6400 Services to Children in Substitute Care
6410 Placement Supervision
CPS September 2026
This section and its subitems apply to all children in DFPS’s managing conservatorship.
6411 Contact with the Child
CPS September 2026
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker visits the child, at a minimum, on a monthly basis. These visits must be well-planned and focused on issues relevant to case planning and service delivery to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of the child. The majority of the visits must occur in the child’s current residence. The requirement that the majority of visits occur at the residence means that there is at least one visit each month at the residence in a majority of the months in a calendar year. Some visits to the residence are unannounced.
42 United States Code (USC) 622(b); 42 USC 624(f)
For more guidelines and information on contacts with the child and monthly visits, see the Services to Children in Substitute Care Resource Guide.
6411.1 Conducting the Monthly Face-to-Face Visit
CPS September 2026
When a child in DFPS conservatorship is in substitute care, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker or assigned local permanency specialist does the following:
- Conducts a face-to-face visit with each child at least once a month.
- Conducts the majority of visits in the child’s residence.
For the first three months a child is in care, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker conducts the monthly visits in the child’s current residence.
DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) may determine that more frequent face-to-face contact or other contact (such as by phone) is appropriate, on a case-by-case basis, to ensure the child’s safety, permanency, and well-being, and to work toward case goals.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCS)
When a child is in a Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) home, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker does the following:
- Conducts a face-to-face visit with each child at least twice a month.
- Conducts the majority of visits in the child’s HCS home.
The monthly visit includes quality time with the child separate from the caregiver and other children who live there, such as in a separate room, if the child is verbal.
If the child is nonverbal, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker does both of the following:
- Interacts with the child.
- Observes the caregiver’s interaction with the child.
If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker is visiting a sibling group that is placed together, the primary caseworker spends time with both of the following:
- Each child individually (separate from the child’s siblings).
- The child and siblings together.
During the visit with the child, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker engages the child and assesses the child’s safety, permanency, and well-being. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker also keeps the child informed of case progress and allows the child to express how the child feels about the situation and what needs the child may have.
If the youth is age 17 or older, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must discuss the youth’s plans for housing (see 10110 Housing Plan).
See 6411.25 Alternate Caseworker.
Safety
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker refers to the Conservatorship (CVS) Safety Visit Resource Guide for guidance on how to conduct the visit and assess for any safety concerns.
Examples of topics to observe or discuss to assess safety include:
- The child’s thoughts and feelings about:
- Adjustment to substitute care.
- Living with the caregiver.
- The child’s interactions with other children and adults in the home.
- The child’s ability to seek help if needed.
- Discipline in the home.
During the monthly visit at the child’s residence, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker completes a physical walk-through of the child’s residence to observe the environment in which the child is living and observe where the child sleeps. The walk-through includes backyards or other outdoor areas of treatment centers and foster care, parent, or kinship homes.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker documents the walk-through.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker:
- Addresses any safety or significant risk factors with the caregiver and child each month and document this in IMPACT.
- Never leaves the home or child if there is an immediate concern for safety without staffing (consulting) with the supervisor, conservatorship caseworker, or SSCC equivalent.
- Immediately reports any changes in the safety of the home to the supervisor.
Safe Sleep
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker makes sure that the parent or caregiver provides a safe place for each child to sleep.
If the child is under 12 months of age, the child must not sleep in the same bed with any adults or other children.
If the child is placed in a verified foster home, the child must not sleep in the same bed with an adult caregiver at any time.
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC §749.3027
During visits with the child and parent or caregiver, the child’s primary caseworker views sleeping arrangements for the child.
If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker notes any concerns during the visit, he or she must:
- Discuss safe sleep.
- Give the parent or caregiver a copy of Keeping Children Safe Wherever You Go!
- Give the parent or caregiver information about how to get, or help the family get, as soon as possible, the following to ensure child safety:
- Bedding
- Cribs
- Beds
- Consult with the supervisor as appropriate.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker documents the following in a case contact:
- Observations of sleeping arrangements.
- Safe sleep discussions.
- Any concerns addressed with parents or caregivers and the parents’ or caregivers’ responses.
- Any actions taken to help the family with safe sleeping arrangements.
- Any related supervisor consultations.
Permanency
Examples of topics to discuss to assess the child’s understanding of the permanency plan or goals and connections to family include:
- Contacts with parents, siblings, and others, which may include racial and ethnic identity development, if contact is approved in the case plan.
- The status of the case, the child’s understanding of the case, and any upcoming court dates.
- The youth’s opinion of the plans for a successful transition to adulthood, if the youth is aged 14 or older.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker also helps the child prepare for the following:
- Reuniting with the child’s family.
- Moving to an adoptive placement or another permanent living situation, if family reunification is no longer being considered.
- If parental rights were terminated, reviewing the Adoption Resource Guide and following any additional requirements for discussing and preparing the child for adoption.
Well-Being
Examples of topics to discuss to assess well-being include:
- The child’s participation in normalcy activities.
- The child’s progress in school.
- The child’s health, growth, and development.
- The child’s participation in services that were provided and the child’s opinion of the services.
6411.2 Documenting the Monthly Visit
CPS September 2026
After each visit with a child, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker documents the following:
- Observations, assessments, and discussions with the child and caregiver.
- Any follow-up tasks needed.
6411.3 Following Up on Identified Needs
CPS September 2026
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker follows through with meeting any identified needs of the child and providing any support services that the caregiver needs, and assesses the caregiver’s ability, willingness, and efforts to care for the child and to meet the child’s needs, particularly safety needs.
6411.4 Contact with Children in IDD GRO, SSLC, and ICF Facilities
CPS September 2026
If a child is assessed as having an intellectual or developmental disability, DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) may place the child at one of the following, depending on the child’s needs:
- Intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) general residential operation (GRO)
- State supported living center (SSLC)
- Intermediate care facility (ICF)
DFPS or SSCC staff only consider placing the child in one of these facilities when no other less restrictive placement is available that can meet the child’s needs.
Regardless of the facility’s location, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker coordinates with other DFPS or SSCC staff members and professionals at the facility to make sure the child receives needed services.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker works closely with the developmental disability specialist (DDS). In 4118 Additional Actions for Placing Children with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities, see the subheading Assessing the Need for Facility Placement.
6411.41 Responsibilities of the Developmental Disability Specialist
CPS September 2026
The developmental disability specialist (DDS) does the following:
- Is assigned as a secondary caseworker on the child’s IMPACT Substitute Care (SUB) stage.
- Remains in close contact with the primary caseworker.
- Makes monthly face-to-face visits and enters the contacts.
- Documents in IMPACT in a timely manner.
- Places the child on appropriate Medicaid waiver lists.
- Participates in treatment planning with the facility, to advocate for the child.
- Provides a copy of the treatment plan to the DFPS or SSCC caseworker.
- Ensures the child’s safety, permanency, and well-being.
- Is available to attend court hearings when needed.
- Participates in permanency conferences when needed.
- Monitors the placement and assesses the continued need for placement.
- Searches for a less restrictive placement at all times.
- Processes guardianship referrals according to 10343 Guardianship.
- Is assigned as the primary caseworker on the Aging Out of Care stage.
- Begins the appeal process and submits it to the DFPS or SSCC supervisor for guardianship when the child ages out of care, after the supervisor directs the DDS to do this.
- Using data warehouse reports, identifies and arranges scheduling of youth aged 16 and older who need:
- A determination of disability assessment.
- A Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) slot.
- An aging out of care or intellectual and developmental disability general residential operation (IDD GRO) slot or both.
- Updates Person Characteristics in IMPACT that reflect the child’s behaviors and disabilities.
- Makes sure a DFPS or SSCC caseworker is completing the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application.
- Identifies services for parents with an intellectual or developmental disability.
6411.42 Responsibilities of the DFPS or SSCC Caseworker When a Child Has an Intellectual or Developmental Disability
CPS September 2026
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker does the following:
- Remains in close contact with the developmental disability specialist (DDS).
- Visits with child at least quarterly as required for all youth in conservatorship.
- Completes monthly evaluation documentation.
- Documents any face-to-face contacts with the child on the same day.
- Documents all other contacts and actions in a timely manner in IMPACT.
- Completes the foster care application and reviews.
- Participates in all the child’s permanency conferences.
- Completes and files the Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS).
- Maintains case planning and contacts with siblings and family.
- Completes and files court reports.
