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6200 Case Planning for Positive Permanency

6210 Overview of Case Planning

6211 Requirements to Produce a Case Plan

CPS September 2026

Federal law requires DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) staff to establish a written case plan for each child in care. See the Permanency Planning Resource Guide under Federal Case Planning Requirements.

The Texas Family Code also contains requirements for the family service plan.

Texas Family Code, Chapter 263, Subchapter B

For children in placements that are regulated by Child Care Licensing, the minimum standards contain service planning requirements. See:

Minimum Standards for General Residential Operations   HHS Rules, 26 TAC §748.1

Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies   HHS Rules, 26 TAC §749.1

6212 Permanency Planning

CPS September 2026

For general information on permanency and permanency planning, see the Permanency Planning Resource Guide.

Permanency refers to a child exiting from DFPS care into an appropriate, permanent setting.

DFPS or a single source continuum contractor’s (SSCC’s) goal for children and youth in conservatorship is Positive Permanency. Positive Permanency is when a child or youth exits due to one of the following:

  • Family reunification
  • Adoption
  • Permanent managing conservatorship to another individual

Planning for permanency begins the moment DFPS removes a child from the home and places the child in substitute care and does not end until a child exits DFPS conservatorship, preferably to a permanent family setting.

6213 Concurrent Permanency Planning

CPS September 2026

Concurrent permanency planning is the process by which DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) pursues two different permanency goals simultaneously. Each case has a primary and an alternate permanency goal. Working on both outcomes at the same time allows the child to achieve positive permanency as quickly as possible.

DFPS or an SSCC may make reasonable efforts to finalize an alternative permanency plan concurrently with reasonable efforts to reunify the child and family.

45 CFR §1356.21(b)(4)

A child’s permanency plan includes concurrent permanency goals consisting of a primary permanency goal and at least one alternate permanency goal.

Texas Family Code §263.3025(d)

6220 Permanency Planning Process

CPS September 2026

The permanency planning process is a required, ongoing process that DFPS and a  single source continuum contractor (SSCC) follows when providing services to children and families.

DFPS Rules, 40 TAC§700.1201

6221 The Permanency Plan

CPS September 2026

All children receiving services in conservatorship must have a permanency plan that addresses the specific steps needed to pursue the identified permanency goal for the child. It consists of:

  • The primary permanency planning goal for the child and one or more alternate permanency planning goals.
  • The specific steps to be taken to achieve the goal or goals, with responsibilities and timeframes established for taking those steps.
  • A discussion of the efforts made to achieve the goal or goals.

DFPS Rules, 40 TAC§700.1201

Initially the permanency plan consists of the child and family plans of service.

6222 Reasonable Efforts

CPS September 2026

DFPS or the single source continuum contractor (SSCC) must make reasonable efforts to place the child in a timely manner in accordance with the permanency plan, and to complete whatever steps are necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child. In the permanency review hearings, the court determines whether the department has made reasonable efforts to finalize the permanency plan in effect for the child. Federal law requires the court to make this determination.

Social Security Act, Title IV-E, §471(a)(15)(B)(ii) and (C), §475(5)(C)

45 CFR §1356.21(b)(2)

Texas Family Code §263.306

6230 Factors to Consider When Planning for Permanency

6231 Working with Family of Origin

CPS September 2026

To the extent possible, DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) tries to keep or place each child with relatives or people the child has known all his or her life (fictive kin), rather than placing the child with strangers. See the Services to Kinship Caregivers Resource Guide, under Definitions.

Because relatives and fictive kin are usually in a better position to meet a child’s needs for belonging, stability, and continuity of care than unrelated caregivers, DFPS or an SSCC ordinarily gives relatives more consideration for permanent placement (either by adoption or permanent conservatorship) than adoption by strangers, alternative long-term care, or adult living.

DFPS or an SSCC must make decisions regarding placement with relatives or fictive kin based on the relative or fictive kin caregiver’s capacity to protect the child from safety threats.

6232 Working Collaboratively

CPS September 2026

To achieve permanency as quickly as possible, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker collaborates with the child’s parents, relatives, caregivers, and others involved with the child’s case.

See the Permanency Planning Resource Guide, under Factors to Consider When Planning for Permanency.

6233 Selecting the Permanency Goal

CPS September 2026

Before selecting the permanency goals, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must discuss them with:

  • The child (if developmentally and age appropriate)
  • The parents (if parental rights have not been terminated)
  • The representatives in the case—that is, the appointed volunteer from the Texas Court-Appointed Special Advocates (Texas CASA)
  • The child’s attorney ad litem
  • The child’s guardian ad litem

The  DFPS or SSCC caseworker must also discuss the permanency goals with any of the following individuals who may be involved in the case:

  • The child’s extended family.
  • Other significant people in the family’s life.
  • The caregiver, including foster parent or facility staff.
  • Other professionals and specialists, both those involved with the case and others who may have knowledge or expertise about the issues in the case.
  • Other DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) staff.

If the parent disagrees with the permanency goal, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must document the parent’s reasons for disagreeing. DFPS or an SSCC employee can still select the permanency goal, even if a parent or other party disagrees.

When determining the best permanency goals for a child, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must consider the child’s best interest, long-term needs, and existing relationships, including the child’s need for:

  • Safety, permanency, and well-being.
  • An enduring and nurturing family relationship.
  • Life-long relationship and support from being a part of a family unit.
  • A legal status that protects the child without DFPS/SSCC involvement.

6234 Prioritizing Permanency Goals

CPS September 2026

Federal and state laws outline four permanency goals. To provide additional specificity and clarity, DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) subdivides the acceptable permanency options into nine subsets. These subset goals are shown in IMPACT.

42 U.S.C. §675(5)(C)

Texas Family Code §263.3026

The IMPACT categories are as follows:

Federal Law/Texas Family Code

CPS or the Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) Equivalent (as found in Child Plan of Service in IMPACT)

Family Reunification

Family Reunification

Adoption

Alternative Family: Relative or Kinship Adoption

Alternative Family: Unrelated Adoption

Permanent Managing Conservatorship to a Relative or Suitable Individual

Alternative Family: Relative/Kinship Conservatorship

Alternative Family: Unrelated Conservatorship

Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (APPLA)

APPLA Family: Foster Family DFPS Conservatorship

APPLA Family: Other Family DFPS Conservatorship

APPLA Independent Living

APPLA Community Care

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must consider permanency goals in the following order of priority:

  • Family Reunification
  • Alt. Family: Relative/Kinship Adoption
  • Alt. Family: Relative/Kinship Conservatorship
  • Alt. Family: Unrelated Adoption
  • Alt. Family: Unrelated Conservatorship
  • APPLA Family: Foster Family DFPS Conservatorship
  • APPLA Family: Other Family DFPS Conservatorship
  • APPLA: Independent Living
  • APPLA: Community Care

While this is the general order of priority, there are other factors that the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must consider in assessing the goals, including a preference for existing relationships in the child’s life. Permanent placement with relatives or fictive kin takes priority over placement with persons who were not known to the child before coming into DFPS conservatorship. See the Services to Kinship Caregivers Resource Guide, under Definitions. 

