Consent to Allow a Court to Extend Its Jurisdiction
5642.6 When a Court’s Jurisdiction Ends
5650 Referral to HHSC Guardianship
5651 Required Caseworker Actions
5710 Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)
5711 Priority Handling for Interstate Placements With Certain Relatives or Guardians
5720 Court-Related Requirements for Travel by a Child in DFPS Conservatorship
5730 Foreign-Born Children in Foster Care
5740 The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
5742 Decision Regarding Native American Status
5743 Legal Requirements If the ICWA Applies
5751 Orders for DFPS to Conduct a Home Screening in a Case to Which DFPS Is Not a Party
-
Section 6000: Substitute Care Services
6100 Overview of Substitute Care
6111 Assumption of Parental Responsibility
6113 Objectives of Substitute Care
6114 Legal and Practical Bases
6120 Initial and Ongoing Caseworker Activities
6121 Complete a Post Removal Transfer Staffing
6122 Required Tasks at Conservatorship Assignment
6123 Ongoing Duty to Provide Notice of DFPS Conservatorship
6124 Due Diligence Efforts to Identify and Locate Family
6125 Ongoing Efforts to Identify and Locate Family
6126 Notification of Rights of a Parent
6127 Case Conference and Supportive Supervision in CVS, Local Permanency, and Kinship
6130 Case Record and Workload Management
6131.2 Types of Conservatorship Stages
6131.21 Family or Parent Stages
6131.23 Casework Related Special Requests
6131.24 Foster and Adoptive Home Development
6131.26 Substitute Care Case Related Special Request: C-PB Stage
6131.27 Preparation for Adult Living
6133.1 Documentation and Communication
6133.2 Documenting Contacts in Substitute Care
6133.21 Documenting Contacts Using the Contact Details Page
6133.22 Documenting Monthly Contacts and Visits
6133.23 Required Narrative Content
6133.24 Contacts and Visits with the Child, Parent, Kinship, Relatives, and Caregiver
6133.25 CPS Contact with Collaterals, Court, and Legal Parties
6133.26 Supervisor Consultation
6133.3 Documenting Legal Activity
6133.4 Documenting Health Information
6133.5 Maintaining the Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History (HSEGH) Report
6133.52 Relatives and Fictive Kin
6133.6 Documenting Information on Case Principals
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 Documenting Transfer and Closing Summaries
6140 General Caseworker Duties
6143 Communication with the Child, Parents, Attorneys, Courts, Relatives and Caregivers
6143.1 Contact Information for Caseworker and Unit Management
6143.11 Responding to a Message from a Child or Youth
6144 Caseworkers’ Responsibilities Regarding Discipline
6151.1 Exceptions to the Notification Requirements
6151.2 Child Admitted to an Inpatient Mental Health Facility
6151.3 Notification Requirements and Schedule
6160 Caseworker's Duty to Report Abuse and Neglect in an Open Conservatorship (CVS) Case
6170 Actions Requiring Supervisor Approval
6171 Actions Requiring Child Placement Management Staff Approval
6180 Discharging Children from Substitute Care
6181 Services Preceding Discharge
6182 Services at Discharge from Substitute Care
6200 Case Planning for Positive Permanency
6210 Overview of Case Planning
6211 Requirements to Produce a Case Plan
6213 Concurrent Permanency Planning
6220 Permanency Planning Process
6230 Factors to Consider When Planning for Permanency
6231 Working with Family of Origin
6233 Selecting the Permanency Goal
6234 Prioritizing Permanency Goals
6234.11 Exceptions to Planned Reunification
6234.12 Priority of Family Reunification
6234.14 Aggravated Circumstances or Criminal Convictions
6234.16 Ruling Out Family Reunification
6234.17 Changing the Permanency Goal Back To Family Reunification
6234.21 Categories of Adoption
6234.23 Adoption vs. Conservatorship
6234.24 Ruling Out Family Reunification and Adoption Before Pursuing Permanency Care Assistance
6234.3 Permanent Managing Conservatorship to a Relative or Suitable Individual
6234.4 Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement
6234.41 Categories of Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (APPLA)
6234.43 Identifying Support of a Family or Other Caring Adult
6234.44 Reassessing APPLA as the Permanency Goal
6235 Documenting the Permanency Plan
6236 Approving the Permanency Plan
6236.2 Presenting the Permanency Plan to the Court
6236.3 Changing or Revising the Permanency Plan
6237.1 Time Frames for Permanent Family Placements in Temporary Managing Conservatorship
6241 The Child's Plan of Service (CPOS)
6241.1 Basic Description and Content of the Child's Plan of Service
6241.11 Reviewing and Documenting a Youth’s Plans for a Successful Transition to Adulthood
6241.2 Child Plan of Service Types and Frequency of Reviews
6241.21 Initial Child's Plan of Service
6241.22 Review of Child's Plan of Service
6241.23 Facility's Meetings to Plan Services
6241.25 Person Characteristics in IMPACT
6241.3 Participating in Development of the Child's Plan of Service
6241.31 Documenting Participation in the Development of the Child's Plan of Service
6241.32 Distributing the Approved Child's Plan of Service to Participants
6241.4 Documenting and Approving the Child's Plan of Service
6241.41 Changing or Revising the Permanency Goal
6242 The Family Plan of Service (FPOS)
6242.1 Family Plan of Service Types
6242.11 Initial Family Plan of Service
6242.12 Family Reunification Family Plan of Service
6242.13 Family Reunification (FRE) Family Plan
6242.2 The Family Plan of Service for Children Under Age Two
6242.3 Requirement for a Family Plan of Service
6242.31 Exceptions to Requirements for the Family Plan of Service
6242.4 Developing the Family Plan of Service
6242.41 Family Participation in Developing the Family Plan of Service
6242.5 Content of the Family Plan of Service
6242.6 Documenting and Approving the Family Plan of Service
6242.7 Reviewing the Family Plan of Service
6242.8 Updating the Family Strengths and Needs Assessment (FSNA)
6243 Services to Parents Who Live Outside of the Country
6250 Permanency Planning Meetings (PPM)
6251 Overview and Purpose of Permanency Planning Meetings
6252 Types of Permanency Planning Meetings
6253 When to Hold a Permanency Planning Meeting
6254 Permanency Planning Meeting Participants
6255 Notice of Permanency Planning Meetings
6256 Requirements of Permanency Planning Meetings
6256.1 Additional Requirements in Specific Situations
6257 Documentation of Permanency Planning Meetings
6260 Permanency Roundtables (PRT)
6310 Services to the Child's Family When the Child Is in Substitute Care
6311 Services to the Parent and Family
6313 Participation of Parents’ Attorneys When a Child Is in Substitute Care
6314 Services to Children and Parents across Regional Lines
6314.1 Coordination Between Primary Caseworker and Courtesy Supervision Caseworker
6314.11 Responsibilities of the Courtesy Caseworker
6314.12 Responsibilities of the Primary Caseworker
6326 Following Up on Identified Needs
6330 The Family Strengths and Needs Assessment (FSNA)
6340 Completing the Family Plan of Service
6350 Contact with Special Populations
6360 When CPS Obtains Permanent Managing Conservatorship Without Termination of Parental Rights
6361 Assessing Parental Involvement and Participation in Service Planning
6362 Maintaining the Family Substitute Care Stage
6363 Court's Authority to Order CPS to Provide Services
6364 When to Complete a Family Plan of Service
6366 When Service Planning Has Been Discontinued or Resumed
6370 When a Mother in an Open CVS Case is Pregnant
6380 Parental Child Safety Placements in CVS Cases
6400 Services to Children in Substitute Care
6411.21 Frequency of Face-to-Face Visits
6411.22 Conducting the Monthly Visit
6411.23 Documenting the Monthly Visit
6411.24 Following Up on Identified Needs
6411.3 Contact with Children in IDD GRO, SSLC and ICF Facilities
6411.31 Responsibilities of the Developmental Disability Specialist
6411.4 Children with Primary Medical Needs and Special Health Care Needs
6411.5 Contacts with Out-of-State Placements
6412 Services to Children and Caregivers across Regional Lines
6412.1 Courtesy Supervision – Contact across Regional Lines
6412.2 Local Permanency Supervision
6412.21 Local Permanency Eligibility
6412.22 Coordination between Local Permanency and Primary Caseworker
6412.23 Responsibilities of the Local Permanency Specialist
6412.26 Local Permanency Waiver
6415 The Right to Regular Contact
6415.1 Ending Contact if the Child Is at Risk
6416 Visitation between Families and Children in Substitute Care
6417 Supervising a Child Placed in Texas From Another State
6418 The Supervision Services Expected From Another State
6420 Rights of Children and Youth in Foster Care
6421 Texas Foster Care Handbook
6422.1 Corporal Punishment is Not Permitted