- Ensures the child’s safety, permanency, and well-being.
- Attends all court hearings and arranges for the child to attend, as appropriate.
- Monitors the placement and assesses the continued need for placement.
- Completes and updates the common application.
- Completes the referral form (in IMPACT) for aging out of care. See 10343.3 Initiating the HHSC Guardianship Referral.
- Is assigned as a secondary caseworker on the Aging Out of Care stage.
- Staffs the case with the supervisor to make decisions about whether to appeal rejected applications for Aging Out of Care guardianship.
- Transports and accompanies the child to have a determination of disability assessment and arranges transportation for pre-placement visits.
- Updates Person Characteristics in IMPACT that reflect the child’s behaviors and disabilities.
- Ensures the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application is completed.
6411.5 Contacts with Out-of-State Placements
CPS September 2026
For children placed out of state, the agency in the state where the child is placed conducts face-to-face contacts.
However, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker in Texas maintains monthly contact with the child by phone, email, or other electronic means and documents the contacts in IMPACT.
If the receiving state is unwilling to see the child face-to-face each month, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker in Texas makes face-to-face contact with the child monthly.
For contact with children placed out-of-state in a residential treatment center, see 4513.7 Placing a Child in a Residential Treatment Center Outside of Texas.
6412 Children with Primary Medical Needs and Special Health Care Needs
CPS September 2026
If a child in DFPS conservatorship has primary medical needs or special health care needs, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker:
- Develops an understanding of the child’s medical needs and the services recommended by medical professionals.
- Makes sure that the child is receiving the recommended services.
- Maintains contact with health care providers to make sure that the child’s medical needs are being met.
Throughout the case, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker works with the child’s family, health care providers, and collaterals to assess the caregiver’s ability to meet the child’s ongoing medical needs. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker:
- Assesses the appropriateness of the home environment at each visit to the caregiver’s home.
- Makes sure that the caregiver is trained to meet, or is proficient in meeting, the special needs of the child, including using medical equipment, administering prescribed medication, and providing needed supplies.
- Makes sure that the caregiver has access to and uses the medical equipment recommended by medical professionals.
- Assesses the child’s care during each contact to make sure that the caregiver continues to comply with the recommended medical care (including administering prescribed medication, attending medical appointments, and completing other tasks to meet the child’s needs).
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker can contact the well-being specialist or the regional nurse for help in understanding any of the child’s medical needs and determining how to assess the caregiver.
For children with primary medical needs, see also:
- 4117 Specific Placement Considerations for Children or Youth Who Have Primary Medical Needs
- Primary Medical Needs (PMN) Resource Guide
6412.1 Working with Children and Youth in DFPS Conservatorship Using Substances
CPS September 2026
When a DFPS or SSCC caseworker becomes aware that a child or youth (referred to as a minor in this section) is using substances, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker treats the situation as a medical concern.
Caseworker Responsibilities
If a DFPS or SSCC caseworker or medical consenter suspects that a minor may be using or misusing substances, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker or medical consenter may make an appointment with the minor’s health care provider or primary care physician (PCP) for drug testing. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker or medical consenter informs the health care provider or PCP about the concern for the minor’s possible use of or exposure to substances.
Only a medical provider can conduct this drug test. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker and medical consenter do not conduct drug tests on the minor.
If the minor appears to require immediate medical care, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must seek emergency medical care for the minor.
Exception
If a youth is under the supervision of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) or the county juvenile probation department, the juvenile system may drug test the youth.
6412.11 Youth in Extended Care or Return to Care
CPS September 2026
Youth who are aged 18 or older and are receiving extended care or return-to-care services are considered young adults. Young adults are subject to the drug testing policy for adults. While in a DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC)-paid placement, the young adult must follow the voluntary agreement that he or she signed to remain in extended care or return-to-care services.
If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker suspects that a young adult is using substances, he or she does the following:
- Makes the appropriate referrals to services to assess whether the young adult needs substance use disorder treatment.
- Encourages the young adult to seek services.
6413 Services to Children and Caregivers across Regional Lines
CPS September 2026
When a child, youth, or family lives outside the region that holds legal jurisdiction, the requirements for making monthly contact and providing services to the child, parent, and caregiver remain the same, as detailed in the following sections:
When a child or youth in DFPS conservatorship is placed outside the region that has legal jurisdiction, there are two types of supervision a DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) can request to maintain contact, provide services, and monitor the safety of the child or youth:
Courtesy Supervision—When the Child or Youth is Living with a Parent
See 6314 Services to Children and Parents across Regional Lines.
Local Permanency Supervision—When the Child or Youth is Not Living with a Parent.
If a child or youth is assessed as having an intellectual or developmental disability and is placed in a facility outside the region, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker shares responsibilities with the developmental disability specialist (DDS), as described in the following sections:
- 6411.31 Responsibilities of the Developmental Disability Specialist
- 6411.32 Responsibilities of the Primary Conservatorship Caseworker When a Child Has an Intellectual or Developmental Disability
6413.1 Courtesy Supervision—Contact across Regional Lines
CPS September 2026
When a DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) unit in another region provides courtesy supervision, the unit providing the supervision does the following:
- Maintains the required contacts with the parent and child.
- Follows the procedures in 6411 Contact with the Child and its subitems.
See:
- 6314.1 Coordination between Primary Caseworker and Courtesy Supervision Caseworker
- 6314.11 Responsibilities of the Courtesy Caseworker
- 6314.12 Responsibilities of the Primary Caseworker
- 6320 Visits with the Family
6413.2 Local Permanency Supervision & Eligibility
CPS September 2026
Local permanency specialists act as secondary caseworkers for children and youth placed outside the region that has legal jurisdiction. The local permanency specialist acts as an extension of the primary caseworker and aids the primary caseworker in making sure that the child’s or youth’s needs for safety and well-being are being met. The local permanency specialist also works to make sure that the child or youth achieves permanency.
All children in DFPS conservatorship are eligible for local permanency supervision when living outside the region that holds legal jurisdiction (the “legal region”), except children who are placed in the following types of placements:
- Adoptive placements pending consummation.
- Any placement, if the child needs specialized adoption preparation services.
- Nursing homes.
- Parent’s home.
For children admitted to a psychiatric or mental health facility for acute care, refer to the Psychiatric Hospital Contact Protocol on the DFPS intranet.
The role of the local permanency specialist is to:
- Make sure that children and youth in out-of-region placements are seen at least monthly, and that a majority of the visits occur in the child’s current residence.
- Assess a home or facility’s safety and appropriateness.
- Increase the child’s sense of support and stability.
- Allow for a quick response to a child if there is a crisis.
- Make sure that case planning activities are communicated to the following people:
- The caregivers in the placement.
- The child or youth.
- DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) staff in the legal region (the region that holds legal jurisdiction).
- Maintain at least monthly contact with the primary caseworker by phone or virtual meeting to make sure that all of the child’s or youth’s needs are being met, as outlined in 6400 Services to Children in Substitute Care.
Supervision by a local permanency specialist does not relieve the child’s or youth’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker of the responsibilities to the child, youth, or caregiver.
Before the first visit with the child or youth, the local permanency specialist and primary caseworker have a phone or virtual conference to discuss the following:
- The child’s or youth’s plan of service.
- Any specific court orders.
- Family and sibling visitation.
- Special issues, including the permanency plan for the child or youth.
- A communication plan, as described below.
The communication plan addresses how the DFPS or SSCC caseworker and the local permanency specialist will share information and documents. The plan specifically addresses how they will share information about the development and review of the following:
- Court reports
- Child plans of service
- Appropriateness of placement
- Permanency goals
- Medical, dental, and therapeutic needs
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker documents the plan in the monthly evaluation.
6413.21 Responsibilities of the Alternate Caseworker/Local Permanency Specialist
CPS September 2026
The responsibilities of local permanency specialist are the same as those listed in 6411 Contact with the Child.
The local permanency specialist does the following:
- Visits the child or youth within 15 calendar days after being assigned as a secondary caseworker in IMPACT.
- Conducts well-planned monthly visits with the child or youth and caregiver to assess safety and the child’s needs and well-being, in accordance with the requirements of 6411.22 Conducting the Monthly Visit.
- Discusses the child’s permanency plan, with the child or youth and caregiver during every visit, to assess progress being made to achieve that goal.
- Makes sure the placement is meeting the child’s or youth’s needs and reports any unmet need to the primary caseworker.