6234.1 Family Reunification

CPS September 2026

The permanency goal of family reunification identifies a child’s own home as the safe and permanent living situation towards which DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) services are directed. When family reunification is the permanency goal DFPS or an SSCC:

  • Has removed the child from the home.
  • Will provide services to the child, the child’s family, and the child’s temporary substitute caregiver.
  • Has determined that the child’s parents are willing and, after completing services, able to provide the child with a safe living environment.

Family reunification may be with the parent from whom the child was removed or the parent who did not have custody at the time of removal.

6234.11 Exceptions to Planned Reunification

CPS September 2026

Family reunification should be the primary permanency goal for every child in substitute care, except when a court has determined that reunification efforts are not necessary due to aggravated circumstances.

Texas Family Code §262.2015

See 6234.14 Aggravated Circumstances or Criminal Convictions.

In some cases, however, the court may also determine that no efforts are reasonable because the child’s parents cannot be found despite due diligence, or the parents have:

  • Executed an affidavit of relinquishment.
  • Had their parental rights terminated by the court.
  • Been part of ongoing reunification efforts that are no longer consistent with meeting the child’s needs to achieve permanency.
6234.12 Priority of Family Reunification

CPS September 2026

Family reunification is the preferred primary permanency goal for every child in substitute care who is in DFPS temporary managing conservatorship. However, it may not be an appropriate goal in certain circumstances.

In cases in which DFPS was awarded permanent managing conservatorship of the child, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must reevaluate family reunification as a permanency option as appropriate to the circumstances of the case.

Examples

If a child or youth has been in care for a number of years, the safety threats present at the time of removal may no longer be a concern, given changes in the parent’s circumstances or the age of the child. Therefore, the  DFPS or SSCC caseworker would reevaluate the situation to determine if family reunification is an appropriate permanency option.

In other cases, circumstances surrounding the case or a particular family member may suggest an alternative goal, or for different permanency goals for the child in relation to different family members.

6234.13 Parent’s Ability

CPS September 2026

Texas law requires that the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must consider the following factors in determining whether a child’s parents are willing and able to provide a child with a safe environment. The same factors are useful in determining whether reunification is a permanency goal that serves the child’s best interest. Factors to consider are:

  • The child’s age and physical and mental vulnerabilities.
  • The frequency and nature of out-of-home placements.
  • The magnitude, frequency, and circumstances of the harm to the child.
  • Whether the child has been the victim of repeated harm after the initial report and intervention by DFPS or another agency.
  • Whether the child is fearful of living in or returning to the child’s home.
  • The results of psychiatric, psychological, or developmental evaluations of the child, the child’s parents, other family members, or others who have access to the child’s home.
  • Whether there is a history of abusive or assaultive conduct by the child’s family or others who have access to the child’s home.
  • Whether there is a history of substance abuse by the child’s family or others who have access to the child’s home.
  • Whether the perpetrator of the harm to the child is identified.
  • The willingness and ability of the child’s family to seek out, accept, and complete counseling services and to cooperate with and facilitate an appropriate agency’s close supervision.
  • The willingness and ability of the child’s family to effect positive environmental and personal changes within a reasonable period of time.
  • Whether the child’s family demonstrates adequate parenting skills, including providing the child and other children under the family’s care with:
    • Minimally adequate health and nutritional care.
    • Care, nurturance, and appropriate discipline consistent with the child’s physical and psychological development.
    • Guidance and supervision consistent with the child’s safety.
    • A safe physical home environment.
    • Protection from repeated exposure to violence, even though the violence may not be directed at the child.
    • An understanding of the child’s needs and capabilities.
    • Whether an adequate social support system consisting of an extended family and friends is available to the child.

Texas Family Code §263.307(b)

6234.14 Aggravated Circumstances or Criminal Convictions

CPS September 2026

Under state and federal law, reunification is not required and DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) does not have to consider family reunification as a permanency goal or make reasonable efforts to return the child to a parent if one or more of the following apply:

  • Certain aggravated circumstances are present in the case.
  • One or both parents have been convicted of certain criminal offenses.

A finding of aggravated circumstances against one parent does not waive the requirement of a reunification plan with the other parent, unless there is a finding on that other parent as well.

6234.15 Other Factors

CPS September 2026

The court may also determine that efforts toward family reunification are not reasonable because of one of the following:

  • DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) cannot find the child’s parents despite due diligence.
  • A court has terminated parental rights.
  • Ongoing reunification efforts are no longer consistent with meeting the child’s needs to achieve permanency.

If family reunification is not an appropriate goal for the reasons discussed above, then the DFPS or SSCC caseworker chooses between adoption and a transfer of conservatorship as the child’s primary permanency goal.

6234.16 Ruling Out Family Reunification

CPS September 2026

Family reunification is ruled out when one of the following apply:

  • Reasonable efforts at reunification were made, and the family is no longer willing or able to reduce the risk of abuse or neglect enough for the child to return home and live there safely for the foreseeable future.
  • Reasonable efforts to reunify the family are not required because of one of the following:
    • A court determined that reunification is not necessary due to aggravated circumstances (Texas Family Code, §262.2015).
    • Parents have had their parental rights terminated, either voluntarily or involuntarily.

The specific efforts that must be made to reunify a family depend on the circumstances, and in some particularly offensive cases, the court may find that no efforts are reasonable.

See 6234.1 Family Reunification.

6234.17 Changing the Permanency Goal Back To Family Reunification

CPS September 2026

DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) must consider reinstating parental rights and changing the permanency goal back to Family Reunification if both of the following are true:

  • The child is not in an adoptive placement or another placement that is intended to be permanent (such as a kinship placement where the goal is to transfer permanent managing conservatorship to the kinship caregiver).
  • One or both of the child’s parents had their parental rights terminated two or more years ago, and an appeal is not pending.

If the permanency goal is changed to Family Reunification, then DFPS or an SSCC files a petition to reinstate the parent’s parental rights.

See:

6234.2 Adoption

CPS September 2026

A permanency goal of adoption indicates that:

  • DFPS has removed the child from his or her home.
  • Family reunification is not appropriate.
  • Adoption is in the child’s best interest.
  • DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) intends to pursue termination of parental rights to the child.
  • A safe and permanent family living arrangement was found or is being sought that is willing and able to:
    • Protect the child.
    • Assume long-term responsibility for the child’s care and upbringing.
    • Adopt the child.
  • DFPS or an SSCC provides services to the child and the family where the child is placed until the case can be closed.
  • Following the consummation of an adoption, the adoptive parents become the parents of the child for all purposes.