6422.2 Addressing Behavior Management and Discipline Issues
6423 Respect for Religious Practices
6430 Initial Assessment Services
6431 Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS)
6431.11 When to Request a CANS Assessment
6431.12 Viewing the CANS Report
6431.13 Use of the CANS Assessment to Inform T3C Service Packages
6431.21 Timeline for CANS Assessments
6431.22 Placement Changes within the First 30 Days
6431.23 Annual Updates to the CANS
6431.3 Use of the CANS Assessment for Service Planning
6431.4 The STAR Health Service Plan
6432 Assess for Developmental or Intellectual Disability
6432.1 Medicaid Long-Term Care Interest Lists and Determination of Intellectual Disability
6440 When a Youth in Substitute Care is Pregnant or Parenting
6441 When a Youth in Substitute Care is Pregnant
6442 When a Youth in Substitute Care is Parenting
6442.1 When DFPS Has Conservatorship of the Youth’s Child
6442.2 When DFPS Does Not Have Conservatorship of the Youth’s Child
6442.3 When the Youth’s Child Leaves Paid Foster Care – Closing Stages in IMPACT
6442.4 When the Youth Parent Is on Runaway Status
6452 Personal Documents Provided to Youth
6452.1 Personal Documents Provided to Youth Age 15 Through 17
6452.2 Additional Personal Documents Provided to Youth before Age 18
6452.3 Documentation Requirements for Personal Documents
6453.1 Credit Reports for Youth 14 Through 17
6453.2 Credit Reports for Young Adults in Extended Foster Care
6454 Driver License and State Identification (ID) Card
6454.11 Driver License Assessment for Youth under 18
6454.12 Driver License Approval Process for Youth under 18
6454.14 Reassessing a Youth before or after Receipt of a Driver License for Youth under 18
6454.15 Eligible Youth Applying for a Driver Learner License or Driver License
6454.16 Young Adult in Extended Foster Care Applying for Driver License
6454.19 Address Changes for a Driver License or State Identification (ID) Card
6454.2 Canceling or Withdrawing a Driver License
6454.3 State Identification (ID) Card
6454.31 Affidavit Requirements
6455 Youth Enlisting in the Military
6456 Marriage of Youth in Conservatorship
6460 When a Child or Youth Is Missing from CPS Conservatorship
6461 Child or Youth Missing from Substitute Care Placement
6461.1 Notification Requirements When a Child Runs Away or is Missing
6461.3 Ongoing Efforts to Recover
6461.31 Documentation and Review
6461.4 When a Child Who Is Missing Is Recovered
6461.5 Caseworker Actions When a Missing Child Returns to Care
6461.51 Documentation and Review
6462 Confirmed or Suspected Victims of Human Trafficking
6471 Approvals Required for Travel
6471.1 In-State Travel Approval
6471.2 Out-of-State Travel Approval
6472 Transporting a Child by Vehicle
6473 Transporting a Child by Airplane
6474 When a Child Travels Outside of the United States
6474.1 Requesting Court Approval for International Travel
6480 Email, Internet, and Social Media Use by Children and Youth in Foster Care
6481 Online Privacy Expectations of Children and Youth in Foster Care
6482 Use of Digital Services by Children in DFPS Conservatorship
6490 If a Child Dies While in Substitute Care
6491 Immediate Notification Requirements When a Child Dies
6492 Making Funeral Arrangements
6492.1 Inquire About Children's Funds
6492.2 Involve Biological Parents
6492.3 Involve Foster Parents and Other Significant Individuals
6492.4 Involve Community Partners
6510 Completing a Reunification Assessment Tool
6520 Starting the Reunification Process
6531 Providing Services and Ensuring Child Safety after a Child Returns Home
6540 Maintaining Contact with the Family When a Child Is Returned Home
6550 Conducting Follow-up Visits with the Family When a Child Is Returned Home
6560 Completing a Risk Reassessment Tool
6570 Closing a Case with a Child in a Parent’s Home
6571 Tasks Required before Dismissal
6572 Tasks Required before Closure
6573 Approval for Case Closure
6600 Case Planning with Relatives and Other Kinship Caregivers
6610 Identifying a Potential Relative Placement Before the Adversary Hearing
6611 Referring a Relative Who Is Interested in Caregiving
6612 Conducting Background Checks
6612.1 Conducting and Evaluating DFPS History Checks
6612.11 If No DFPS History Is Found
6612.12 If DFPS History Is Found
6612.13 If the Finding Is Overturned
6612.14 If the Finding Is Not Overturned
6612.16 Warning the Potential Caregiver
6613 Conducting a Criminal History Check
6613.1 Determining the Consequences of a Criminal History
6613.2 Considering the Totality of the Circumstances
6614 If More Than One Potential Kinship Caregiver Is Under Consideration
6614.1 Determining Whether to Proceed with Kinship Caregiver Home Assessment
6614.2 Informing Potential Kinship Caregivers of Potential Consequences of Criminal History
6615 If a Potential Kinship Caregiver Is Denied Further Consideration
6620 Contacting and Placing with a Potential Caregiver After the Removal
6621 Placing with a Relative after the Adversary Hearing
6622 Presenting a Preliminary Written Assessment
6623 Completing a Risk Assessment, and a Written Home Assessment of the Kinship Caregiver
6623.2 The Written Home Assessment
6623.21 Time Frames for Completing Home Assessments
6624 Obtaining CPS Approval of the Home Assessment and Placement of a Child in a Kinship Home
6624.1 Appeal Process for Denied Home Assessment
6624. 11 Notifying the Kinship Caregiver of the Appeal Process
6624. 13 Notifying the Kinship Caregiver of the Appeal Determination
6625 Requirements for a Kinship Safety Evaluation (KSE)
6630 Requesting Special Court Action for Placement with Fictive Kin
6631 Obtaining Court Approval for a Kinship Caregiver with Criminal or CPS History
6631.1 If a Court-Ordered Placement Occurs Before a Negative Assessment
6631.2 If a Court-Ordered Placement Occurs After a Negative Assessment
6632 Referring Across Regional Lines for Kinship Home Assessments and Services
6633 Conducting a Pre-Placement Visit and Placing a Child with a Kinship Caregiver
6634 Critical Forms and Discussion Required at the Time of Placement
6634.2 Caseworker Discussion with Kinship Caregiver at the Time of Placement
6634.3 Kinship Caregiver Manual
6634.4 Kinship Caregiver Agreement
6640 The Kinship Development Worker
6641 Duties of the Kinship Development Worker
6642 Services and Initial Contact with the Kinship Caregiver
6643 Expectations for Face-to-Face Contact with the Kinship Caregiver
6643.2 Where Visits Must Occur
6645 Conducting the Kinship Caregiver Visit
6646 Actions after each Kinship Caregiver Visit
6650 Financial Assistance Available to a Kinship Caregiver
6651 Explaining the Federal Financial Assistance Available to a Kinship Caregiver
6651.1 When the Caregiver Is Related to the Child
6651.2 When the Caregiver Is the Child's Grandparent
6652 Explaining the DFPS Financial Assistance Available to a Kinship Caregiver
6652.2 DFPS Relative and Other Designated Caregiver Program
6652.3 Kinship Reimbursement Payment
6652.4 Post-Permanent Managing Conservatorship Annual Reimbursement Payment
6652.42 Required Documentation
6660 Kinship Caregivers Interested in Becoming Verified as Foster Parents
6661 Assisting a Kinship Caregiver Seeking Verification as a Foster Parent
6661.1 The Kinship Development Caseworker’s Role during Verification
6661.2 Explaining Eligibility for Services
6661.3 Documenting a Caregiver’s Disinterest in Verification
6662 When a Kinship Caregiver Is Verified as a Foster Parent
6662.1 Explaining the Permanency Goal
6662.2 Providing Forms 2646 and 2085kf
6662.3 Recording the Foster Placement in IMPACT
6662.5 Closing the Kinship Stage in IMPACT
6680 Permanency Care Assistance (PCA)
6681 Overview of Permanency Care Assistance
6681.2 Caregiver Ineligibility for Permanency Care Assistance
6681.3 Child Eligibility for Permanency Care Assistance
6681.4 Meeting the Conditions to Verify Eligibility for Permanency Care Assistance
6682 Adding Permanency Care Assistance to the Child's Plan of Service
6683 Ruling Out Family Reunification and Adoption Before Pursuing Permanency Care Assistance
6684 Discussing the Intent to Pursue Permanency Care Assistance
6685 Applying for Permanency Care Assistance
6685.1 Completing a Permanency Care Assistance (PCA) Application
6685.3 Reviewing the Application and Permanency Care Assistance Packet
6685.4 Negotiating the Monthly Payment
6685.41 Submitting the Permanent Managing Conservatorship Order
6685.42 Receiving the First Payment
6685.5 Signing the PCA Agreement Before Conservatorship is Granted: Court Time Frames and Processes
6686 Granting Assistance to the Sibling of a Child Who Receives PCA
6687 Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
6687.1 Definition of Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