- Enters in the Substitute Care (SUB) stage in IMPACT any face-to-face contacts with the child or youth on the same day as the contact and completes any narrative about the contact within time frames. See 6133.1 Documentation and Communication.
- Documents all other contacts for the case in IMPACT in a timely manner.
- Maintains at least monthly contact with the primary caseworker by phone or virtual meeting to make sure that all of the child’s or youth’s needs are being met, and provides information to help in completing the child’s service plans and court reports as outlined in 6400 Services to Children in Substitute Care.
- Participates in and helps the primary caseworker with coordinating permanency planning meetings.
- Assists the primary caseworker with visitation between the child or youth and the siblings and family.
- Serves as the child’s or youth’s designated medical consenter when appropriate. See 11110 Court Authorizes DFPS to Be the Child's Medical Consenter .
6413.22 Responsibilities of the Primary Caseworker When a Local Permanency Specialist Is Assigned to a Child
CPS September 2026
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker does the following:
- Maintains at least quarterly in-person, face-to-face visits with the child or youth and caregiver in the home.
- Notifies the local permanency specialist of the date and location of the quarterly visit prior to the visit occurring.
- Enters in the Substitute Care (SUB) stage in IMPACT any face-to-face contacts with the child or youth on the same day as the contact and completes any narrative about the contact within time frames. See 6133.1 Documentation and Communication.
- Maintains at least monthly contact with the child or youth and the caregiver by phone or virtual meeting.
- Maintains at least monthly contact with the local permanency specialist by phone or virtual meeting to make sure that all of the child’s or youth’s needs are being met, as outlined in 6400 Services to Children in Substitute Care.
- Submits all medical, dental, and therapeutic notes with the local permanency specialist to ensure awareness of the child’s or youth’s needs.
- Submits court documents to the local permanency specialist within the required time frames to make sure the child or youth and caregiver are receiving consistent information. The required time frames are as follows:
- Updated court reports—at least five business days before a court hearing.
- Court orders—within five business days after the court hearing.
6413.23 Transition from a Local Permanency Specialist to a Courtesy Caseworker When the Out-of-Region Placement Is Identified as the Adoptive Home
CPS September 2026
Local permanency specialists do not provide adoption preparation services. If a child receiving local permanency supervision needs these services, the primary caseworker (in the legal region) completes Form 2077 Request for Kinship, Conservatorship, and Adoption Services (AKA Universal Request Form) to request a courtesy adoption preparation caseworker.
Once the region providing the courtesy adoption preparation caseworker receives the request, it consults with the DFPS or SSCC caseworker and local permanency specialist to determine when to make the transition.
A child is eligible for an adoption preparation caseworker if all of the following apply:
- Parental rights were terminated.
- The child’s permanency goal is adoption.
- The child’s current placement is intended to be the adoptive family.
The local permanency specialist continues to visit the child and caregiver until the transition to a courtesy adoption preparation caseworker is made.
Exception: If the adoption consummation hearing is scheduled to occur within 30 days from the date DFPS or the single source continuum contractor (SSCC) receives the approved adoptive home screening for the caregiver, the local permanency specialist conducts the monthly face-to-face contact, and a referral for a courtesy caseworker is not necessary.
6413.24 Local Permanency Waiver
CPS September 2026
There are situations when assigning a local permanency specialist is not practical or is not in the best interest of the child or youth. In these situations, the DFPS or the single source continuum contractor (SSCC) caseworker requests a waiver from the regional DFPS program administrator or the SSCC equivalent.
6414 The Right to Regular Contact
CPS September 2026
When a child enters DFPS’s managing conservatorship, DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) must ensure that a parent who is otherwise entitled to possession of the child is able to visit the child within five days of the date DFPS is named the child’s temporary managing conservator, unless one of the following is true:
- DFPS or the SSCC determines that visitation is not in the child’s best interest.
- Visitation with the parent would conflict with a court order relating to possession of, or access to, the child.
When a child in DFPS’s managing conservatorship is in substitute care, the child and the child’s parents have a right to maintain regular contact with each other at a minimum of twice a month, unless one of the following is true:
- The court restricts their contacts.
- The parents executed an affidavit of relinquishment (see 5562 Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights).
- The parents had their parental rights terminated by the court.
6414.1 Ending Contact if the Child Is at Risk
CPS September 2026
If the parents’ actions during their contacts with the child increase the risk of child abuse or neglect, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must ask the court to restrict the parents’ contacts.
6415 Visitation between Families and Children in Substitute Care
CPS September 2026
See the Child and Family Visitation Best Practice Guide.
Visitation is essential for a child’s well-being, fundamental to permanency, and vital to a child maintaining family relationships and cultural connections.
Because of the importance of visitation to children and families, staff may not withhold visitation as punishment for a parent’s or child’s behavior and should strive to support visitation to the maximum extent feasible, provided that visitation is safe and continues to be in the child’s best interest.
In collaboration with each parent, and considering the following factors, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must develop a visitation plan for each parent. The plan must be completed by the 30th day following DFPS being named temporary managing conservator.
In determining the frequency and circumstances of visitation, DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) must consider the:
- Child’s safety and best interest.
- Child’s age.
- Desires of each parent regarding visitation with the child.
- Location of each parent and the child.
- Resources available to DFPS or the SSCC.
- Proper supervision of the visitation.
- Provision and proper coordination of transportation to and from visits.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must file the visitation plan with the court at least 10 days before the status hearing.
The parents and DFPS or the SSCC must agree upon any modification to the visitation plan between the status hearing and a subsequent permanency hearing, unless a court order prohibits modification.
The following persons may supervise visitation:
- A DFPS or an SSCC employee
- A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
- An attorney ad litem or guardian ad litem
- A contractor
- A supportive adult, relative, or fictive kin
To approve a supportive adult, relative, or fictive kin to supervise, DFPS or the SSCC must first perform a DFPS background check and criminal history check. An FBI check must be performed if the supportive adult, relative, or fictive kin meets the criteria in 3212.2 Completing Background Checks.
Any item found on the checks that would prohibit a Parental Child Safety Placement (PCSP) will bar this individual from supervising visitation. Exceptions require program director or regional director approval. See 3212.2 Completing Background Checks.
See:
- Appendix 4525: Offenses from the Texas Penal Code and Other Codes
- Chart 1: Assessing Criminal History Offenses and Convictions for Safety Plan Monitors and PCSPs
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must document the visitation plan on the Visitation Plan in IMPACT, which should be attached to the Family Plan of Service (FPOS).
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must present the current visitation plan for the court’s review at each permanency hearing.
6415.1 Sibling Visitation
CPS September 2026
Placement with Siblings
Whenever possible, DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) places all children removed from a particular home with the same caregiver, unless it is in the best interest of one or more of the children to be placed separately.
When siblings cannot be placed together, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must ensure that they are placed with caregivers who are committed to helping them stay in regular contact unless it is documented or court-ordered that it is not in the best interest of one or more of the children to stay in touch. Contact can be in the form of visits, phone calls, or electronic correspondence, such as texts or social media. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must make ongoing efforts to place siblings together by contacting the placement team.
See 4114.2 Separating Siblings.
Frequency of Visitation
DFPS or the SSCC must provide frequent visitation between siblings. Frequent visitation is defined as visits that occur at least weekly. Efforts to accomplish this may include:
- Utilizing caregivers and relatives for transportation and supervision.
- Providing transportation services such as bus passes.
- Allowing visits at locations outside of DFPS or SSCC offices.
- Allowing overnight visits between siblings at their respective placements.
- Working with other regions and residential provider staff to coordinate transportation.
If DFPS or the SSCC cannot arrange weekly face-to-face visitation, DFPS or the SSCC must promote other forms of contact, such as:
- Phone calls and texts
- Letters
- Social media contact
- Video conferences, Skype, or FaceTime
Exceptions
DFPS or the SSCC must ensure frequent visitation occurs, unless one of the following exceptions apply:
- The court orders otherwise.
- DFPS or the SSCC determined and documented in the Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS) that frequent visitation or ongoing interaction between siblings would not be in the child’s best interest, and the court has not ordered this visitation to occur.
A supervisor must approve any exceptions not ordered by the court.
Documentation
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must document the following issues in the case record:
- Any reasons that siblings are not placed together or in close proximity.
- All efforts to maintain regular sibling contact and relationships, or why this is not occurring.
- Supervisory approval and reason for any exceptions to frequent visitation.