Texas Family Code §162.017

6234.21 Categories of Adoption

CPS September 2026

The categories of adoption include:

    • Alt. Family: Relative/Kinship Adoption
    • Alt. Family: Unrelated Adoption

Alt. Family Relative/Kinship Adoption is the preferred permanency goal if reunification is not possible. If a family member or fictive kin (see the Services to Kinship Caregivers Resource Guide, under Definitions) was ruled out for both adoption and permanent managing conservatorship, the next best option for permanency is Alt. Family: Unrelated Adoption.

6234.22 Selecting Adoption

CPS September 2026

Adoption is the preferred permanency goal for all children who cannot be safely reunified with their family of origin. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker should select adoption in an updated Plan of Service if the DFPS or SSCC caseworker intends to terminate parental rights and find an adoptive home for the child.

When selecting a goal of adoption, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must consider:

  • The child’s particular needs and wishes.
  • The extent of bonding and attachment with the caregiver.
  • The child’s need to maintain family connections.
  • State and federal requirements related to placement with relatives.
  • Other considerations related to the child’s best interest.
6234.23 Adoption vs. Conservatorship

CPS September 2026

The choice between adoption or conservatorship to a relative or suitable individual also depends on:

  • The possibility or availability of suitable relatives or others who could be approved.
  • Whether parental rights can be or have been terminated.
  • The desires of the child.
  • The interested family’s preference for a particular legal relationship with the child.

If DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) cannot overcome barriers to adoption by a relative or fictive kin, the next best option is permanent managing conservatorship by relatives or fictive kin. Permanency care assistance may be available if a relative or fictive kinship caregiver meets the eligibility requirements and subsequently becomes managing conservator of the child.

Granting permanent conservatorship to an unrelated individual is the next best option when DFPS or an SSCC has ruled out:

  • Adoption by a relative or fictive kin
  • Permanent conservatorship to a relative or fictive kin
  • Adoption by an unrelated person
6234.24 Ruling Out Family Reunification and Adoption before Pursuing Permanency Care Assistance

CPS September 2026

To seek permanent managing conservatorship and permanency care assistance for a child’s relative or fictive kin caregiver, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must establish (with approval from his or her supervisor and director) that:

  • Family reunification and adoption are not appropriate permanency options.
  • Transferring permanent managing conservatorship to a relative with the support of permanency care assistance is in the child’s best interest.

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must document this determination in the child’s plan of service.

6234.3 Permanent Managing Conservatorship to a Relative or Suitable Individual

CPS September 2026

The permanency planning goal of permanent managing conservatorship to a relative or suitable individual indicates that:

  • Family reunification is not appropriate.
  • Adoption is not appropriate.
  • The goal is in the child’s best interest.
  • DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) is seeking or has identified a relative or suitable individual.
  • DFPS or an SSCC plans to transfer conservatorship to the relative or suitable individual.
6234.4 Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement

CPS September 2026

Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (APPLA) is the least preferred permanency goal. APPLA should be the youth’s primary permanency goal only when a youth is age 16 and above, and there is a compelling justification for why none of the other goals are in the youth’s best interest.

A permanency goal of APPLA means that a child will age into adulthood while in DFPS conservatorship. DFPS or an SSCC should not select this goal for a child unless the staff considered and rejected the preferred permanency goals, and the DFPS and SSCC caseworker can document a compelling justification why none of the other permanency goals are in the young person’s best interest.

Social Security Act, 42 USC §675(5)(C) and 42 CFR §1356.21(h)(3)

Texas Family Code §263.3026(b)

The permanency goal of APPLA indicates that:

  • The youth is age 16 or above.
  • DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) explored and ruled out preferred permanency goals—family reunification, adoption, permanent managing conservatorship (PMC)—to a relative or other individual.
  • There is a compelling reason why the permanency goals of reunification, adoption, or a transfer of conservatorship are in the youth’s best interest. For example, the youth is very close to turning 18 years of age and has no desire for a legal relationship with another adult.
  • The DFPS or SSCC caseworker documented and continually updated the compelling reason for selecting APPLA in the youth’s case plan.
  • The safe and permanent living situation towards which DFPS or SSCC services are directed is the independent living situation or the assisted community placement that the youth will live in when he or she leaves DFPS care.
  • This option can best meet the youth’s best interests and long-term needs.
6234.41 Selecting APPLA

CPS September 2026

Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement as a youth or young adult’s permanency planning goal is selected when DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC):

  • Removes the youth or young adult from his or her home to protect him or her from abuse or neglect.
  • Rules out all other preferred permanency goals.
  • Identifies or seeks a family or other caring adult to make a permanent commitment to support the youth or young adult, but that adult does not want to assume legal custody of the youth, and DFPS or SSCC does either of the following:
    • Prepares the youth or young adult to live independently when he or she ages out and leaves care as an adult.
    • Makes arrangements for the youth or young adult to live with assistance in a community setting that can care for his or her special needs in adulthood.

Texas Constitution and Statutes Sec 263.3026a

6234.42 Identifying Support of a Family or Other Caring Adult

CPS September 2026

If the permanency goal of APPLA with a foster family or other family arrangement with DFPS maintaining conservatorship, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must take steps to review and consider other permanency options that would not involve the department maintaining conservatorship.

Texas Constitution and Statutes Sec. 263.3026

6234.43 Reassessing APPLA as the Permanency Goal

CPS September 2026

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must consistently review other permanency options when the permanency goal includes DFPS maintaining permanent managing conservatorship to ensure that it is absolutely necessary and justified, and that no other goal is feasible or possible.

If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker selects a goal of Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (APPLA), the DFPS program director or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) equivalent must initially approve the child’s service plan in IMPACT and approve it annually thereafter.

The DFPS or SCCC caseworker reassesses the primary permanency goal of APPLA with each review of the child’s service plan. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must continue to have a compelling reason why one of the more preferred permanency options is not appropriate for the child. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must document the justification in each placement review report. This requirement is true for all permanency goals but is particularly crucial in the context of APPLA.

DPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1205

Texas Family Code  §263.3026

6235 Documenting the Permanency Plan

CPS September 2026

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must document the permanency plan in the:

  • Child service plan.
  • Family’s service plan, if a family stage is open.
  • Permanency progress report to the court.

DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1206

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must update the child and family service plans within 30 days, whenever the permanency plan changes.

Court reports must reflect the current permanency plan. If the permanency plan changes at a court review, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must update the plans of service to reflect the change.

6236 Approving the Permanency Plan

6236.1 Approving the Plan

CPS September 2026

The child’s  DFPS or SSCC caseworker and supervisor must agree, on a case-by-case basis, that the permanency plan is in the best interest of the child.

The permanency plan is approved when the supervisor approves the family service plan and child service plan in IMPACT. If the goal is Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (APPLA), the DFPS program director or SSCC equivalent must approve the child service plan in IMPACT initially and annually thereafter.

6236.2 Presenting the Permanency Plan to the Court

CPS September 2026

The  DFPS or SSCC caseworker must submit the permanency plan to the court in one of the following two ways:

  • In the family service plan, which is filed with the court before the status hearing.
  • In the court report for all permanency review hearings.
6236.3 Changing or Revising the Permanency Plan

CPS September 2026

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker reviews the permanency goals when the child service plan is evaluated and updated during permanency conferences or family group conferences, permanency hearings, and as needed. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must review the permanency plan no less than every 180 days.

 DPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1205

If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker reviews the permanency plan and determines that it is inappropriate based on changing circumstances, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must change the permanency plan and update the child or family service plan to reflect the new permanency plan.

DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1205(a)(b)

6237 Permanency Planning for Children with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities in Institutional Settings

CPS September 2026

The Regional Developmental Disability specialist must complete Form 6578 Permanency Planning Instrument (PPI) to assist in permanency planning for youth with intellectual or development disabilities living in General Residential Operations (GROs).

The assigned developmental disability specialist must send the PPI, along with the current child service plan, to the DFPS program administrator or SSCC equivalent and state office developmental disability specialist (DDS) for review.

The assigned DDS must review the PPI every six months.

The DFPS program director or SSCC equivalent must review and approve the plan at each review.

6237.1 Time Frames for Permanent Family Placements in Temporary Managing Conservatorship

CPS September 2026

DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) must make every effort to reunify or place children in permanent family placements within 12 months from the date a child enters care. The court dismisses the suit at the 12-month mark unless the court finds extraordinary circumstances and extends the deadline for up to six months.

6240 Case Planning

6241 The Child Plan of Service (CPOS)

CPS September 2026

The Child Plan of Service (CPOS) addresses, at a minimum, all federal requirements for case plans that the Family Plan of Service (FPOS) does not address. The initial CPOS and the CPOS reviews in IMPACT contain these requirements.

The CPOS is required to include any recommendations from the following:

  • The Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment for children age three and older.
  • The Family Strengths and Needs Assessment (FSNA).

If the child lives in a residential child care facility that DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) regulates, the CPOS incorporates the facility’s service plan for the child.

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker develops the CPOS in coordination and collaboration with all people involved in the child’s life who have a stake in the child’s well-being.

DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1321(a)

See:

 6241.1 Basic Description and Content of the Child Plan of Service

CPS September 2026

The Child Plan of Service (CPOS) outlines all of the following:

  • Child’s identified needs.
  • Plans to address the identified needs.
  • Permanency goals and plans to achieve those goals.
  • Expectations for the child’s following needs to be met:
    • Safety
    • Supervision
    • Educational
    • Medical and dental
    • Developmental
    • Emotional
    • Cultural
    • Social
  • Child’s trauma history, including any known sexual victimization history.
  • High-risk behavior, including any history of sexual aggression.

For children aged 14 and older, see the expectations to meet the child’s needs regarding their successful transition to adulthood in 6241.11 Reviewing and Documenting a Youth’s Plans for a Successful Transition to Adulthood.

The plan also identifies who is responsible for meeting the child’s needs and how the DFPS or SSCC caseworker will support the placement.

The CPOS must indicate whether the child or youth has been identified as a victim of, or at risk of becoming a victim of, human trafficking and, if so, specifically what services and supports are needed to assist the child or youth in this circumstance.

Social Security Act, Section 471(a)(9) and 42 U.S.C. § 671(a)(9)

Normalcy

The CPOS must indicate that the caregiver may make decisions about age-appropriate normalcy activities. These are activities in which a child who is not in the conservatorship of DFPS is generally allowed to participate, such as spending the night with a friend, engaging in community activities, going to birthday parties, or dating.

Texas Family Code §264.001

Texas Family Code §264.125

HHS Rules, 26 TAC §749.2605

The caregiver may approve activities, unless specifically prohibited by the DFPS or SSCC caseworker and documented in the CPOS.

Texas Family Code §264.001

Medical and Dental History

When the CPOS is being developed or reviewed, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker and caregiver must do the following:

  • Ensure that they each have copies of any medical and dental work the child obtained while placed with the caregiver.
  • Discuss the child’s medical and dental needs.
  • Discuss any recommended services and treatment, including the next due dates for the Texas Health Steps medical and dental checkups as well as the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment.

See 6441 Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Assessment.

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must incorporate this information into the CPOS and document it in the child’s case record.

Behavior Management and Discipline

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must ensure that the CPOS includes behavior management issues and any ideas, strategies, or ways to meet the child’s needs. If the child has a history of sexual aggression or sexual behavior problems, the recommended supervision and behavior plan are included in the CPOS.

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must use the CPOS as guidance in determining the child’s behavioral needs, using supportive, trauma-informed strategies based on the child’s age, circumstances, trauma history, and development.

See:

Runaway Prevention

If the child has a history of running away or has indicated a desire to run away, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must ensure that the CPOS includes efforts to prevent the child from running away.

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must include strategies for working with the child to prevent runaway behaviors. These strategies must be trauma-informed and support normalcy.

See 6461.11 Runaway Prevention and the Runaway Prevention Resource Guide for more information.

Life Skills

The CPOS must address life skills when:

  • The youth is aged 14–16 and is in permanent managing conservatorship.
  • The youth is age 16 or older and is in temporary or permanent managing conservatorship.

When the youth meets one of the criteria above, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must do the following when the CPOS is being developed or reviewed:

  • Review the life skills assessment.
  • Identify the skills the youth learned and needs to learn to help prepare the youth for a successful transition to adulthood.
  • Document this in the CPOS with input from the youth, youth’s caregiver, and Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) staff.

See 10251 Life Skills Assessment.

If Siblings Are Not Placed Together

When the child has siblings who are in DFPS conservatorship but not placed together, the CPOS must address all of the following issues:

  • Diligent efforts to reunite siblings in placement.
  • The type and frequency of contact between siblings placed with different caregivers.
  • The need and type of therapeutic intervention for maintaining sibling relationships.
  • Specific issues needed to reunite siblings for the purpose of adoption, if the permanency goal becomes adoption and siblings are placed separately.

See also 6266.1 Additional Requirements in Specific Situations – If Siblings Are Not Placed Together.

6241.11 Reviewing and Documenting a Youth’s Plans for a Successful Transition to Adulthood

CPS September 2026

For youth age 14 or older in conservatorship, DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) documents, reviews, and updates plans for the youth’s successful transition to adulthood in the Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS).

The CPOS must address the following and incorporate information from the My Transition Plan document:

  • The youth’s hopes, dreams, and worries.
  • The youth’s strengths and needs.
  • The youth’s plans for the following:
    • Support network
    • Education
    • Health (including medication management, if applicable)
    • Permanency (see 6212 Permanency Planning for more information.
    • Housing
    • Money management
    • Transportation
    • Employment
    • Local housing costs
    • Housing resources
    • Available housing assistance

Texas Family Code §264.121

If the youth is 17 or older, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must discuss the youth’s Housing Plan (see 10110 Housing Plan) with the youth and include a summary of the youth’s housing plan in the Child Plan of Service transitioning to successful adulthood sections.

If the youth is placed in a residential treatment center, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must develop goals with the youth that assist in preventing the youth from aging out of foster care while in a residential treatment center.