6687.2 Eligibility Requirements for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
6687.4 Approval Process for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
6687.41 Regional Approval Process
6687.42 State Office Approval Process
6687.43 Approvals and Notification to Family
6687.5 Timing of Negotiation for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance and Placement
6687.6 Authorization of Payments for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
6687.7 Denials of Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
6687.8 Deferred Agreements for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
6687.9 Appeals and Fair Hearings for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
6700 International and Immigration Issues
6710 Services to Children and Families Who Are Not U.S. Citizens
6711 Immigration Opportunities for Foster Children
6712 Impact of Citizenship and Immigration Status on Permanency
6713 Caseworker Responsibility for Citizenship and Immigration
6714 Contacts With the Immigration Authorities
6715 Working With the Foreign Consulate
6715.1 Giving Notice to a Foreign Consulate
6716 Transporting Undocumented Persons
6720 Staff Travel Outside of the United States
6730 Placements in a Foreign Country
6731 Home Studies in Foreign Countries
6732 Procedure for International Placement
6733 U Visa Certification Requests
6740 Temporary CPS Custody Resulting from a Foreign Custody Order or a Hague Abduction Suit
6811 Discussing the Option of Joint Temporary Managing Conservatorship
6811.1 Determination of Joint Temporary Managing Conservatorship
6811.2 Documenting the Discussion
6820 CPS Youth and Municipal or County Courts and the Juvenile and Criminal Justice Systems
6821 CPS Youth with Tickets and Fines Involving Municipal or County Courts
6822 CPS Youth and Juvenile Justice
6822.1 Detention Before an Adjudication (Court Decision) Hearing
6822.11 Documenting Living Arrangement in IMPACT
6822.12 Legal Status and Legal Action in IMPACT
6822.13 Providing Medical Care
6822.3 When a Youth Is in Juvenile Probation Department (JPD) Custody or on JPD Probation
6822.31 Medical Care for a Youth in JPD Custody or on JPD Probation
6822.32 Serving as Medical Consenter
6822.4 Coordinated Service Planning
6822.43 Juvenile Record Requests with JPDs
6822.6 Addressing Other Juvenile Probation-Related Issues
6823.1 General Procedures When Youth Are Committed to the TJJD Secure Facility Program
6823.2 Medical Care for a Youth in TJJD Custody or on TJJD Parole
6823.3 Coordinated Service Planning
6823.33 Juvenile Record Requests with TJJD
6823.41 Attendance at Permanency Hearings
6823.5 Addressing Other TJJD-Related Issues
6824 CPS Youth and Young Adults and the Adult Criminal Justice System
6825 Sealing Juvenile Records for Minor Offenses
6900 Adoption Preparation and Support Services
6910 Criteria and Types of Service
6911 Criteria for Providing Adoption Services
6920 Planning for a Child's Adoption
6921 Completing the Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History (HSEGH) Report
6922 Completing the Adoption Readiness Summary (ARS)
6923 Assessing the Child's Readiness
6923.1 Reviewing the Case-Record and Conducting Interviews
6926 Preparing the Child's Records for Presentation to Prospective Adoptive Parents
6930 Selecting an Adoptive Family
6931 Issues to Consider When Selecting an Adoptive Home
6931.1 The Child's Best Interest
6931.2 Selecting an Adoptive Home
6931.3 Race, Color, and National Origin
6931.4 Specific Issues to Consider When Selecting an Adoptive Home
6931.41 Continued Contact with Foster Parents
6931.42 Placement with Siblings
6931.43 Child’s or Youth's Adoptive Home Preference
6931.44 Adoptive Family's Awareness
6931.45 Other Issues to Consider When Selecting an Adoptive Home
6932 Challenges of a Termination Order by Certain Relatives: 90-Day Period Following Termination
6932.2 Assessing the Relative's Family After Termination of Parental Rights
6933 Adoption by Foster Parents
6934 Adoptive Homes Located by Private Child-Placing Agencies
6935 Adoptive Homes in Other States
6936 Considering the Need for an Adoption Subsidy
6937 Adoption by Military Families Both In the United States and Outside the United States
6938 Legal Risk Adoptive Homes
6938.1 Requirements for Parents
6938.2 Requirements for Children
6938.3 Requirements for the Match
6939.1 Conducting Separate Meetings to Discuss the Child and the Potential Adoptive Families
6939.3 Meeting to Discuss the Child
6939.4 Meeting to Discuss the Potential Adoptive Families
6939.5 Confirming Approval of a Prospective Adoptive Family
6939.6 When No Prospective Adoptive Family Is Available
6940 Presenting and Placing the Child for Adoption
6941 Presenting Information About the Child
6941.2 Documenting That Prospective Adoptive Parents Have Received the HSEGH Report
6941.3 Sharing Other DFPS Records with the Prospective Adoptive Parents
6941.4 Providing Adoptive Parents with Access to Research
6941.5 Refusal to Review the Child's Records
6942 Deciding Not to Proceed with a Placement
6943 Preparing the Family and the Child for the Placement
6944.1 Providing Continuing Access to the Child's Records
6944.2 Providing Written Consent to Secure Medical Services for the Child
6944.31 If the Child Is Not Receiving Social Security Benefits
6944.32 If the Child Is Receiving Social Security Benefits
6944.4 Informing the Adoptive Family of the Availability of Continuing Services
6944.5 Providing the Child's Personal Documents
6944.6 Discussing the Adoptive Placement Agreement
6944.61 Completing the Placement Summary
6944.7 Arranging to Forward the Child's Income and Reports
6944.8 Updating Adoption and TARE Records
6944.9 Receiving Documents Back from a Canceled Placement
6945 Making Adoptive Placements in Other Regions and With Private Agency Adoptive Homes
6945.1 When CPS Places a Child Outside the Region
6945.2 Documenting Contacts in IMPACT
6945.3 Closing Adoption Cases That Cross Regional Lines
6946 Making Placements in Other States
6947 Making Placements in Other Countries
6950 Supporting and Consummating the Adoption
6951 Supporting the Adoptive Placement
6951.1 Developing an Adoption Services Plan
6951.11 Objectives of an Adoption Services Plan
6951.12 Establishing the Adoption Services Plan
6952 Resolving Problems in an Adoptive Placement
6953 Contact with the Child and Adoptive Family
6953.1 Conducting Visits With the Child and Adoptive Family
6953.11 Preparing for the Visit
6954 Consummating the Adoption
6954.1 Time Frames for Consummating the Adoption
6954.2 CPS Caseworker Tasks after the Adoption Petition Is Filed
6954.21 Preparing a Social Study
6954.22 Filing the Health, Social, Education, and Genetic History (HSEGH) Report
6954.23 Securing the Court's Consent to the Adoption
6954.24 Providing the Child's History to the Adoptive Parents
6954.25 Providing Documents to the Family's Attorney
6954.26 Providing Advice on Obtaining Post-Adoption Services
6954.27 Documenting the Adoption Decree and Other Actions
6954.28 Transferring a Legal Case between Jurisdictions for Adoption
6954.3 Additional Tasks Related to Adoption
6954.31 Providing Advice on Applying for a New Social Security Number or Card
6954.32 Transferring Income, Benefits, and Assets
6954.4 Adoption Assistance When DFPS Is Not Consenting to the Adoption
6954.5 Termination of DFPS's Managing Conservatorship
6954.6 Adoption Reporting Requirements
6961 Post-Adoption Substitute Care (Return to Care)
6961.1 Circumstances Requiring Post-Adoption Substitute Care
6961.2 Procedures for Obtaining Post-Adoption Substitute Care
6961.3 How Post-Adoption Substitute Care Affects the Permanency Plan
6961.4 Initiating Post-Adoption Substitute Care
6961.5 Processing Post-Adoption Substitute Care
6961.6 Transitioning from Post-Adoption Services to Post-Adoption Substitute Care
6961.7 Adoption Subsidy Assistance
6970 Subsequent Placements in the Same Home
6980 Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE)
6981 Community Agencies That Support Child-Specific Recruitment
6982 TARE Adoption Recruitment Efforts
6982.1 Pre-TARE Regional Recruitment Efforts
6982.11 Pre-Recruitment Discussion With the Current Foster Parents
6982.12 Regional Recruitment Efforts
6982.2 National Recruitment Efforts
6983 Time Frames for Registering Children on TARE
6984 Court Orders Related to Adoption Recruitment
6984.1 Court-Ordered Recruitment for a Legal Risk Placement
6984.2 Court Orders to Cease or Suspend Recruitment Efforts
6984.3 Court Orders for Placement Only in Texas
6984.4 Challenge of Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
6985 Maintaining TARE Registrations
6985.1 Child's Caseworker Responsibilities
6985.2 Discontinuing TARE Registrations
-
Section 7000: Foster and Adoptive Home Development