- Continual assessment and efforts to reunite siblings in placement. See 4114.2 Separating Siblings.
If sibling visitation is not allowed, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must document the reasons for the restriction and reevaluate at least every 60 days.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must address all issues as specified in 6250 Permanency Planning Meetings (PPM) in permanency planning meetings and the CPOS.
Differing Permanency Goals for Siblings or Half-Siblings
Siblings or half-siblings who come into care at different times may have different permanency goals than those already in care (such as adoption versus family reunification). All DFPS or SSCC caseworkers involved in case planning must consider what type of sibling contact is possible, given the goals chosen.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must document the efforts to promote and ensure sibling contact in the case record.
Also see 4114.2 Separating Siblings.
6416 Supervising a Child Placed in Texas from Another State
CPS September 2026
When another state places a child in Texas, and that placement is governed by the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC), the other state requests courtesy supervision from DFPS.
If the child is placed with a parent, relative, or fictive kin as a result of a request from the other state’s child welfare agency, the region assigns a courtesy supervision caseworker to supervise the placement while the child is in Texas. See 4523 Notification and Supervision.
If the child is placed with a licensed family through a private child placing agency (CPA), the other state has to contract with a private agency for supervision.
Recording the ICPC Placement in IMPACT
Once the courtesy supervision caseworker is assigned to the placement, he or she must enter the placement in IMPACT within 24 hours, or by 7 p.m. the next business day.
To record the new placement, the courtesy supervision caseworker must:
- Review information on Form 100B, the Placement Status form.
- Open the Placement page in the child’s Substitute Care or Adoption stage.
- Select the resource identification number by choosing the correct resource or person from the directory.
Supervision
To supervise the placement, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker assigned to the case must:
- Visit the child within 30 days of the Texas Interstate Compact Office receiving the Placement Status (100B).
- Visit the child in person at least once a month, unless the other state’s agency requests more frequent supervision, as specified in 6411 Contact With the Child.
- Prepare a supervisory report on the placement at least once per quarter and submit it to the caseworker’s supervisor.
The supervisor reviews the supervisory report and sends it to the regional coordinator to upload into IMPACT. The Texas Interstate Compact Office processes the supervisory report and sends it to the other state’s ICPC office.
6417 The Supervision Services Expected from Another State
CPS September 2026
When Texas places a child in another state, and that placement is governed by the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC), Texas requests that the other state’s agency provide courtesy supervision of the placement. The other state’s agency assigns a courtesy supervision caseworker to supervise the placement while the child is in that state.
Supervisory Reports
The other state’s agency provides monthly face-to-face visits with the child and prepares a supervisory report at least quarterly. The other state’s agency may provide more frequent supervision, if the child’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker has requested it (based on the child’s needs). The Texas DFPS or SSCC caseworker must document the other state’s visits in IMPACT each month.
Ongoing Case Planning
Once the placement is made, the child’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker must obtain the courtesy supervision caseworker’s contact information. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker requests contact information through the regional ICPC coordinator or through the Texas Interstate Compact Office.
After obtaining the courtesy supervision worker’s contact information, the child’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker must:
- Maintain frequent contact with the receiving agency’s assigned courtesy supervision caseworker.
- Continue to perform all case planning activities until the court terminates DFPS’s conservatorship appointment.
See 6200 Case Planning for Positive Permanency.
Contacts
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must make monthly contact with the child and caregiver by phone. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must make monthly contact with the other state’s courtesy supervision caseworker.
Documentation
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must enter the date that the other state’s caseworker made face to face (FTF) contact with the child in IMPACT, as the Conservatorship (CVS) Monthly Required FTF contact.
Extended Supervision
If a child’s case remains open for more than a year, the receiving agency may reduce the frequency of the supervisory reports to once every six months. However, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must continue to see the child once a month, and if necessary, travel to the other state to see the child.
6418 Working with Children Who Are Sexually Aggressive, Have Sexual Behavior Problems, or Are Victims of Sexual Abuse
CPS September 2026
Children who have been identified as having a sexual behavior problem, sexual victimization, or a history of sexual aggression require special attention, care, and supervision. Services and support are offered to the child and the caregiver to ensure the safety and well-being of children who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- The child exhibits or has a history of sexually aggressive behavior. Sexually aggressive behavior is behavior in which a child takes advantage of another person in a sexual way, through seduction, coercion, or force.
- The child engages in sexual activities or exhibits actions that are outside the range of those that are developmentally appropriate (sexual behavior problem).
- The child is a victim of sexual abuse or sexual aggression.
If a child has been identified as having a sexual behavior problem, sexual victimization, or a history of sexual aggression, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must do the following:
- Ensure the information is documented in the child’s IMPACT case record.
- Inform the child’s caregiver about the child’s history.
For policy about providing this information to the caregiver at the time of placement, see 4133 Provide and Discuss the Placement Summary (Form 2279).
For policy about new incidents of sexual aggression or sexual victimization after a child is placed, see the Notifying Caregiver of New Information Involving Child Sexual Aggression or Sexual Victimization below.
Sexual Victimization History
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must determine if a child in DFPS conservatorship has a confirmed history of sexual victimization.
A child is considered to have a confirmed history of sexual victimization if the child is identified as having one or more of the following:
- A Reason To Believe (RTB) Sexual Abuse finding by DFPS, Child Protective Investigations (CPI), or Residential Child Care Investigations (RCCI), even if the perpetrator is unknown with the child as the victim.
- Designation as a confirmed sex trafficking survivor, per the Trafficking page in IMPACT.
- Confirmed by DFPS as a victim of child sexual aggression.
- A person has a criminal conviction for a charge related to sexual abuse of the child.
- Information from another state welfare system – confirmed allegation (equivalent of an RTB).
- Residential Child Care Licensing (RCCL) standards investigations in which victimization is substantiated.
DFPS or the single source continuum contractor (SSCC) identifies an unconfirmed victim of sexual abuse through other information suggesting victimization history, including but not limited to:
- Designation as a suspected human trafficking survivor, per the Trafficking page in IMPACT.
- Information from another state welfare system—unconfirmed (the allegation was neither ruled out nor substantiated).
- RCCL standards investigations in which victimization is alleged or information is gathered, and the allegation was neither ruled out nor substantiated.
- DFPS, CPI, or RCCI investigations in which victimization is alleged or information is gathered, and the allegation was neither ruled out nor substantiated.
- Incidents (not under DFPS jurisdiction) that are being investigated by another entity.
- Incidents (not under DFPS jurisdiction) that are not successfully prosecuted.
If a DFPS or SSCC caseworker is notified that a child is suspected of being a victim of sexual abuse either by an adult or another child, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must do the following:
- Staff the case with his or her supervisor.
- Take any actions necessary to ensure the safety of the child.
If the case involves allegations of victimization as a result of child sexual aggression, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker follows the protocols in the Sexual Incident History Resource Guide.
For additional information on working with children who have experienced sexual abuse, see the Working with Children with a History of Sexual Victimization, Sexual Aggression, or a Sexual Behavioral Problem Resource Guide.
Sexually Aggressive Behavior
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must notify the DFPS program administrator or SSCC equivalent immediately in either of the following situations:
- The DFPS or SSCC caseworker is notified that the child is involved in an intake that alleges sexual aggression.
- The DFPS or SSCC caseworker suspects or is alerted that a child may have exhibited sexually aggressive behavior.
- The DFPS or SSCC caseworker can notify the DFPS program administrator or SSCC equivalent by email with a copy to the supervisor, DFPS program director, and the SSCC equivalent.
If the DFPS program administrator or SSCC equivalent determines that the child exhibited sexually aggressive behavior, the program administrator or SSCC equivalent must document the information in the child’s case record.
Using the Sexual Incident History Resource Guide
DFPS or the SSCC staff providing case management services follow procedures in the Sexual Incident History Resource Guide when working with the following:
- Children who have sexually aggressive behavior.
- Children who have sexual behavior problems.
- Victims of sexual aggression.
The resource guide also contains more information about practices, requirements, and definitions of terms.
Documenting Sexual Behavior Problems, Sexually Aggressive Behavior, and Sexual Victimization History
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must notify the supervisor immediately and request a sexual behavior problem staffing in either of the following situations:
- The DFPS or SSCC caseworker is notified that the child is involved in an intake containing information that a child may have a sexual behavior problem.
- The DFPS or SSCC caseworker suspects or is alerted that a child may have engaged in sexual activities or has exhibited sexual actions that are outside the range of those that are developmentally appropriate.