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker discusses and evaluates these goals with the youth every month.

DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1311

6241.2 Child Plan of Service Types and Frequency of Reviews
6241.21 Initial Child Plan of Service

CPS September 2026

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker does the following by the 45th day after the date DFPS removes a child:

  • Completes the initial CPOS.
  • Gets the supervisor’s approval of the initial CPOS.

See:

Texas Constitution and Statutes Sec. 263.3026

DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1323

6241.22 Service Planning and Documentation for Youth with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

CPS September 2026

The service plan of an LEP child in substitute care must address the following issues:

  • Communication between the child and the foster family, if the foster family does not speak the child's language.
  • Availability of bilingual classes and remedial English programs at the child's school.
  • Need for and availability of counseling services in the child's language.
  • Need for and availability of other services in the child's language.
  • Availability of bilingual CPS staff or interpreters.

If the child is placed in an LEP foster family, the child's service plan must also indicate how DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) will communicate with the foster family. DFPS or the SSCC must make reasonable efforts to assign bilingual workers to LEP children and LEP foster families. When it is not possible to assign a bilingual worker, staff must find other ways to communicate with the clients. Options include, but are not limited to:

  • Using other bilingual workers, staff members, or volunteers to interpret.
  • Working with outside interpreters.
  • Working with agencies that specialize in services to families of the foster child's ethnicity.
6241.23 Review of Child Plan of Service

CPS September 2026

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker reviews and updates the Child Plan of Service (CPOS) based on the following:

  • The child’s legal status.
  • The child’s service level or, if under the Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) System, the child’s service package.
  • Any significant changes in the child’s situation.
  • The supervisor approves each CPOS review.

If DFPS or SSCC caseworker places the child with a contracted provider (such as a child placing agency or a residential treatment center), the DFPS or SSCC caseworker coordinates with the provider to collaboratively update the CPOS and  participates in any service planning meetings that the provider holds.

When to Review the CPOS

If a child or youth is placed in a Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) Service Package, the review of the CPOS is dependent on what service package the child is placed in. See the Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) System and Placement Resource Guide.

The table below shows when the DFPS or SSCC caseworker is required to do routine reviews of the CPOS.

Child’s Legal Status

Service Level

When to Review the CPOS

Temporary managing conservatorship (TMC)

Any level
  • During the fifth month from the date DFPS removes the child
  • During the ninth month from the date DFPS removes the child
  • Every four months after that

Permanent managing conservatorship (PMC)

Basic

Every six months

Permanent managing conservatorship (PMC)

Moderate or higher

Every three months

Also, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker updates the CPOS within 30 days when either of the following occurs:

  • There is a significant change in the case.
  • The permanency goal changes.

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker continues to review and update the CPOS, as long as the child remains in DFPS conservatorship or in extended foster care. The only exception to this requirement is when both of the following apply:

  • DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) placed the child with a parent (such as when the child is in conservatorship but no longer in substitute care).
  • A separate CPOS is no longer necessary because the Family Plan of Service (FPOS) addresses the child’s needs and services.

DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1321(d)

DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1325

See Federal Case Planning Requirements in the Permanency Planning Resource Guide.

6241.24 Adoption Plan

CPS September 2026

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker completes an Adoption Plan in IMPACT within 30 days after DFPS places the child in an adoptive placement.

See 6940 Supporting and Consummating the Adoption and its subitems.

6241.25 Person Characteristics in IMPACT

CPS September 2026

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker reviews and updates the child’s person characteristics in IMPACT when completing the initial Child Plan of Service (CPOS) and at every CPOS review. See Appendix 6241.25: Definitions of Person Characteristics for CPS.

6241.3 Participating in Development of the Child’s Plan of Service

CPS September 2026

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker gives the following people an opportunity to participate in the development of the Child Plan of Service (CPOS):

  • The child.
  • The child’s parents, unless an exception applies (see 6242.31 Exceptions to Requirements for the Family Plan of Service).
  • The parents’ attorneys.
  • The caregiver.
  • The case manager at the child placing agency or facility.
  • Any relative or fictive kin (close family friend) who has expressed an interest, unless DFPS believes this person’s participation would make the child unsafe.
  • Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
  • The child’s guardian ad litem.
  • The child’s attorney ad litem.

A youth aged 14 or older is allowed to invite at least two appropriate adults of the youth’s choosing—other than the DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) caseworker or foster parent—to participate in the development of the CPOS. However, DFPS or the SSCC may refuse to allow a person to participate, if DFPS or the SSCC thinks the person would not act in the youth’s best interest.

Definitions, Section 475, 42 U.S. Code 675

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker and supervisor may involve other people, based on the child’s needs, such as the following:

  • Other DFPS or SSCC staff members
  • DFPS program director or SSCC equivalent
  • DFPS Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) staff members or SSCC equivalent
  • Developmental disability specialist (DDS)
  • Professionals who treat the child, such as:
    • Therapists
    • Psychologists
  • Those who provide other support to the child and family, such as:
    • Teachers
    • Mentors
    • Faith leaders
  • Others who have a stake in the child’s well-being, such as:
    • Juvenile justice staff members
    • Supervisor of a child placing agency (CPA)
    • Clinical director of a contracted provider, such as a CPA or residential treatment center

  DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1321(d)

6241.31 Documenting Participation in the Development of the Child’s Plan of Service

CPS September 2026

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must document each individual’s participation in the Child Plan of Service (CPOS) development, including the date of participation. If a mandatory participant fails to participate, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker documents the reason and all efforts made to facilitate the individual’s involvement. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must include documentation of participation as part of the CPOS.

DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1319

Social Security Act §475

6241.32 Distributing the Approved Child’s Plan of Service to Participants

CPS September 2026

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must provide all of the required participants, whether they participated or not, with a copy of the approved Child Plan of Service (CPOS).

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must also provide all other participants with a copy.

After ensuring the CPOS is updated to reflect current information, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must distribute the CPOS to all of the mandatory participants listed in 6241.3 Participating in Development of the Child’s Plan of Service, whether they participated in the development of the plan.

In addition, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must provide a copy of the plan to any of the discretionary participants (such as family members, professionals, or volunteers who are, or will be, providing services or supports to the child or the child’s family) who participated in developing the plan.

6241.4 Documenting and Approving the Child’s Plan of Service

CPS September 2026

Documenting the CPOS in IMPACT

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker documents the Child Plan of Service (CPOS) in IMPACT.

Approving the CPOS

The DFPS or single source continuum (SSCC) supervisor approves the CPOS by the due date.

The DFPS program director or SSCC equivalent annually approves the CPOS for a child who has either of the following situations:

  • The child has a primary or concurrent goal of Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (APPLA).
  • The child is in permanent managing conservatorship (PMC) without termination of parental rights.
6241.41 Changing or Revising the Permanency Goal

CPS September 2026

DFPS or SSCC caseworker reviews the permanency goals:

  • When the Child Plan of Service is evaluated and updated.
  • During permanency conferences or family group conferences.
  • During permanency hearings.
  • As needed.