7000 Foster and Adoptive Home Development
7100 Inquiries and Initial Applications
7110 Responding to Inquiries From Potential Foster Care or Adoptive Parents
7121 Previously Verified or Approved Applicants
7122 Topics of Information Meetings
7123 Distributing and Assisting with Applications
7124 Processing the Application Packet Submitted by Prospective Foster or Adoptive Parents
7200 Screening Applicants for Foster Care and Adoption
7210 Reasons for Screening Applicants for Foster Care and Adoption
7220 Screening Requirements for Prospective Foster and Adoptive Parents
7223.1 Relationship Status of Prospective Foster Parents
7223.2 Relationship Status of Prospective Adoptive Parents
7223.21 The Divorce Requirement for Adoptive Parents
7223.22 Requesting a Waiver of the Divorce Requirement for Adoptive Parents
7223.3 Single Applicants as Prospective Foster or Adoptive Parents
7224 Physical and Mental Health
7226.1 The Citizenship Requirement for Foster Parents
7226.2 The Citizenship Requirement for Adoptive Parents
7226.3 Verifying a Prospective Parent's Citizenship or Immigration Status
7226.4 Requesting a Citizenship Waiver for Adoptive Parents
7300 Training Foster and Adoptive Applicants
7310 Pre-Service Training of Foster and Adoptive Caregivers
7311 Pre-Service Training Sessions
7312 If Prospective Parents Complete Training and Then Withdraw
7313 If Prospective Parents Complete Training, Are Approved, and Then Withdraw
7314 Exception to the Requirement That Prospective Foster Parents Attend Pre-Service Training
7320 Training in CPR and First Aid
7330 Training in Recognizing and Reporting Sexual Abuse
7400 Checking Criminal Records and Abuse and Neglect History
7410 Determine Need for Background Check
7411 General Requirements for Background Checks
7411.1 Required Background Check Tables
7412 Background Check Statement Form 4054
7413 Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Abuse or Neglect History Checks
7421 Ensuring Checks Are Submitted Timely
7421.1 Time Frames for Initial Checks
7421.2 Relying on a Previously Conducted Fingerprint Check for an Initial Check
7421.3 Time Frames for Recurring Checks
7421.4 Time Frames for Checks Required Before Consummating an Adoption
7430 Requesting Information from Law Enforcement
7431 Service Call Information from Law Enforcement
7440 Evaluating Background Check Results and Service Call Information
7441 Evaluating Criminal History Results
7442 Evaluating DFPS and Out of State Abuse or Neglect History Results
7443 New Background Check Results on a Verified or Approved Home
7451 Contact With Children During Risk Evaluations
7452 When a Risk Evaluation is Not Required
7460 Information Related to Specific Types of Checks
7462 Incorrect Criminal History Information
7462.1 Texas Department of Public Safety
7462.2 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
7500 Home and Family Assessment
7510 If an Application to Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent Is Denied
7511 Documentation for Verifying and Approving Homes
7511.1 Documents Required Before Verifying or Approving Any Prospective Parent
7511.3 Documents Required Before Approving Prospective Adoptive Parents
7512.1 Home Screening Interviews
7512.11 Obtaining References During Home Screenings
7512.2 Updating the Home Screenings
7512.21 Updating Foster Home Screenings
7512.22 Updating Adoptive Home Screenings
7512.3 Documenting Home Screenings
7512.41 Requesting a Waiver or Variance
7513.1 Foster Home Inspections
7513.2 Adoptive Home Inspections
7514 Special Considerations Regarding Foster Parents
7520 Annual Training Requirements for Foster Parents and Child Placement Staff
7521 Annual Training Requirements for Foster Parents
7522 Annual Training Requirements for Child Placement Staff
7600 Developing Foster and Adoptive Homes
7611 Rights and Responsibilities of Foster Parents
7612.1 Supervisory Visits: Unannounced Home Visits
7612.2 Supervisory Visits: Normalcy
7613 Foster Family Quarterly Assessment
7613.1 Time Frames for Documenting the Quarterly Assessment
7620 Evaluating Foster Home Compliance with Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies
7621 Evaluating Foster Home Compliance
7621.1 When to Evaluate a Foster Home
7621.2 Conducting Foster Home Evaluations
7621.3 Documenting Foster Home Evaluations
7621.4 Plans for Achieving Compliance and Follow-Up
7622 Updating a Foster Home's Verification Certificate
7623.1 Documenting an Inactive Foster Home
7623.2 Contact With an Inactive Foster Home
7623.21 Training Requirements for an Inactive Foster Home
7623.22 Background Checks for Inactive Status Foster Homes
7624.1 If Foster Families Move Out of Region
7624.2 If Foster Families Move Out-of-State
7626 Developmental Plans and Documenting Failure to Comply With Minimum Standards
7626.2 Failure to Comply With Minimum Standards
7626.21 Failure to Comply With a Minimum Standard or Other Licensing Rule
7626.22 Corrective Action Plans
7626.4 Foster Families that Adopt
7626.5 Supervising Children Receiving Treatment Services
7630 Developing and Supervising the Adoptive Home
7631 Supervising the Adoptive Home
7632 Homes for Legal Risk Placements
7633.1 Contact With an Inactive Adoptive Home
7640 DFPS Policies That Exceed Minimum Standards
7641 Water Safety and Swimming Activities
7641.1 Water Policy Requirements for Foster, Adopt, and Foster-Adopt Homes
7642 Disaster Planning and Procedures for Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) Placements
7642.2 Documenting Disaster Plans for Foster and Adoptive Homes
7642.3 Disaster Procedures for FAD Workers
7644 Weapons, Firearms, Explosive Materials, and Projectiles
7645 Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention
7645.1 Suicide Prevention and Intervention Training
7645.3 Suicide Prevention and Intervention Planning
7645.4 Returning Post-Hospitalization
7645.5 Postvention Protocols and Support
7700 Investigations in Foster Family and Adoptive Homes
7711 Allegations and Incidents That Licensing Must Investigate
7720 Minimum Standards Violations
7741 Peer Review Appeal Process for DFPS Verified Foster Parents
7810 Avoiding a Conflict of Interest When DFPS Employees Apply to Foster or Adopt
7811 Restrictions on FAD Verifying or Approving DFPS Employees and Others with Close Ties to DFPS
7900 Alternate Caregiving for Foster Children
7910 Background Check Requirements for Babysitters and Intermittent Alternate Care Providers
7920 Babysitting and Overnight Care
7921 Restrictions on DFPS Employees
7923 Approving and Documenting Babysitters
7923.1 Approving and Documenting Adult Babysitters
7923.2 Approving and Documenting Minor Babysitters
7924 Approving Alternate Care Plans
7925 Documenting Care Instructions
7926 Notifying DFPS of Alternate Care Services
7930 Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC) and DFPS Verified Foster Homes
7931 Verified FAD Homes Providing Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC)
7932 Service Limitation of Verified IAC Providers
7933 Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC) Providers
7933.1 Non-Verified Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC) Providers
7934 Contracting for Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC) Services
7935 Arranging Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC) Services
7935.1 Requiring Prior Service Authorization to Ensure Payment of IAC Services
7935.2 Procedures for Arranging Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC)
7936 Processing the Billing for Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC) Services
7936.1 Canceling Intermittent Alternate Care
7936.2 Requesting Additional Units of Intermittent Alternate Care Service
-
Section 8000: Purchased Child Protective Services
8000 Purchased Child Protective Services
8120 Types of Purchased Services
8121.1 Direct Services for Active Cases (Standard and ICPC)
8121.2 Post Adoptive Cases (Consummated Adoptions)
8123 State Office (Statewide) Contracts
8130 Policy Waivers or New Service Requests
8150 State Office and Regional Responsibilities
8151 State Office Responsibilities
8152 Regional Responsibilities
8160 Authorizing, Extending, or Terminating Services
8161 Direct Services – Authorizing, Extending, or Terminating
8161.1 Active Cases – Authorizing, Extending, or Terminating Direct Services
8161.11 Considering Priority Funding
8161.13 Establishing End Dates
8161.14 Adding, Extending, or Reauthorizing Service
8161.2 Post-Adoptive Services (Consummated Adoptions)
8162 Support Services – Authorizing, Extending, or Terminating
8163 State Office Contracts – Adding, Extending, or Terminating
8163.1 Authorizing Contract Services
8163.2 Contract Services – Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, or Terminating