If a child is identified as having a sexual behavior problem at the conclusion of the sexual behavior problem staffing, that behavior must be indicated in the following places:
- The Sexual Incident History page in IMPACT in the child’s case record
- The Child Sexual History Report, Attachment A
- The child’s application for placement
- The child’s plan of service
To document a sexual behavior problem in IMPACT, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker:
- Answers “yes” to the question, “Was the child determined to have a sexual behavioral problem?” on the Sexual Incident History page.
- Describes the behaviors that supported the sexual behavior problem determination.
- Lists people with whom the child must be closely supervised or have no contact with, as well as any other supervision-related needs related to the child’s sexual incident history. This information pre-fills into the Attachment A and must be provided to the caregiver.
If a child is determined to have sexually aggressive behavior, the incident that led to that determination must be indicated in the following places:
- The Sexual Incident History page in IMPACT in the child’s case record (The DFPS program administrator or SSCC equivalent documents this.)
- The Child Sexual History Report, Attachment A
- The child’s application for placement
- The child’s plan of service
For guidance on documenting sexually aggressive behavior in IMPACT, the DFPS program administrator or SSCC equivalent refers to the Sexual Incident History Resource Guide.
If a child has a confirmed history of sexual victimization, that history must be documented in the following places:
- The child’s Sexual Incident History page in IMPACT
- The Child Sexual History Report, Attachment A
- The child’s application for placement
- The child’s plan of service
To document confirmed sexual victimization in IMPACT, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker:
- Answers “yes” to the question, “Does this child or youth have a confirmed history of sexual victimization?,” on the Sexual Incident History page.
- Selects Add victimization incident.
- Enters the date the incident occurred. If the exact date of the incident is not known, the caseworker approximates the month, day, and year based on known information and marks that date as approximate.
- Indicates if the incident occurred while the child was in DFPS custody.
- Selects the placement where the incident occurred, if the incident occurred when the child was in DFPS custody.
- Selects who best describes the aggressor in the incident and searches for that person (if that person has a person identification number in IMPACT).
- Adds the abuser’s name, age, and relationship to the child in the text box labeled “Identify who was responsible for the abuse, and their age, and their relationship to the child.”
- Adds a description of the incident and any other relevant information to the text box labeled “Describe the abuse and all pertinent information related to the abuse.” The description must not include the abuser’s name. This is to avoid confidentiality concerns as this information populates into the child’s application for placement. If there is an associated CPI or CCI investigation, the caseworker includes the case ID number.
- Lists people with whom the child must be closely supervised or have no contact, as well as any other supervision-related needs related to the child’s sexual incident history. This information pre-fills into the Attachment A and must be provided to the caregiver.
To document unconfirmed sexual victimization in IMPACT, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker:
- Answers “yes” to the question, “Does this child/youth have unconfirmed history of sexual victimization and/or suspected-unconfirmed sex trafficking victimization?” on the Sexual Incident History page.
- Documents any unconfirmed sexual victimization history or concerns under the Additional Relevant Information section. This includes the following:
- Any other relevant information about previous unconfirmed findings that may affect the child.
- Details that are important for ensuring that the child has appropriate services in place to meet the child’s needs. (This information does not appear on Attachment A.)
- Lists people with whom the child must be closely supervised or have no contact, as well as any other supervision-related needs related to the child’s sexual incident history. This information pre-fills into the Attachment A and must be provided to the caregiver.
Notifying Caregiver of New Information Involving Child Sexual Aggression or Sexual Victimization
If at any time during the course of a case the child is determined to have a confirmed history of sexual victimization or designated sexual aggression that has not previously been documented, the Sexual Incident History page in IMPACT must be updated. To notify the caregiver, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker does the following:
- Launches a new Child Sexual History Report, Attachment A.
- Reviews Attachment A with the caregiver.
- Obtains the caregiver’s signature on the Attachment A.
- Uploads signed Attachment A into OneCase.
If the child is placed in a foster home, all foster parents in the home must sign Attachment A.
If the child is placed in a kinship home, all caregivers in the home who have unsupervised access to the child must sign Attachment A.
If the child resides in a general residential operation (GRO), the following people must sign Attachment A:
- Administrator for the operation
- Receiving intake staff, if applicable
- Child’s case manager
The GRO staff are responsible for ensuring that any other caregivers for the child receive the information.
If the child is placed with a parent, all parents in the home must sign Attachment A.
If the child is placed in an unauthorized living arrangement, the adult whose home the child is residing in must sign Attachment A.
If the child is placed in a facility operated or regulated by another state agency, the hospital care coordinator or similar staff (in a hospital setting), or the admission staff or person responsible for the oversite of the child (in a juvenile detention center), must sign Attachment A.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must also do the following:
- Document in a contact that the information was provided to the caregiver.
- Notify other people listed in 6151.3 Notification Requirements and Schedule.
Note: In Community-Based Care (CBC) catchment areas, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker follows the placement process in the relevant CBC operations manual (available on the DFPS Policy Handbooks webpage). The SSCC is contractually responsible for making sure caregivers are aware of a child’s history of sexual aggression, sexual behavior problems, or sexual victimization.
6420 Preparation for Long-Term Care or Support in Adulthood for Youth with Disabilities
6421 Planning for Long-Term Care Needs
CPS September 2026
Assessing the Youth’s Long-Term Care Needs
When a youth in DFPS’s managing conservatorship needs long-term care or support in adulthood as the result of an incapacitating disability, the youth’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker must assess the youth’s needs and preferences to plan for the type of care, services, and supervision the youth will receive upon leaving DFPS conservatorship.
This process begins whenever such a youth enters care, but needs special attention once the youth turns age 16.
The regional developmental disability specialist (DDS) must be included throughout this process if the youth has an intellectual or developmental disability.
Planning for Long-Term Care
When addressing long-term care placement needs, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must review the youth’s case file to determine if:
- There are appropriate family or kinship placement options at this point in the youth’s life.
- There are resources and services available, such as intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) services and supports.
- The family or relatives are interested in learning to care for the aging-out youth.
- The family or relatives are interested in providing ongoing support to the youth.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must consult with the assigned developmental disability specialist for the youth with disabilities who is aging out of DFPS care to review:
- The youth’s potential options.
- Other intellectual or developmental disability resources in the community that can assist with placement or support options.
See 10341.1 Researching Long-Term Care Resources.
Documenting
In each transition plan and service plan developed after the youth’s 16th birthday, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must document the transition plans necessary to provide long-term care or support for the youth in adulthood, and the steps taken to make the transition.
The DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) supervisor must use Form 2557b Transitional Living Services for Youth 14-21 (Checklist) to track the youth’s case.
See the Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) Resource Guide.
6421.1 Researching Long-Term Care Resources
CPS September 2026
Contacting Regional Staff
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must consult with appropriate regional staff who are knowledgeable about placement and service options that would benefit the youth. These include:
- The assigned developmental disability specialist or the state office developmental disability specialist
- The regional placement staff
- Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) guardianship staff
- The regional Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) staff
Extended Foster Care may be an option up until the youth turns age 22. If DFPS or the SSCC chooses this option, DFPS or the SSCC must make arrangements to make payments for Extended Foster Care before the youth’s 18th birthday.
Contacting Other Agencies
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must coordinate with the developmental disabilities specialist to research resources at other appropriate agencies and explore options for placement, services, or information that could benefit the youth. These agencies include:
- Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
- Texas Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
- Texas Education Agency (TEA)
- Texas Department of Housing and Consumer Affairs (TDHCA)
- Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities
In the Preparation for Long-Term Care or Support in Adulthood for Youth with Disabilities Resource Guide.
6421.2 Ensuring Funding and Eligibility for Services
CPS September 2026
DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) pursues Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility, through the Social Security Administration (SSA), for youth before the youth ages out of care at age 18, regardless of the youth’s eligibility for Title IV-E assistance. By establishing SSI disability benefits for youth before their 18th birthday, DFPS or the SSCC ensures that youth will have monthly SSI benefits and Medicaid to support their transition out of foster care.
Supplemental Security Income
When a Youth Turns 17
When a youth turns 17, has a significant disability, and as an adult will require long-term care services or will be appointed a legal guardian, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must notify the SSI coordinator to determine whether the youth receives SSI.