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must review the permanency goal no less than every 180 days.

DPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1205

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must update the child and family service plans within 30 days, whenever the permanency goal changes.

6242 The Family Plan of Service (FPOS)

CPS September 2026

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must complete the Family Strengths and Needs Assessment (FSNA) before developing the Family Plan of Service (FPOS). The FSNA identifies the critical needs that the FPOS will address.

See:

6242.1 Family Plan of Service Types
6242.11 Initial Family Plan of Service

CPS September 2026

The  DFPS or SSCC caseworker must complete the following steps:

  • Work with each parent to develop an initial Family Plan of Service (FPOS).
  • Obtain supervisor approval.
  • File the plan with the court within 45 days of the first order naming DFPS as temporary managing conservator.

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker completes an FPOS for each parent if:

  • The parents do not live together.
  • The parents live together but want or need separate plans.

If the parents live together and do not want or need separate plans, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker may complete one FPOS for both parents.

The  DFPS or SSCC caseworker initiates services for the parent before developing the FPOS if both of the following are true:

  • A court ordered the services, or the services are otherwise determined to be critical.
  • The family agrees to participate in the services.

Texas Family Code §§263.101 and 263.103

6242.12 Family Plan of Service Evaluation

CPS September 2026

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must complete the Family Plan Evaluation:

  • In the fifth month that the child is in care.
  • In the ninth month the child is in care.
  • Every four months thereafter, while DFPS has temporary managing conservatorship (TMC) of the child.

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must also update the Family Plan of Service Evaluation within 30 days of a Safety Plan being completed and any time there is change in the household, such as the birth of a new baby.

6242.13 Family Reunification Family Plan of Service

CPS September 2026

The  DFPS or SSCC caseworker completes the Family Reunification (FRE) Family Plan of Service (FPOS) when:

  • All children who have a permanency plan of FRE return home. (The DFPS or SSCC caseworker continues using the FPOS in the Family Substitute Care stage until all children return home.)
  • The FRE stage has been opened in IMPACT.

The  DFPS or SSCC  caseworker completes the FRE plan within 30 days of all the children returning home who have a permanency plan of family reunification. The DFPS or SSCC  caseworker must complete the FRE FPOS in collaboration with the parents.

If a safety plan is implemented during the delivery of services to a parent, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must add the details of the safety plan to the FPOS within 30 days of implementing the safety plan.

6242.2 The Family Plan of Service for Children Under Age Two

CPS September 2026

If a child is under age two, the  DFPS or SSCC caseworker must consult with relevant professionals to determine the skills or knowledge that the parents should learn or acquire to provide a safe placement for the child. The  DFPS or SSCC caseworker must discuss this with the parents and ensure that those skills and knowledge are incorporated into the Family Plan of Service (FPOS) as appropriate.

Texas Family Code §263.102(f)

6242.3 Requirement for a Family Plan of Service

CPS September 2026

State and federal law obligate DFPS to jointly develop a Family Plan of Service (FPOS) with each parent.

45 CFR §1356.21(g)(1)

Texas Family Code §§263.103(a), 263.104(a)

DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) must develop an FPOS for each parent, and include the parents in service planning for the child, for as long as the child is in substitute care or until one of the exceptions is met in 6242.31 Exceptions to Requirements for the Family Plan of Service.

Even if it is difficult to develop an FPOS with a parent (for example, an incarcerated parent or a parent who resides outside the jurisdiction), DFPS or SSCC must still develop an FPOS and include the parent in its development. Such situations may require additional engagement. One of the limited exceptions described in 6242.31 Exceptions to Requirements for the Family Plan of Service must be met in order for there to be no FPOS whatsoever.

The parents’ attorney must be invited to any meeting about FPOS development.

Texas Family Code §107.0131

6242.31 Exceptions to Requirements for the Family Plan of Service

CPS September 2026

DFPS or the single source continuum contractor (SSCC) is not required to develop a Family Plan of Service (FPOS) for the parents or include the parents in the development of the child’s plan of service, if:

If a parent executes an affidavit of relinquishment of parental rights, a family plan must remain active, and the parent must be included in case planning until that affidavit is entered into the court records, and the parent’s parental rights are terminated.

6242.4 Developing the Family Plan of Service
6242.41 Family Participation in Developing the Family Plan of Service

CPS September 2026

The DFPS or SSCC  caseworker must inform each parent that:

  • The parent is not legally obligated to sign the initial Family Plan of Service (FPOS) or begin services until the court makes the plan an order of the court.
  • The parent has a right to ask the court to modify the FPOS.
  • The parent can invite relatives and fictive kin to participate in developing the plan.

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must also take the following actions:

  • Invite the parents’ attorney to participate in developing the FPOS and attend the meeting where the plan is developed.
  • Use the Family Strengths and Needs Assessment (FSNA) as a tool to help the family prioritize tasks and services for the FPOS.
6242.42 Refusal to Cooperate

CPS September 2026

If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker makes concerted efforts to engage each parent in service planning and the parent refuses to cooperate, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must develop the family’s service plan without the parent.

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must document in the plan the:

  • Reasons for the parent’s lack of participation.
  • Caseworker’s attempts to secure the parent’s participation.

After completing the family’s service plan, the  DFPS or SSCC caseworker must ask the parent to sign it and give the parent a copy of the plan, whether the parent is willing to sign or not. However, the plan does not take effect unless the parent signs it, or the plan is made an order of the court. See 5520 The Family’s Service and Visitation Plans: Filing and Review Requirements.

Texas Family Code, §263.103

  DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1321

6242.5 Content of the Family Plan of Service

CPS September 2026

The Family Plan of Service must address the danger indicators and risk factors that make it unsafe for the child to return home, and behavior changes necessary to provide long-term safety for the child.

The tasks and services must have specified time frames for completion.

Unless safety is an issue, the tasks and services in the plan must encourage contact, visitation, and other relationship-building activities that may include a parent’s attendance at medical appointments, school events, or other activities involving the child. If safety is an issue, the primary caseworker must:

  • Clearly document safety issues in the case file and provide tasks and services to mitigate the safety concerns in the plan.
  • Request that the contents of the service plan, including the request for the payment of child support, be made an order of the court at the status hearing.

If the  DFPS or SSCC caseworker suspects that a parent has an intellectual or developmental disability and needs help finding services, the caseworker must consult with the developmental disability specialist. See the Working with Persons with Disabilities Resource Guide.

6242.6 Documenting and Approving the Family Plan of Service

CPS September 2026

Once the plan is developed, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must take the following actions:

  • Record the plan in IMPACT.
  • Document who participated in the development of the plan.

The DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) supervisor, or designee, must approve the plan in IMPACT.

The Family Plan of Service (FPOS) is completed when the supervisor approves it. However, the initial plan does not take effect until the parent signs it, or it has been made an order of the court.