8164 Manual Authorization – Submitting a Paper Form
8165 Interregional Service – Authorization
8200 Direct Services for Active Cases
8220 Purchased Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
8222 Identifying Available Services
8223 Referring Clients for Family-Based Safety Services
8224 Using IMPACT for Completing Service Authorizations
8226 Starting New Investigations of Open Cases
8227 Handling Returned Open Cases
8228 Adding, Changing, or Terminating
8230 Services for Caregivers (p.8)
8231.1 Protective Homemaker Services
8231.11 Determining Eligibility
8231.12 Identifying Available Services
8231.15 Handling Additional Duties
8231.2 Emergency Homemaker Services
8231.21 Determining Eligibility
8231.22 Identifying Available Services
8231.25 Handling Additional Duties
8232 Parent and Caregiver Training
8232.1 Basic Training – Parents and Caregivers
8232.11 Determining Eligibility
8232.12 Identifying Available Services
8232.15 Handling Additional Duties
8232.2 Special Needs Training for Parents and Caregivers
8232.21 Determining Eligibility
8232.22 Identifying Available Services
8232.25 Handling Additional Duties
8233.1 Determining Eligibility
8233.2 Identifying Available Services
8233.41 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8233.5 Handling Additional Duties
8234 Hospital Sitting Services
8234.2 Determining Eligibility
8234.3 Identifying Available Services
8234.51 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8234.6 Handling Additional Duties
8235.1 Funding Availability for Child Day Care Services
8235.2 Authorizing, Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, Terminating, or Changing Services
8235.21 Caseworker Responsibilities
8235.22 When a Child Care Provider's Licensing Status Changes
8235.3 General Protective Child Day Care
8235.31 Determining Eligibility for General Protective Day Care
8235.32 Types of Facilities That May Be Used for General Protective Day Care
8235.33 Resolving Issues of Space
8235.34 Authorizing, Reauthorizing, and Terminating Services
8235.41 Determining Eligibility for Foster Day Care
8235.42 Types of Day Care Facilities That May Be Used for Foster Day Care
8235.43 Resolving Issues of Space
8235.44 Authorizing, Reauthorizing, and Terminating Services
8235.51 Determining Eligibility for Kinship Day Care
8235.52 Types of Facilities That May Be Used for Kinship Day Care
8235.53 Resolving Issues of Space
8235.54 Initiating, Authorizing, Reauthorizing, and Terminating Services
8235.6 Day Care Coordinator Responsibilities
8235.61 Handling Program-Related Duties
8236 Supervised Visitation Services
8236.1 Determining Eligibility
8236.2 Contracted Supervised Visitation
8236.5 Handling Additional Duties
8236.6 Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, or Terminating Services
8240 Evaluation, Treatment, and Substance Abuse Services
8242.1 Psychosocial Assessment
8242.11 Determining Eligibility for Psychosocial Assessment
8242.12 Identifying Available Services for Psychosocial Assessment
8242.13 Referring Clients for Psychosocial Assessment
8242.14 Using IMPACT to Authorize Psychosocial Assessment
8242.15 Adding, Extending, and Reauthorizing Psychosocial Assessment Services
8242.16 Terminating Service for Psychosocial Assessment
8242.21 Determining Eligibility for Psychological Testing
8242.22 Identifying Available Services for Psychological Testing
8242.23 Referring Clients for Psychological Testing
8242.24 Using IMPACT to Authorize Psychological Testing
8242.25 Adding, Extending, and Reauthorizing Services for Psychological Testing
8242.26 Terminating Service for Psychological Testing
8242.31 Determining Eligibility for Psychiatric Evaluation
8242.32 Identifying Available Services for Psychiatric Evaluation
8242.33 Referring Clients for Psychiatric Evaluation
8242.34 Using IMPACT to Authorize a Psychiatric Evaluation
8242.35 Adding, Extending, and Reauthorizing Services for Psychiatric Evaluation
8242.36 Terminating Service for Psychiatric Evaluation
8243.1 Counseling — Individual, Family, and Group
8243.11 Determining Eligibility
8243.12 Identifying Available Services
8243.15 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8243.16 Handling Additional Duties
8243.17 Adding, Changing, or Terminating Service
8243.2 Programs for Children with Developmental Delays
8243.21 Determining Eligibility
8243.22 Identifying Available Services
8243.25 Handling Additional Duties
8250 Court-Related Services – Preparing for Judicial Determination
8252 Requesting Court-Related Services
8253 Obtaining Court-Related Services
8260 Adoption Services (Pre-Consummated Adoptions)
8261 HSEGH Reports - Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History
8261.1 Identifying Available Services for HSEGH Reports
8261.21 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8262 Adoptive Placement Services (Including Legal Risk Placements)
8262.1 Determining Eligibility
8262.2 Identifying Available Services
8262.3 Referring Clients for In-State Adoption Services
8263 Out-of-State Adoption Placement
8263.1 Identifying Out-of-State Families for Adoption Placement Services
8263.2 Determining Eligibility
8263.3 Contracting with Out-of-State CPAs
8263.4 Selecting an Out-of-State Family and Authorizing Services
8263.5 Adding, Extending, or Reauthorizing Services
8263.6 Completing Placement Services
8264 Post-Placement Adoption Services (Pre-Consummated)
8264.1 Determining Eligibility
8264.2 Identifying Available Services
8264.5 Handling Additional Duties
8265 Subsequent Adoptive Placement Services
8265.1 Determining Eligibility
8270 Youth Camping Services — Day and 24-Hour
8272 Identifying Available Services
8275 Contracting with Youth Camps
8276.1 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8280 Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Services
8282 Identifying Available Services
8283 Identifying Additional Services
8285.1 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8286 Adding, Extending, or Terminating Services
8300 Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC)
8312 Identifying Available Services
8314.1 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8315 Handling Additional Duties
8316 Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, or Terminating Services
8320 ICPC Placement and Courtesy Supervision Services
8322 Identifying Available Services
8324.1 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8325 Handling Additional Duties
8326 Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, or Closing Services
8330 ICPC Evaluation and Treatment Services
8332 Identifying Available Services
8334.1 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8335 Handling Additional Duties
8336 Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, or Terminating Service
8400 Post Adoption Services (Consummated Adoptions)
8411.1 Determining Eligibility
8411.3 Identifying Available Services
8411.6 Sharing the Child's Record
8412.1 Casework and Service Planning
8412.11 Defining Casework and Service Planning
8412.12 Maintaining a Service Plan
8412.21 Identifying Available Services
8412.22 Determining Eligibility
8412.23 Identifying Allowable Costs
8412.31 Identifying Available Services
8412.32 Determining Eligibility
8412.33 Identifying Allowable Subcontractors
8412.4 Post Adoption Counseling
8412.41 Providing Available Services
8412.42 Determining Eligibility
8412.43 Identifying Allowable Providers
8412.44 Defining Units of Service
8412.45 Authorizing in Advance
8412.51 Identifying Eligible Providers
8412.53 Defining Units of Service
8412.6 Residential Therapeutic Care
8412.61 Determining Eligibility
8412.63 Requiring Family Involvement
8412.64 Reunifying Child and Family
8412.65 Identifying Allowable Providers
8412.69 Reducing the Service Level
8414 The Contract Plan of Operation for Post Adoption Services
8420 Duties of a Regional Liaison
8431 Notifying Families of Their Rights
8432 Resolving Disagreements with Contractors
8434 During and After the Fair Hearing
8511 Foster Parent Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC) Services
8512 Funeral and Burial Services for Children in DFPS Conservatorship
8512.1 DFPS Funding for Services
8512.2 Purchasing and Payment of Services
8513 Medical, Dental, or Sexual Abuse Examinations
8514 Diagnostic Consultation — Case Specific
8514.1 Determining Eligibility for Consultation
8514.2 Identifying Available Consultation Services
8514.3 Referring Clients for Consultation
8514.41 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8514.5 Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, or Terminating Consultation
8520 Program Support Services (Regional)
8521.2 Foster and Adoptive Home Study Services
8521.22 Determining Eligibility
8521.23 Identifying Available Services