If the youth is not already receiving SSI, the SSI coordinator applies for SSI benefits on behalf of the youth. The coordinator sends the DFPS or SSCC caseworker an SSI application. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker:
- Gathers supporting documentation related to the youth’s medical condition.
- Completes the application.
- Returns the application to the SSI coordinator with all supporting documentation.
The coordinator submits the application and supporting documentation to the Social Security Administration (SSA). When applicable, the SSI coordinator asks the foster care eligibility specialist to change the youth’s Title IV-E eligibility to State-paid assistance, effective the first day of the month in which the coordinator submits the SSI application to SSA.
Once the youth’s SSI eligibility is established with the SSA, no further action is needed by DFPS or the SSCC. SSA will schedule an adult eligibility determination within the two years after the youth’s eighteenth birthday. During that time, the youth continues to receive children’s SSI until an adult determination is made.
Medicaid Long-Term Care Waivers
DFPS or an SSCC must place a youth with disabilities on the appropriate interest list for a Medicaid long-term care waiver when the youth comes into care, or as early as possible. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must contact his or her regional developmental disability specialist for assistance.
6422 Home and Community-Based Services (HCS)
CPS September 2026
Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) is a Medicaid long-term care waiver for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It provides community-based medical and non-medical supports and services over an individual’s lifetime.
Individuals gain access to the HCS waiver program through the HCS interest list, or by being a member of one of the several targeted groups identified by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Children and youth in DFPS conservatorship are one of the identified targeted groups.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must contact the regional developmental disability specialist (DDS) for guidance on determining the child’s eligibility and appropriateness for an HCS waiver.
See the Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) Resource Guide for information on HCS eligibility.
See:
6423 Guardianship
6423.1 Preparing to Request Appointment of a Guardian
CPS September 2026
Need for a Guardian
A youth may need a guardian if the youth has an intellectual or developmental disability or physical disability that will substantially limit the youth’s ability to develop independent living skills. These skills include the ability to:
- Provide food, clothing, and shelter for themselves.
- Care for their physical health.
- Manage their financial affairs.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must discuss the possible need for a guardian in the youth’s:
- Service plans
- Permanency meetings
- Circles of Support
- Transition Planning
- Court reviews
See the Preparation for Long-Term Care or Support in Adulthood for Youth with Disabilities Resource Guide.
Search for a Guardian
The youth’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker must begin searching for a guardian no later than the youth’s 16th birthday or when DFPS receives conservatorship, if the youth is age 16 or older.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must consult with the supervisor and the developmental disability specialist (DDS) to discuss making a referral to the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Office of Guardianship before the youth’s 17th birthday.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must consider family members and friends for guardians before considering a guardianship program such as Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
If a foster parent wants to become the guardian, See the Preparation for Long-Term Care or Support in Adulthood for Youth with Disabilities Resource Guide If it appears that the youth will need a guardian, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must:
- Invite the guardianship supervisor or designated guardianship specialist (GS) to attend the youth’s Transition Plan Meeting or Circles of Support (a meeting to review the youth’s needs and progress using Family Group Decision-Making principles).
- Continue to look for the least restrictive alternatives to guardianship and alternative guardians to a HHSC guardianship.
- Consult with the DDS on the appropriateness of and alternatives to HHSC guardianship.
- Begin gathering information and filling out the guardianship referral form for Aging Out of Care (AOC) Youth in IMPACT, if a referral for a HHSC guardianship continues to appear likely.
- Obtain a certified copy of the legal court order for permanent managing conservatorship (PMC) if, during the year, an HHSC guardianship referral continues to appear likely.
- Request assistance from the DDS to obtain a Determination of Intellectual Disability (DID) or an update, if the youth is diagnosed with an intellectual disability. The goal is to have the DID completed by the time the youth turns age 17. The Probate Code requires that the DID be issued, or an endorsement issued within two years of applying for guardianship of an adult.
6423.2 Criteria for HHSC Guardianship Referral
CPS September 2026
The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Office of Guardianship is the state’s guardianship program.
DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) must refer a youth in DFPS conservatorship, who is 16 years of age or older and aging out of care (AOC), to the HHSC Office of Guardianship for assessment if:
- There is reason to believe that because of a physical or mental condition, the youth will be substantially unable to provide for his or her own food, clothing, or shelter.
- The youth will be unable to provide for his or her own physical health.
- The youth will be unable to manage his or her own financial affairs when the individual becomes an adult.
- There is a source of funding.
- Less restrictive alternatives to guardianship are not appropriate or available.
- No suitable family members or other interested parties are willing or able to serve as guardian.
The DFPS or SSCC supervisor, caseworker, or developmental disability specialist (DDS) may contact the HHSC guardianship supervisor to request information for a youth who is age 16 or older, and for whom a formal referral has not yet been made.
The supervisor must use Form 2557b Transitional Living Services for Youth 14-21 (Checklist) to track the youth’s case.
Human Resources Code §48.209(a)
6423.3 Initiating the HHSC Guardianship Referral
CPS September 2026
When a youth turns age 17, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must consult with the supervisor and the developmental disability specialist (DDS) to determine if Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) guardianship is appropriate. If it is, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must begin the HHSC guardianship referral process.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must contact the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) coordinator to determine whether the youth has active SSI benefits. If the youth does not have active SSI benefits, the SSI coordinator works with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to reinstate or apply for SSI benefits that may require submission of an application for SSI benefits to SSA. The SSI coordinator notifies the caseworker and the DDS of the status of the benefits or if an application was submitted.
See 10341.2 Ensuring Funding and Eligibility for Services.
Once the youth’s SSI benefits are confirmed, the DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) supervisor must launch the aging-out (AOC) stage in IMPACT and assign the stage to the DDS as the primary worker and the DFPS or SSCC caseworker as the secondary worker.
The DFPS or SSCC conservatorship caseworker must:
- Complete the Guardianship Referral Form for Aging Out of Care (AOC) youth in IMPACT.
- Electronically save and submit the form to the DDS.
- Gather the required supporting documentation required for the referral, which includes:
- A certified copy of the affidavit for the DFPS removal.
- A certified copy of the permanent managing conservatorship order or decree to terminate the parent-child relationship.
- A certified copy of the most recent court order.
- A certified copy of the most recent affidavit.
- The most recent psychological evaluation.
- A copy of the Determination of Intellectual Disability (DID) or endorsement. The DID or an update must have been issued within two years of the guardianship hearing.
- Medical records, if available.
- A copy of the youth’s birth certificate.
- A copy of the youth’s Social Security card.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must send the required supporting documentation to the supervisor. The supervisor must verify all of the documents and send them to the DDS for review and processing.
The DDS must:
- Ensure the packet of supporting documentation is complete.
- Review the referral form to verify all relevant information is included.
- Approve the guardianship referral form in IMPACT to send it electronically to the Guardianship Online Database (GOLD). (In the Preparation for Long-Term Care or Support in Adulthood for Youth with Disabilities ,see Helpful Hints for Submitting the Guardianship Referral Form and Guardianship Referral IMPACT Guide).
- Send an email with all supporting documents to the HHSC Guardianship Services supervisor and copy the DDS in state office.
- Document each event that takes place during the referral process, as it occurs, in the Guardianship Referral section of the Guardianship Detail page in the AOC stage in IMPACT.
HHSC will not begin the guardianship assessment process until all items are received.
GOLD automatically generates an email to the assigned DDS, DFPS or SSCC caseworker, and DDS in state office, indicating that HHSC received the guardianship referral. This becomes the official date the guardianship referral was sent to HHSC.
The HHSC guardianship supervisor reviews the referral and notifies DFPS, via GOLD, that HHSC did one of the following:
- Accepted the referral.
- Declined the referral and the reason why (for example, required information or documents are missing from the referral).
If HHSC declines the referral, the DDS must:
- Contact the HHSC guardianship supervisor to obtain details.
- Direct the caseworker to obtain the missing information.
- Submit the missing information to the HHSC guardianship supervisor within 10 calendar days from the date of notification from HHSC. If the documents are not provided within 10 calendar days, the HHSC supervisor may close the referral, requiring DFPS to complete and send a new referral to begin the process again.
6423.4 Guardianship Assessment
CPS September 2026
The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) guardianship specialist (GS) advises the DFPS or SSCC caseworker and developmental disability specialist (DDS) by email of the date their incapacity assessment begins.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must:
- Obtain the additional documentation, such as required assessments, and the SSI award letter relevant to the youth’s current eligibility, as he or she becomes available, and forward the documents to the HHSC GS.