DFPS or the SSCC must provide a copy of the approved FPOS to the parent and the attorney if the parent has an attorney.

6242.7 Reviewing the Family Plan of Service

CPS September 2026

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must review the Family Service Plan monthly to determine whether the issues that placed the child at risk were sufficiently resolved for the child to return home safely.

Before the initial permanency hearing, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must evaluate whether to do one of the following:

  • Reunite the child with the family.
  • Continue providing services with a view toward reuniting the child with the family on or before the 12th month.
  • Select another permanency planning goal.
6242.8 Updating the Family Strengths and Needs Assessment (FSNA)

CPS September 2026

The  DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) caseworker must complete a Family Strengths and Needs Assessment (FSNA) before updating the Family Plan of Service (FPOS) evaluation. The DFPS or SSCC supervisor must approve the FSNA in IMPACT before the primary caseworker completes the FPOS.

See the Family Strengths and Needs Assessment (FSNA) Resource Guide.

6243 Services to Parents Who Live Outside of the Country

CPS September 2026

If a parent lives outside the U.S., the service plan must reflect the services available in the parent’s community. A service plan should not require a parent to enter the U.S. to participate in a service, unless a parent can legally do so. As with any parent, the service plan should focus on specific issues the parent must address to safely care for the child in question.

To find out about available services in Mexico, a DFPS or SSCC caseworker must contact the CPS border liaison staff or the CPS immigration specialists who work closely with Mexican consular staff.

For other countries, information about available social services may be available on the Internet (search for government agencies for child protection, substance abuse, and related issues) from foreign consul representatives or the International Social Services office. CPS immigration specialists are also available to assist in this process.

6250 Contact with Special Populations

6251 Incarcerated Parents

CPS September 2026

Although a parent who is incarcerated may not be able to participate fully in his or her child’s case, the parent must be:

  • Notified of any court hearings or legal actions that will be taken regarding his or her child.
  • Interviewed to gather information to fully assess the family.
  • Provided with information about the child.
  • Provided with appropriate services (to the extent available).
  • Included in case planning as appropriate.

See the Incarcerated Parents Resource Guide for guidelines on:

  • Locating incarcerated parents.
  • Visiting an incarceration facility.
  • Engaging an incarcerated parent.
  • Facilitating contact between a child and an incarcerated parent.

Locating an Incarcerated Parent

When trying to locate a parent, staff must follow the policy in 5230 Service of a Citation.

Engaging an Incarcerated Parent

Incarcerated parents must be involved in case planning and receive a copy of their child’s and their own plan of service, as well as be updated about the case on a regular basis.

All correspondence to the incarcerated parent must be sent via certified mail.

Contact between a Child and an Incarcerated Parent

When determining contact between the child and the incarcerated parent, the DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) caseworker must consult with his or her supervisor to determine if the child’s safety, permanency, and well-being are assured, depending on the reason the parent is incarcerated. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker and supervisor must consider the following issues in determining contact arrangements between the child and the incarcerated parent:

  • Type of contact (face-to-face, letter, telephone, video conferencing, photo sharing).
  • The child’s desire to have contact with the incarcerated parent.
  • Whether the crime the parent committed has an impact on the child’s safety.
  • Whether the crime the parent committed has an impact on the child’s well-being.
  • The impact visiting an incarceration facility may have on the child versus the impact of not visiting. For example, some children are so worried about their parents that seeing them, even through a glass barrier, reduces their concerns or anxiety.

If the reason for the parent’s incarceration is due to abuse of the child, and the parent has not been convicted, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker and his or her supervisor must discuss any contact with the prosecuting attorney, attorney representing DFPS or an SSCC, child’s attorney, and CASA, if appointed. If the parent has been convicted, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker checks with the incarceration facility to see if there are any restrictions.

If any concerns arise after contact has been initiated between the child and the incarcerated parent, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must consult his or her supervisor to determine if any changes are needed.

6252 Military Families

CPS September 2026

Federal law prevents any party, including DFPS, from obtaining a default judgment against a person while the person is serving in the military.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 USC Appendix §§501-538

If a parent’s whereabouts are unknown at the time of the status hearing, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must take the following steps to find out whether the missing parent has any connection to the military and document those steps as detailed below.

If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker does not complete the steps at the time of the Status Hearing, the DFPS or SSCC  caseworker must complete the following steps before DFPS can obtain a final order by default against a parent.

  1. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must interview family members or other persons who have information about the missing parent to obtain any information about the parent’s possible military service, including current or previous military service. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must record this information on Form 2068 Affidavit Regarding Military Service. See 5233.3 Making a Diligent Search for a Missing Parent.
  2. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must request a Certificate of Service or Non-Service from the U.S. military’s data center. To do so, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker goes to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) website and chooses Single Record Request. (If the message, “There is a problem with this website’s security certificate” appears, scroll down to select “Continue to this website (not recommended).” The DFPS or SSCC caseworker enters the following information in the fields:
    • The individual’s first and last names.
    • The individual’s birth year or Social Security number.
  3. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must print the Certificate of Service or Non-Service and submit it to the court with Form 2068 Affidavit Regarding Military Service. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must request a manual search if information is missing, the response is inconclusive, or the DFPS or SSCC caseworker has information that conflicts with the result of the web search. (For example, staff may be aware that the parent is in fact in the military, but this is not reflected in the search results.) The DFPS or SSCC caseworker requests a manual search by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the following address and including as much identifying information as possible about the person who is the subject of the search: Defense Manpower Data Center, Attention: Military Verification, 1600 Wilson Blvd., Suite 400, Arlington, VA 22209-2593
  4. If the search produces a Certificate of Service for the parent, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must alert the attorney representing DFPS or the single source continuum contractor (SSCC) immediately. The court will stay (suspend) the proceedings because an attorney appointed for a military service member can neither:
    • Waive any of the parent’s rights.
    • Bind the parent (constrain the parent through legal authority).
  5. If the search produces a Certificate of Non-Service, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must provide the Affidavit of Military Service and Certificate of Non-Service to the attorney representing DFPS or the single source continuum contractor (SSCC).

When a Parent Is Deployed

If a DFPS or SSCC caseworker discovers that a parent has been or is likely to be deployed, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must ask what arrangements have been made to designate a caregiver for the child during the service member’s absence. The arrangement may be informal or may be a formal designation of a caregiver with court approval, as provided in Texas Family Code, Sec. 153.701.

Whether the agreement is informal or formal, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must both:

  • Document in IMPACT any designation by a parent of a caregiver.
  • Inform the attorney representing DFPS.

6260 Permanency Planning Meetings (PPM)

6261 Overview and Purpose of Permanency Planning Meetings

CPS September 2026

A permanency planning meeting (PPM) is a meeting that combines people and ideas from different fields and backgrounds. DFPS or the single source continuum contractor (SSCC) and participants collaborate to develop goals and actions.

At the PPM, DFPS or the SSCC and the participants review progress toward the goals of providing safety, permanency, and well-being for the child.