8521.26 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8521.27 Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, or Terminating Studies
8521.3 Relative, OTI, or Court-Ordered Home Study Services
8521.31 Identifying Required Services
8521.34 Handling Additional Duties
8521.35 Adding, Changing, Reauthorizing, or Terminating Services
8522 Programmatic Consultation
8522.1 Identifying Allowable Services
8523 Community and Parent Group Services
8523.1 Contracting With Councils, Associations, and Organizations
8523.11 Identifying Eligible Contractors
8523.3 Costs for Community and Parent Group Services
8523.31 Allowable Costs for Community and Parent Group Services
8523.32 Unallowable Costs for Community and Parent Group Services
8524.1 Group Training for Foster and Adoptive Parents
8524.11 Determining Eligibility
8524.14 Handling Additional Duties
8524.2 Topic-Specific Training for Clients, Parents, or Contractors
8524.22 Determining Eligibility
8525 Title IV-E University Pass-Through Services
8525.1 Title IV-E — Professional Training
8525.2 Title IV-E — Ongoing Training
8525.3 Title IV-E — University Degree and Stipend Programs
8525.31 Identifying Allowable Services
8525.32 Student Responsibilities
8526.3 Reviewing Contracts Annually
8526.4 Including Termination Dates
8526.5 Registering and Paying Contracts
8526.7 Restrictions on Child Welfare Boards
8526.72 Restrictions on Contracts
8526.73 Restrictions on Funding
8530 State Office Contracts with Program Consultants
8531 Identifying Available Services
-
Section 9000: Interstate Placements
9000 Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)
9100 The Texas Interstate Compact Office
9110 The DFPS Regional ICPC Coordinator
9200 Placing Children from Texas in Another State
9210 Processing an ICPC Request from Texas
9211 Regional ICPC Coordinator Review and Approval
9212 Texas Interstate Compact Office (TICO) Review and Processing
9213 Obtaining the Other State's Decision on an Interstate Placement
9213.2 Request for Home Study Approval Extension
9214 Placing a Child in the Other State
9214.1 Notifying the Other State
9214.11 Retaining Jurisdiction
9214.2 Canceling a Placement Request
9216 Out-of-State Placement Disruptions
9300 Placing Children From Another State In Texas
9310 Accepting a Request to Place a Child From Another State in Texas
9312 If the Other State’s Agency Skips TICO
9313 Accepting Requests From Other States to Place With a Non-Custodial Parent Living in Texas
9314 If a Home Screening Has Already Been Completed
9315 Creating an ICPC Case in IMPACT
9316 Notification and Supervision
9320 If a Caregiver Moves to Texas
9323 If a Caregiver Moves Before TICO Authorizes the Placement
9324 Placements Made Without a Request
9330 Processing a Home Screening for a Child Being Placed in Texas From Another State
9340 Making the Decision to Accept an ICPC Placement
9341 Basis and Criteria for TICO Approval
9342 Sending Notification of a TICO Decision
9342.1 If TICO Denies Placement
9342.2 If a Child Is Placed Despite TICO’s Denial
9350 Placing a Child From Another State in a Licensed Residential Facility in Texas
9361 When a Caregiver Moves During the Supervision of an ICPC Case
9362 Interstate Placement Disruption
9363 Illegal Interstate Placements
9500 DFPS Role in Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) Disaster Planning
-
Section 10000: Services to Older Youth in Care
10000 Services to Older Youth in Care
10100 Overview of Transitional Living Services
10120 Transition Planning for Older Youth
10130 Transition Centers for Youth
10140 Overview of Healthcare Coverage for Youth and Young Adults Who Age Out of Foster Care
10141 The Former Foster Care Children (FFCC) Program
10142 The Medicaid for Transitioning Foster Care Youth (MTFCY) Program
10143 Informing Youth and Young Adults About the FFCC and MTFCY Healthcare Programs
10200 Preparation for Adult Living (PAL)
10210 Preparation for Adult Living Program
10211 Targeted and Eligible Population for PAL
10211.1 Targeted Priority Population
10211.2 Additional Eligible Population
10212 PAL Eligibility for Youth Placed in a Title IV-E Placement by the TJJD or a CJPD
10213 How PAL Services Should Be Provided
10213.1 Age PAL Services Must Begin
10213.3 PAL Services Not Affected by Permanency Goal
10214 Review of the Texas Foster Care Handbook
10220 Required Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Services
10223 Life Skills Independent Study Guide
10224 PAL Case Management Services
10230 Optional Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Services
10231 Young Adults Residing With a Designated Perpetrator of Abuse or Neglect
10232 Age-Appropriate Activities
10240 Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Transitional Living Allowance (TLA)
10241 Qualifications for PAL Transitional Living Allowance
10242 Payment Limits for the PAL Transitional Living Allowance
10243 Payment Method for the PAL Transitional Living Allowance
10245 Suspending PAL Transitional Living Allowance Payments
10250 Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Aftercare Room and Board
10251 Qualifications for PAL Aftercare Room and Board
10252 Limitations While Receiving ETV or in Extended Foster Care for PAL Aftercare Room and Board
10253 Assessing the Amount for PAL Aftercare Room and Board Payment
10254 Allowable Expenditures and Payment Limits for PAL Aftercare Room and Board
10255 Payment Limits for PAL Aftercare Room and Board
10256 Host Home for PAL Aftercare Room and Board Payment
10260 Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Data Entry
10261 PAL Responsibilities When Youth or Young Adults Are Placed Cross-Regionally
10261.1 PAL Services and Payments When Youth or Young Adults Are Placed Cross-Regionally
10262 National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD)
10263 NYTD Independent Living Services
10264.1 Reporting Periods and Data Due Dates
10264.2 Outcome Reporting Status
10264.3 Designating a National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) Primary Contact
10264.4 IMPACT Data and Information Alerts
10264.5 Use of Diligent Search to Locate Youth in the Survey Population
10300 Post-Secondary Education Programs
10310 College Tuition and Fee Exemption Information
10311 Issuing the College Tuition and Fee Exemption Letter
10311.1 PAL Staff Responsibilities for College Tuition and Fee Exemption
10312 Temporary Housing Assistance Between Academic Terms
10320 Overview of the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
10322 Staff Responsible for the ETV Program
10323.1 Citizenship and Immigration
10323.2 Appropriate Schools and Courses
10324 Applying for the ETV Program
10325 Continued Eligibility Requirements After Initial ETV Qualification
10326 Determining and Disbursing ETV Funds
10326.1 Cost of Attendance and ETV Funds
10326.3 When Students Are Paid ETV Funds
10327.1 Expenses Covered by the Costs of Attendance (COA)
10327.2 Expenses Not Covered by the Costs of Attendance (COA)
10327.3 Expenses of Students in DFPS Paid Foster Care
10328 The Right to Appeal ETV Decisions
10330 Employment Preference for Former Foster Youth
10340 Preparation for Long-Term Care or Support in Adulthood for Youth with Disabilities
10341 Planning for Long-Term Care Needs
10341.1 Researching Long-Term Care Resources
10341.2 Ensuring Funding and Eligibility for Services
10342 Home and Community-Based Services (HCS)
10343.1 Preparing to Request Appointment of a Guardian
10343.2 Criteria for HHSC Guardianship Referral
10343.3 Initiating the HHSC Guardianship Referral
10343.4 Guardianship Assessment
10343.5 HHSC Decision, Notification and DFPS Response
10343.51 HHSC Agrees to Become Guardian
10343.52 HHSC Denies Request for HHSC Guardianship
10343.6 HHSC Appointed as Guardian
10343.61 Youth Leaves DFPS Foster Care
10343.62 DFPS Foster Care Placement After HHSC Appointed as Guardian
10400 Extended Foster Care for Youth Who Are Age 18 or Older
10410 Preparation Required When a Youth Plans To Stay in Extended Foster Care
10411 Within 90 Days Before the Youth’s 18th Birthday
10412 As Soon as Possible After the 18th Birthday
10420 Qualifying for Extended Foster Care
10421 Eligibility for Extended Foster Care
10422 Transitioning Between Education or Work Related Activities
10422.1 Enrollment in a Higher Education Program or a Post-Secondary Vocational or Technical School
10423 Monitoring Continued Participation and Annual Eligibility Review
10424 Temporary Absences From Extended Foster Care
10425 Issues Signing the VEFCA for a Young Adult with a Physical or Intellectual Disability
10425.1 Physically Unable to Sign VEFCA
10425.2 Mental Capacity Issues in Signing the VEFCA
10431 Requesting Regular Foster Care Placements
10431.1 Requesting SIL Placements