- Invite the HHSC GS to the youth’s:
- Special education admission.
- Review.
- Dismissal (ARD) meetings.
- Permanency planning meetings, Circles of Support, or Transition Planning Meeting.
The HHSC GS completes the assessment and prepares the decision.
6423.5 HHSC Decision, Notification and DFPS Response
CPS September 2026
The developmental disability specialist (DDS) and DFPS or SSCC caseworker receive the HHSC Final Notification of Assessment (FNOA) decision by email.
The assigned DDS must document the date and results of the decision on the Guardianship Detail page in IMPACT.
6423.51 HHSC Agrees to Become Guardian
CPS September 2026
If the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) agrees to become the youth’s guardian, HHSC makes arrangements to file a petition for guardianship in probate court when the youth turns age 17 years and 6 months. (Policies outlined in 10343.6 HHSC Appointed as Guardian apply.)
DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) staff may testify at the guardianship hearing if requested by the HHSC guardianship specialist or HHSC attorney. No subpoena is required for the primary caseworker to appear at this hearing.
6423.52 HHSC Denies Request for HHSC Guardianship
CPS September 2026
If Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) determines that the youth is not appropriate for HHSC guardianship, the Notification of Assessment Finding includes alternate recommendations that DFPS may pursue.
The assigned developmental disability specialist (DDS), DFPS or SSCC caseworker, and the supervisor must review the notification and determine if they agree with HHSC’s decision, and if the less restrictive alternatives HHSC identified could meet the youth’s primary needs and should be pursued.
If they disagree with the Notification of Assessment Finding and still believe that the youth requires HHSC guardianship, the DFPS or SSCC supervisor must request a joint staffing to review HHSC Guardianship Services’ decision.
Joint Staffing
The joint staffing must be conducted according to the Joint Staffing Process developed by DFPS and HHSC.
The DFPS or SSCC supervisor must coordinate with the HHSC guardianship supervisor to schedule a joint staffing to review alternatives. The staffing must be held within five business days after DFPS or the SSCC receives the Notification of Assessment from HHSC or as agreed to by the supervisors.
The staffing must include the following:
- HHSC guardianship supervisor
- HHSC guardianship services specialist
- DFPS or SSCC supervisor
- PDFPS or SSCC caseworker
- Assigned CPS developmental disability specialist (DDS)
If possible, all participants should be physically present at the meeting. If not possible, participants may participate by conference call.
See the Preparation for Long-Term Care and Support in Adulthood for Youth with Disabilities Resource Guide for more information.
The assigned DDS must document the date and results of the joint staffing on the Guardianship Detail page in the Aging Out of Care (AOC) stage in IMPACT.
When HHSC Guardianship Services and DFPS Do Not Agree on Alternatives
If DFPS or SSCC staff and HHSC do not reach an agreement about the referral decision, the supervisor or DDS must forward the following to the designated DFPS program administrator or SSCC equivalent:
- HHSC guardianship referral documentation
- Assessment notification
- Joint staffing notes outlining the discussion and point of disagreement
The DFPS program administrator or SSCC equivalent must:
- Conduct an independent review of the information contained within the referral and the assessment before contacting the HHSC guardianship services regional operations manager (ROM).
- Email the HHSC guardianship services ROM and request to appeal the guardianship decision.
- Within seven calendar days, discuss relevant issues with the HHSC guardianship services ROM during a conference call and try to reach an agreement on the pending referral and the youth’s needs.
The HHSC guardianship services ROM notifies the DFPS program administrator or SSCC equivalent in writing, within five calendar days, after the conference call, if HHSC will seek guardianship.
6423.6 HHSC Appointed as Guardian
CPS September 2026
If the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) accepts the referral for guardianship, HHSC notifies the DFPS or SSCC caseworker, the supervisor, and developmental disability specialist by email.
If the probate court appoints HHSC as guardian of a young adult, on or after the young adult’s 18th birthday, and the young adult will continue to reside in the DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) foster care placement, a representative from HHSC signs the DFPS-HHSC Guardianship Extended Foster Home Placement Agreement Form 2545 in the designated signature line, on behalf of the young adult. The representative signs this form instead of the Voluntary Extended Foster Care Agreement (VEFCA).
Under certain circumstances, DFPS, SSCC staff, or the foster parents may continue to be involved in the youth’s care.
See:
- 10343.61 Youth Leaves DFPS Foster Care
- 10343.62 DFPS Foster Care Placement after HHSC Appointed as Guardian
- Preparation for Long Term Care and Support in Adulthood for Youth with Disabilities Resource Guide (Foster Parent Wishes to be Guardian)
6423.61 Youth Leaves DFPS Foster Care
CPS September 2026
If the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is appointed guardian of a young adult, aged 18 or older, and the young adult chooses to leave DFPS conservatorship and foster care, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker can close the substitute care (SUB) stage in IMPACT.
6423.62 DFPS Foster Care Placement after HHSC Appointed as Guardian
CPS September 2026
DFPS or a single source continuum contractor (SSCC) may continue to provide a foster care placement for a young adult age 18 or older, even when the young adult is receiving the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) guardianship services.
See the Preparation for Long Term Care and Support in Adulthood for Youth with Disabilities Resource Guide.
Since there will generally be a short delay, after the young adult turns age 18, before the probate court can appoint HHSC as the guardian, DFPS or the SSCC must make arrangements for Extended Foster Care eligibility in preparation for the young adult turning age 18. See 10400 Extended Foster Care for Young Adults.
6430 Rights of Children and Youth in Foster Care
CPS September 2026
DFPS or the single source continuum contractor (SSCC) must provide the CPS “Rights of Children and Youth in Foster Care” to all children and youth in foster care.
Social Security Act, Section 475A(b) (42 U.S.C. §675a(b))
DFPS or the SSCC must review the “Rights of Children and Youth in Foster Care” with the child and the caregiver in the following situations:
- When the Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS) is developed or reviewed.
- No later than 72 hours from the date when:
- The child comes into foster care.
- A placement change is made into a DFPS FAD foster home.
See:
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must review the CPS “Rights of Children and Youth in Foster Care” with the child. If a courtesy worker or local permanency specialist provides the document to the child, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must verbally review the rights with the child during the DFPS or SSCC caseworker’s next monthly contact with the child.
The CPOS contains a copy of the CPS “Rights of Children and Youth in Foster Care” when it is printed from IMPACT. When the review of the CPS “Rights of Children and Youth in Foster Care” is not related to the CPOS, DFPS or the SSCC may use Form 2530 CPS Rights of Children and Youth in Foster Care. DFPS or the SSCC must include a copy of the signed document with every CPOS.
DFPS or the SSCC must review the CPS “Rights of Children and Youth in Foster Care” with the child in the following manner:
- At a language level that the child or youth can understand.
- In a developmentally appropriate way.
- In the child’s or youth’s primary language whenever possible.
Upon completing the review, the child or youth, caregiver, and DFPS or the SSCC must sign Form 2530 on the appropriate signature lines. If the child is too young or otherwise not able to sign the document, DFPS or the SSCC must note this on the child’s signature line.
If the document is reviewed when the child comes into foster care or at a placement change, DFPS or the SSCC must provide a copy of the signed document to the child and caregiver.
The signed Form 2530 CPS Rights of Children and Youth in Foster Care must be uploaded into the Foster Care Bill of Rights tab in OneCase/neuDocs.
The dates of the initial and all subsequent reviews must be entered on the Child Placement Information page in the child’s SUB stage in IMPACT.
6431 Texas Foster Care Handbook
CPS September 2026
DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) staff must provide a copy of the Texas Foster Care Handbook for Children, Youth, & Young Adults (Texas Foster Care Handbook) to children who are aged 10 and older when they enter DFPS conservatorship, or to children who turn age 10 while they are in conservatorship. DFPS staff must document in a Contact that the child received the Texas Foster Care Handbook.
Additionally, Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) staff must review the Texas Foster Care Handbook with youth who are 15 years old. See 10240 Review of the Texas Foster Care Handbook.
6432 Discipline
CPS September 2026
Children must be treated with dignity and respect at all times. The primary purpose of discipline must be to encourage safe and appropriate behavior, not to punish the child.
Discipline must suit the particular child’s needs and circumstances and must take into account the child’s:
- Age
- Developmental level
- Specific misbehavior
- Previous reaction to discipline
- History (including any history of physical or emotional abuse)
No child in DFPS’s managing conservatorship may be deprived of basic necessities or subjected to cruel, harsh, unusual, or unnecessary punishment.