The purpose of a PPM is to do the following:

  • Identify the child’s permanency goal.
  • Identify any barriers to achieving the child’s permanency goal.
  • Develop strategies and determine actions to achieve the child’s permanency goal.

DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1210, Subchapter L

See:

6262 Types of Permanency Planning Meetings

CPS September 2026

There are three types of permanency planning meetings (PPMs):

  • Family Group Conference (FGC)
  • Permanency Conference (PC), including Single Case Plan meeting
  • Circle of Support (COS)

For the initial PPM, an FGC is the preferred type of meeting.

All subsequent PPMs should be an FGC when possible. If a youth is age 14 or older, a COS is the preferred type of meeting. DFPS holds a PC only when it is not possible or appropriate to hold a COS or FGC.

When scheduling an FGC or COS according to 6263 When to Hold a Permanency Planning Meeting, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker gives the parents and child or youth scheduling preference.

6263 When to Hold a Permanency Planning Meeting

CPS September 2026

The initial Permanency Planning Meeting (PPM) occurs within 45 days after DFPS removes a child.

Subsequent PPMs must be held, to the greatest extent possible, whenever it is appropriate to achieving the goal of a child’s safe and timely exit from DFPS’s managing conservatorship, including:

  • By the time the child has been in conservatorship for five months, unless all three of these criteria are met:
    • The child was placed or is about to be placed, permanently.
    • A permanency planning review is not needed.
    • A program director has approved.
  • Before scheduled permanency hearings.
  • After a significant update to the child’s permanency goal.
  • Within three months after DFPS receives permanent managing conservatorship (PMC), if the child is in a placement that is not intended to be permanent.
  • Annually for a child in PMC, if the child is not in a placement that is intended to be permanent.
  • As soon as possible after a final court order naming DFPS as permanent managing conservator of a youth, age 16 or older, whose permanency goal is Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (APPLA), and any time after that if there has been no progress toward achieving positive permanency for the youth. For the definition of positive permanency, see 6212 Permanency Planning.
  • A required Circle of Support (COS) referral made according to the following schedule:
    • Within 60 days of a youth turning 14.
    • Annually at 14 and 15.
    • Every six months beginning at age 16 and until the age of 18.
    • 90 days prior to the youth turning 18.
  • Meetings required within 45 days of referral.

DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1212

6264 Permanency Planning Meeting Participants

CPS September 2026

A Permanency Planning Meeting (PPM) engages the same people in case planning who are involved in the development of the Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS).  See 6241.3 Participating in Development of the Child’s Plan of Service for the list of required and optional participants.

6265 Notice of Permanency Planning Meetings

CPS September 2026

The DFPS or SSCC  caseworker must send or give appropriate written notice of each Permanency Planning Meeting (PPM), as soon as possible, to the required participants. See 6241.3 Participating in Development of the Child’s Plan of Service for the list of required and optional participants.

The DFPS or SSCC  caseworker must document in the child’s case file both of the following:

  • Who was notified of the PPM and when.
  • Who participated in the PPM.

6266 Requirements of Permanency Planning Meetings

CPS September 2026

At a Permanency Planning Meeting (PPM), the DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) caseworker and the participants work together to do all of the following:

  • Review the reasons for removal and what needs to happen to mitigate the safety concerns, so the child can return home, if DFPS has temporary managing conservatorship (TMC).
  • Identify barriers and review progress for the child’s timely exit from DFPS conservatorship and develop strategies and actions to achieve the primary permanency goal and concurrent goals.
  • Ask the family about support systems and recommendations for addressing the needs identified.
  • Review the tasks and services that were or need to be set up.
  • Ensure that the participants understand:
    • The service plan.
    • Their commitment to the child, parents, and family.
    • The time frames for achieving the child’s timely exit from conservatorship.
  • Create and review plans and efforts being made to:
    • Preserve or develop the child’s relationships with the child’s siblings, parents, extended family, and others who are significant in the child’s life.
    • Help the child develop and build potential new relationships with peers, family, and others who could be significant in the child’s life.
    • Achieve normalcy for the child.
    • Strengthen a network of adults who are significant to the child, parent, and family and can support the child, parents, and family after DFPS or the SSCC is no longer involved.
  • Develop or enhance the youth’s plans for a successful transition to adulthood (see 6241.11 Reviewing and Documenting a Youth’s Plans for a Successful Transition to Adulthood), if the youth is aged 14 or older.
  • Review possible placement options with relatives or fictive kin (close family friends), including circumstances that may have changed since the last PPM, if the child is not in a kinship placement.
  • Review and discuss family finding or searching efforts, if the child is not in a kinship placement.
  • Review resources and specific actions needed to maintain or support the placement, if the child is placed with a kinship caregiver.
  • Address needs related to discharging the child from conservatorship, if discharge is imminent.
6266.1 Additional Requirements in Specific Situations

CPS September 2026

In addition to addressing everything in 6266 Requirements of Permanency Planning Meetings, the following requirements must be met if one or more of the following situations apply:

Initial Permanency Planning Meeting

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker and the participants work together to develop the initial Family Plan of Service and visitation plan. See 6242 The Family Plan of Service (FPOS) and all subitems.

Fifth-Month Permanency Planning Meeting

DFPS or the single source continuum contractor (SSCC) and the participants:

  • Review the progress made in addressing the safety issues identified in the Family Plan of Service.
  • Review the recommendations for the initial permanency court hearing to be held in the sixth month that the child is in conservatorship.

If Siblings Are Not Placed Together

When the child has siblings who are in DFPS conservatorship but not placed together, DFPS or the SSCC and the participants must address all issues according to 6241.1 Basic Description and Content of the Child’s Plan of Service—if siblings are not placed together.

If DFPS has Permanent Managing Conservatorship (PMC)

DFPS or the SSCC and the participants must consider reinstating parental rights and changing the permanency goal to Family Reunification if requirements in 6234.17 Changing the Permanency Goal Back To Family Reunification are met.

6267 Documentation of Permanency Planning Meetings

CPS September 2026

The DFPS caseworker documents Permanency Planning Meetings (PPMs) according to Appendix 1121: Documentation Requirements for Models of Family Group Decision-Making (FGDM).

The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must provide a copy of the plan developed at the PPM the same day to all people who attended the meeting. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must also provide a copy of the plan, within seven calendar days, to all required participants who did not attend the meeting.

If a Circle of Support was held, the plans for the youth’s successful transition to adulthood are documented in the Child’s Plan of Service. See 6241.11 Reviewing and Documenting a Youth’s Plans for a Successful Transition to Adulthood.

6270 Permanency Roundtables (PRT)

CPS September 2026

A Permanency Roundtable (PRT) is an internal case consultation designed to identify strategies to attain permanency for a youth in permanent managing conservatorship (PMC). For a child to have a PRT, the child or youth must be:

  • In DFPS PMC.
  • In a placement that is not intended to be permanent, and the child or youth must be at least six years old or be a part of a sibling group with at least one child over the age of six.

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