10440 Casework Activity for Young Adults in Extended Foster Care
10442 Medical Consenter Issues and Documentation
10443 Ownership of the Youth Transition Portfolio: Extended Foster Care
10444 Sealed Juvenile Justice Records
10450 If the Young Adult Goes Missing
10460 Supervised Independent Living (SIL)
10461 Overview and Purpose of SIL
10462 Eligibility for Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Placements
10463 Enhanced Case Management Services
10464 Referral, Assessment, and Approval Process for the Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Program
10464.1 Initial Placement Process
10464.2 Subsequent Placement Process With the Same DFPS SIL Provider
10465 Ongoing Caseworker Duties During SIL Placement
10466 Discharge From the SIL Program
10470 Discharge From Extended Foster Care
10471 Planned Discharge From Extended Foster Care
10472 Emergency Discharge From Extended Foster Care
10473 Discharge to Trial Independence
10500 Trial Independence and Return for Extended Foster Care
10520 Return for Extended Foster Care
10521 Referring the Young Adult to Regional PAL Staff
10522 Acceptance Criteria for Return to Extended Foster Care
10530 Roles and Responsibilities of Staff Helping a Young Adult Return for Extended Foster Care
10531 Roles and Responsibilities of PAL Staff
10533 Conservatorship (CVS) Caseworker
10540 Providing Support After a Young Adult Returns to Extended Foster Care
10541 Contacts and Time Frames
10542 Revising the Transition Plan
10543 Completing the Child Plan of Service
-
Section 11000: Healthcare
11110 Court Authorizes DFPS to Be the Child’s Medical Consenter
11111 Selecting the Medical Consenter and Backup Medical Consenter
11112 Designating a Live-In Caregiver as the Medical Consenter
11113.1 General Residential Operations
11113.21 Developmental Disability Specialist Medical Consenters
11113.22 CPS Local Permanency Staff Medical Consenters
11113.23 Temporary Medical Consenters
11113.24 Local Permanency Human Services Technicians As Temporary Medical Consenters
11113.25 Documenting Temporary Medical Consenters
11113.26 Extending a Temporary Medical Consenter’s Service Beyond 24 Hours
11114 Ensuring Training on Informed Consent and Requirements for Medical Consenters
11114.1 DFPS-Approved Training for Medical Consenters
11114.2 DFPS-Approved Training for Parents
11115 Documenting Medical Consent
11115.1 Issuing Form 2085-B Designation of Medical Consenter
11116 Providing Medical Information to the Medical Consenter
11117 Changing Medical Consenter and Backup Consenter
11118 Notifying the Court of the Designated Medical Consenter
11118.1 Notifying the Court of a Temporary Medical Consenter
11118.2 Procedures for Notifying the Court and Other Parties
11120 Court Authorizes an Individual Other Than DFPS To Be the Child’s Medical Consenter
11121 Caseworker Responsibilities
11121.1 Notifying the Court When the Medical Consenter Fails to Perform Duties
11130 Responsibilities of Medical Consenters and Backup Medical Consenters
11131 Participating in Each Medical Appointment
11131.2 Ongoing Behavioral Health Therapy
11131.3 Allied Health Services
11131.4 Psychotropic Medication Appointments
11131.6 Emergency Medical Care
11132 Informing Medical Consenters and Backup Medical Consenters
11140 Medical Consent by Minor Youth
11141 Educating Children and Youth about Their Medical Care
11142 Documenting Court Authorization for Youth Consent
11143 Offering Ongoing Support to Youth
11144 Requesting a Court Order If a Youth Refuses Medical Care
11151 Young Adults Who Are 18 Years or Older
11152 Youth Under HHSC Guardianship in Extended Foster Care
11153 Youth Who Are Parents in DFPS Conservatorship or Extended Foster Care
11160 Notification of Medical Care
11161 Including Medical and Behavioral Health Information in Court Reports
11161.1 Addressing Psychotropic Medications in Court Reports or Testimony
11161.2 Including Information About Psychotropic Medications in Court Reports and Testimony
11162 Notifying Parents About Psychotropic Prescriptions and Significant Medical Conditions
11200 Medical and Dental Services
11210 Meeting the Requirements for Medical and Dental Services
11212 Initial Texas Health Steps Medical Checkup
11213 Initial Texas Health Steps Dental Checkup
11214 Subsequent, Ongoing Texas Health Steps Checkups
11230 Informing Caregivers and Medical Consenters About Health Services
11240 Using the Health Passport
11310 If DFPS or SSCC Staff Administers Medications
11311 DFPS or SSCC Staff Administration of Medication to Children
11312 Action If a Child Has Not Taken a Medication in Over 24 Hours
11320 Psychotropic Medications
11321 Providing Required Information to Medical Consenters
11322 Informed Consent for Psychotropic Medication
11323 Deciding Whether to Consent to a Psychotropic Medication
11323.1 Providing Consent to an Initial Psychotropic Medication in an Inpatient Setting
11323.2 Deciding Not to Consent to a Psychotropic Medication
11324 Documenting Consent for Psychotropic Medications
11324.1 Documenting Consent to Initial Psychotropic Medications and Changes to Active Prescriptions
11324.2 Documenting Consent to Psychotropic Medication in an Inpatient Setting
11325 Psychotropic Medications Follow-Up Visits
11326 Non-Pharmacological Interventions
11327 Psychotropic Medication Utilization Review (PMUR)
11400 Special Healthcare Needs
11410 Arranging for Special Healthcare Management Services
11411 Referring a Child to Medical Professionals and Health-Related Community Services
11412 Working With Children in DFPS Conservatorship Who Have Special Healthcare Needs
11500 HIV Testing and Care for Children in DFPS Conservatorship
11510 Counseling, Treatment, and Medical Management for a Child With HIV Infection
11520 Maintaining Confidentiality of HIV Status
11521 Required Notification About a Child’s HIV Status
11522 Allowable Releases of HIV Status Information
11600 Behavioral (Mental Health) Services
11611 Admission to a Mental Health Facility
11611.1 Request to Admit a Child or Youth to an Inpatient Psychiatric Facility
11611.11 Caseworker Actions During Psychiatric Hospitalizations
11611.2 Youth Age 16 or Older Who Requests Admission
11611.3 DFPS Representative to Approve Admission of Child or Youth
11611.4 Consent for Health Care and Medications After Admission
11611.5 Change of Medical Consenters While a Child or Youth Is Hospitalized
11612 Emergency Detention Order and Order for Protective Custody
11613 Involuntary Commitment Order for Mental Health Services
11614 Discharge from Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities
11700 Extraordinary Medical Conditions
11710 Enrollment and Participation in Certain Drug Research Programs
11720 End of Life Medical Decisions
11721 DFPS has TMC or PMC but Parental Rights Have Not Been Terminated
11722 DFPS has TMC or PMC and Parental Rights Have Been Terminated or Parents Are Deceased
11730 Organ Donation/Anatomical Gifts
11742 Informing Parents and Legal Guardians about Pregnancy-Related Information
11743 Documenting Pregnancy-Related Information for Youth in Conservatorship
-
Section 12000: Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
12000 Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
12100 Philosophy and the Role of FBSS Staff
12120 The Role of the FBSS Caseworker
12130 The Role of the FBSS Supervisor
12140 Program Director Involvement in FBSS
12200 Contacts in Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
12210 Constitutional Requirements for Family-Based Safety Services
12211 Consent to Enter and Remain in a Family’s Home
12212 Consent to Visually Examine the Child in the Home
12213 Consent to Transport the Child
12214 Meeting Federal Requirements
12215 Assessing Communication Needs
12220 Receiving a Case in FBSS from Investigations
12221 FBSS Actions When the INV and Family Preservation (FPR) Stages Are Open Concurrently
12230 Ten-Day Tasks When the FBSS Case Is Remaining Open
12250 Notifying a Supervisor When Unable to Meet the Time Frames for Face-to-Face Contact
12260 Locating, Contacting, and Assessing Absent or Noncustodial Parents
12261 Locating Absent or Noncustodial Parents
12262 Contacting and Assessing Absent or Noncustodial Parents
12270 FBSS Actions When a Child or Principal Cannot Be Located
12300 Transferring a Case in Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
12310 Transferring a Case from Alternative Response or Investigation to FBSS
12320 Transferring FBSS Cases between Counties and Regions
12322 Resolving Disagreements Regarding Case Transfers
12400 Documentation and Case Reviews in FBSS
12410 Documentation and Contact Entry
12420 Caseworker Monthly Evaluation of Progress
12430 Submitting Monthly Evaluations
12440 Supervisor Monthly Review
12441 Program Director Six-Month Review
12455 Recommended Action and Planned Action
12460 Children with Medical and Mental Health Issues and Medical Needs Staffings
12500 Providing Services in FBSS
12510 Family Strengths and Needs Assessment (FSNA)
12520 Participation in the Family Plan of Service
12530 Creating the Initial Family Plan of Service
12540 Family Plan of Service Evaluations
12550 Foster Care Candidacy (FCC) Determination for FBSS
12560 Families with Substance Use in FBSS
12570 Referral to Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Services
12580 Family’s Lack of Participation
12581 Documenting Court-Ordered Participation and Other Legal Actions
12620 Ongoing Assessment of Child Safety
12621 Criminal and DFPS Background Checks
12630 Safe Sleep and Other Safety Related Issues
12641 Refusal to Participate in a Safety Plan
12650 Family-Initiated Parental Child Safety Placement (PCSP)
12670 When a Mother in an Open FBSS case is Pregnant
12671 When a Child is Born during an Open FBSS Case
12700 Case Closure in Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
12711 Case Closure Conference (Staffing)
12712 Final Risk Reassessment Before Closure
12713 Final Safety Assessment Before Closure
12721 Final Face-to-Face Contact with Parents/Caregivers
12722 Final Child Face-to-Face Contact, Pictures, and Home Visit
12731 Whom to Notify of the Case Closure Decision
12750 Determining Closure Code
12751 Risk is Reduced in the Family
12752 Court Ordered Services Closed
12753 Child Outside of Home/No CVS
12754 Child Removed from Home/CVS
12757 Unable to Locate the Family
12760 Family Refused/Legal Impossible
12800 Special Circumstances in Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS) Cases
12810 New Intake Received during an Open FBSS Case
12811 Child Trafficking (Sex and Labor Trafficking)
-
Section 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 When a Child is in Parental Child Safety Placement (PCSP) or an Emergency Shelter
15200 School Options for Children
15210 Early Childhood Education Programs for Children
15211 Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) From Birth to Age 3
15211.1 Referrals to Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
15212 Enrollment for Children Ages 3, 4, and 5
15212.1 Pre-Kindergarten Programs Offered Through the Public Schools
15212.3 Pre-School Programs for Children With Disabilities (PPCD)
15220 Education in a Home Setting
15221 Regional Education Specialist Review
15230 Exceptions to Standard Schooling Options for Children and Youth Ages 5 Through 21
15231 Choosing a Public School or Residential Treatment Center (RTC) Program
15232 Private School or Boarding School
15233 General Education Development (GED)
15234 Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) and Virtual Schools
15235 Education Services for Children in Nursing Homes or Hospitals, or Who Are Homebound
15236 Education Services for School-Age Children Who Are Placed Out-of-State
15236.1 Paying Out-of-State Tuition
15237 Requesting an Exception to Standard Schooling
15300 Enrollment, Records Transfer, and Withdrawal for Children Changing Schools
15310 Time Frame for Completing the Child's Enrollment
15320 A Child's Temporary Absence From School
15330 Immunization Requirements
15340 Documents Required for Enrollment
15342 Education Decision-Maker Form
15350 Requesting Transfer of School Records
15360 Withdrawing a Student from School
15370 Education Decision Making
15371 Designating an Education Decision-Maker
15371.1 Designating an Education Decision Maker at Initial Placement
15371.2 Designating Changes to the Education Decision Maker
15372 Participating in Special Education Meetings and Decisions
15373 Required Notification of School-Related Information
15381 Creating a Child's Educational Record
15382 Education-Related Documents Required for the Child's Case File
15410 Education-Related Documents Required for the Education Portfolio
15420 The Role of the Caseworker in Creating, Delivering, and Maintaining the Education Portfolio
15421 The Role of the Caseworker in Creating the Education Portfolio
15422 Time Frames for Delivering the Education Portfolio
15423 Delivering the Education Portfolio at Discharge from Conservatorship
15500 Discipline of Children in DFPS Conservatorship in the Schools
15510 Requirement to Opt Out of Corporal Punishment
15610 Role and Responsibilities of the Regional Education Specialist
15700 School Services for Children With Disabilities
15710 The Role of the School in Serving Children With Disabilities
15720 Referring a Child for a Special Education Assessment and Evaluation
-
Appendices
Appendix 1000-1: Records Production for ARIF of a CPS Investigation
Appendix 1000-2: Additional Acceptable U.S. Citizenship Verification Documents
Appendix 1100-1: Roles and Responsibilities of Family Group Decision-Making (FGDM) Staff
Appendix 1121: Documentation Requirements for Models of Family Group Decision Making (FGDM)
Appendix 1132: Federal and State Agencies
Appendix 1132.2(a): Steps in Developing a Protective Services Contract
Appendix 1132.2(b): Contract Outline
Appendix 1132.2(c): Responsibilities of DFPS, Child Welfare Board, and County
Appendix 1226-B: Checklist for Compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act
Appendix 1510: Procedures for Issuing HHSC Form 1027-A
Appendix 1511: Information Needed for the Foster Care Application
Appendix 1514: Requesting Wire Third Party Query (WTPY) System Access
Appendix 1515: Foster Care Eligibility Case Record
Appendix 1530: Foster Care Eligibility
Appendix 1530 A: AFDC Income Determination Worksheet
Appendix 1530 B: Stepparent or Disqualified Parent Budgetary Needs Allowance Deduction
Appendix 1530 C: AFDC Needs Standard Income Limits
Appendix 1530 D: Income Guidelines for Underemployed Parent for Parental Deprivation
Appendix 1530 E: Title IV-E Eligibility Checklist
Appendix 1530 F: Categorical Requirements for AFDC
Appendix 1530 G: Underemployed Parent Checklist for Parental Deprivation
Appendix 1530-H: Data Broker Verification Procedures
Appendix 1533.2: MAO Auto-Eligibility
Appendix 1563: Setting Up Savings Accounts
Appendix 1564.1: Manual Receipt of Funds
Appendix 1565.6: Outstanding Items Procedures
Appendix 1581.1: Appropriate Needs
Appendix 1583.1: Guide to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Tracking Report
Appendix 1618.3: Discussion Guide - Negotiating Permanency Care Assistance
Appendix 1715.3: Negotiation of Adoption Assistance Discussion Guide
Appendix 1922.1: Detection Periods for Abused Substances
Appendix 1931.1 Physical Signs and Symptoms of Drug or Alcohol Use
Appendix 1931.2: Criteria for Diagnosing Substance Abuse
Appendix 1960: Treatment Options for Substance Abuse
Appendix 1961: Family Drug Treatment Courts (FDTC)
Appendix 1971: Protocol for Working With Drug-Endangered Children
2000
Appendix 2000-1: Summary of Consent Requirements
Appendix 2140: Guidelines for Decision Making at Intake
Appendix 2251: Time Frames for Investigations
Appendix 2310: Structure of the Risk Assessment Tool
Appendix 2411: Dispositions and Risk Findings Appropriate to the Types of Investigations
Appendix 2414: "Seriousness" Indicators for Thorough Investigations
Appendix 2471: Prior Disposition Categories
Appendix 2472.1-A: Determining Overall Disposition and Overall Role
Appendix 2472.1-B: Definitions of Roles
Appendix 2472.1-C: Examples in Which the Overall Role Will Be "Unknown (Unable to Determine)"
Appendix 2813-A: Adding, Deleting, and Changing Allegations in the Investigation Stage
Appendix 2813-B: Correcting Information in Intake Allegations
Appendix 2813-C: Alleged Perpetrator Incorrectly Named in Intake Allegation (Case Scenario)
Appendix 2813-D: No Alleged Perpetrator Named in Intake Allegation (Case Scenario)
Appendix 2813-F: Incorrect Type of Abuse or Neglect Alleged in Intake Allegation
Appendix 2840: Persons to be Notified at the End of the Investigation
3000
Appendix 3412: Community Resources
Appendix 3473: Guidelines for Case Closure or Legal Intervention
Appendix 3620: Services to Abused or Neglected, Unmarried, School-Age Parents (Practice Suggestions)
4000
Appendix 4000-2: ICF-ID/RC Levels of Care
Appendix 4320: DFPS Guidelines for Service Authorizations
Appendix 4525: Offenses from the Texas Penal Code and Other Codes
Appendix 4531: DFPS Kinship Homes Discipline Policy
5000
Appendix 5000-1: When a Suit to Terminate Must Be Filed
6000
Appendix 6000-1: Discharging Children from Substitute Care
Appendix 6000-2: DFPS Discipline Policy
Appendix 6241.25: Definitions of Person Characteristics for CPS
7000
Appendix 7000-2: Procedure for Requesting a Level 1 Policy Variance
8000
Appendix 8160: CPS Service Codes and Descriptions as Identified in IMPACT