DFPS and the SSCC require foster caregivers, kinship caregivers, and pre-consummated adoptive parents to comply with:
- Discipline requirements in DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1331.
- Applicable Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, including those in and HHS Rules, 26 TAC §749.1957.
- Requirements described in Form 2279 Placement Summary.
See Appendix 6000-2: DFPS Discipline Policy.
6432.1 Corporal Punishment is Not Permitted
CPS September 2026
Corporal punishment is defined as the infliction of physical pain on any part of a child’s body as means of controlling or managing the child’s behavior. It includes:
- Hitting or spanking a child with a hand or instrument.
- Forcing or requiring the child to do any of the following as a method of managing or controlling behavior:
- Performing any form of physical exercise, such as running laps or doing sit-ups or push-ups.
- Holding a physical position, such as kneeling or squatting.
- Doing any form of “unproductive work,” defined as work that serves no purpose except to demean the child. Examples include moving rocks or logs from one pile to another, or digging a hole and then filling it in.
6432.2 Addressing Behavior Management and Discipline Issues
CPS September 2026
The child’s caregiver is expected to follow the discipline policies described in Form 2279 Placement Summary and in HHS Rules, 26 TAC §749.1953 through §749.1961.
If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker discovers any instances of apparent noncompliance with the policies, he or she must discuss the noncompliance with the caregiver and report the noncompliance to the foster and adoption home development or kinship development caseworker.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must immediately discuss any instance of noncompliance with the supervisor. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker and supervisor must determine DFPS’s or the single source continuum contractor’s (SSCC‘s) response to the violation and assess the individual family circumstances by:
- The seriousness of the incident
- The threat to child safety
- Child vulnerability
- Caregiver protective capacity
While child safety is paramount, DFPS’s or the SSCC‘s response should be the least intrusive to control safety. Responses may range from developing a safety plan with the caregiver to making a placement change.
6433 Respect for Religious Practices
CPS September 2026
When a child or youth comes into substitute care, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must accommodate the child and family’s wishes, with respect to religious practices, to the greatest extent possible.
For additional guidelines and information, see the Services to Children in Substitute Care Resource Guide.
6440 Initial Assessment Services
CPS September 2026
The table below shows the initial assessment services that DFPS or the SSCC must provide during the first 60 days a child is in care.
| Required Time Frame after DFPS Removes the Child |
Required Assessment or Service |
Details |
Links for More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
Within two business days |
Consultation with supervisor and referral to Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) |
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker does this only if all of the following apply: The child is age three or younger. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker suspects the child has a disability or developmental delay. The child’s condition requires intervention before the child’s initial Texas Health Steps medical checkup. |
|
Within three business days |
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker does this only if one of the following apply: Removed as the result of physical abuse. Removed as the result of sexual abuse. Has an obvious physical injury. Has a chronic medical condition. Has a medically complex condition. Has a diagnosed mental illness. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker should attempt to contact the child’s established primary care physician. |
||
Within 30 days |
Initial Texas Health Steps medical checkup |
Includes:
|
|
Within 30 days |
Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment |
The CANS assessment is completed for children and youth (ages 3–17) in DFPS conservatorship and young adults (ages 18–22) in extended foster care. |
|
Within 60 days (but scheduled within 30 days) |
Initial dental exam (Texas Health Steps dental checkup) |
This is required only if the child is age six months or older. If required, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker makes an appointment within 30 days. |
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker assesses the child’s needs to determine the appropriate service level, or if under the Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) System, the appropriate service package for placement purposes. See 4410 Service Level Determinations and Reauthorizations, or see 4310 Recommendation and Selection of a Service Package.
6441 Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Assessment
CPS September 2026
The CANS assessment is completed for children and youth (ages 3–17) in DFPS conservatorship and young adults (ages 18–22) in extended foster care. To determine the relevant policy for a child, youth or young adult, refer to the table below.
| If... |
Then... |
|---|---|
The child, youth, or young adult will receive or is currently receiving services under a T3C Service Package |
|
The child, youth, or young adult will not receive or is not receiving services under a T3C Service Package |
Follow policy 6431.2 CANS Assessments with Children, Youth, or Young Adults Who Are Not Receiving Services under a T3C Service Package. |
For more information about T3C Service Packages, see 4300 Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) System and the Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) System and Placement Resource Guide.
6441.1 CANS Assessments with Children, Youth, and Young Adults Who Are Receiving Services under a T3C Service Package
CPS September 2026
The CANS 3.0 Assessment will be conducted at different stages of a child, youth or young adult’s case and will help inform which Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) Service Package is recommended to meet the child, youth, or young adult’s individual needs. Children and youth, ages 3–17, in DFPS conservatorship, and young adults, ages 18–22, in extended foster care who are receiving T3C services, will receive a CANS 3.0 Assessment, at the following time:
- Within 30 days of removal.
- Within 30 days after the child’s third birthday, if the child turns three years old while in DFPS conservatorship.
- Every 90 days, if the child, youth, or young adult is receiving therapeutic services, unless placed in the following:
- Unverified kinship home
- Child’s own home
- T3C Basic Foster Family Home Support
- Short-Term Assessment Support
- Tier I: T3C Basic Child Care Operation
- Tier I: Emergency Emotional Support and Assessment Center Services
- At least annually.
- Upon special request from the child’s caseworker when:
- A placement change is needed, and the existing CANS Recommended Service Package no longer accurately reflects the child’s needs.
- A CANS 3.0 Assessment (CANS assessment) is court-ordered.
- The child’s needs or situation has changed significantly.
For children ages 3–5 years old who are receiving Short Term Assessment Support Services or Tier I: Emergency Emotional Support and Assessment Center Services, a CANS assessment will be administered within 21 days after entering the placement.
If a child or youth had a CANS assessment within the last 90 days and needs have not changed, then a new CANS assessment is not needed.
6441.11 When to Request a CANS Assessment
CPS September 2026
For children and youth ages 3–17 new to DFPS conservatorship, the DFPS removing worker must submit the Affidavit of Removal, the day after the removal, to the appropriate Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment (CANS).
For special requests, the DFPS or SSCC conservatorship caseworker must submit Form 2144 Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Request to the appropriate CANS Request mailbox on the day it is determined a child, youth, or young adult needs one of the following:
- A new placement or a court-ordered CANS 3.0 Assessment.
- New needs because the child, youth, or young adult’s situation has significantly changed.
For children turning three years old in conservatorship, and for 90-day and annual CANS assessments, CANS assessors track upcoming deadlines and schedule and coordinate the CANS assessment with the child, youth, or young adult, and the caregiver. CANS assessors notify the caseworker once the CANS assessment is completed.
6441.12 Viewing the CANS Report
CPS September 2026
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker accesses and reviews the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) report by one of the following:
- Going to the Assessment tab in Health Passport.
- Going to neuDocs (formerly known as OneCase) in IMPACT.
If the CANS report is not located in Health Passport or neuDocs (OneCase), or the Recommended Service Package is not in IMPACT, then the following steps occur:
- The DFPS or SSCC caseworker emails the CANS Request Mailbox to inquire whether the assessor completed the CANS assessment in e-CANS and added the Recommended Service Package in IMPACT, then does as follows:
- If the assessor confirms the CANS assessment was completed in e-CANS and updated the Recommended Service Package in IMPACT, the CANS assessor emails the State Office CANS mailbox requesting research of the issue. Further instructions will be provided from the State Office CANS team within two business days of receiving the email.
- If the assessor cannot confirm the CANS assessment was completed, the assessor must enter the CANS assessment results into e-CANS and update the Recommended Service Package in IMPACT.
- The DFPS or SSCC caseworker reviews the Recommended Service Package in IMPACT to complete the Child Plan of Service (CPOS) and placement recommendation.
- The DFPS or SSCC caseworker takes a printed or electronic copy of the CANS report to any permanency planning meetings
6441.13 Use of the CANS Assessment to Inform T3C Service Packages
CPS September 2026
Once the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment is completed, the CANS assessor discusses the results of the assessment, including the recommended service package, with the DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) caseworker.
In conjunction with information in the Application for Placement, the DFPS or SSCC placement staff uses the information obtained through the CANS assessment and other supporting documentation to inform their placement search.
While the Application for Placement and the CANS assessment helps with the identification for appropriate services, the individual child’s needs and best interest, based on the knowledge and professional judgement of the SSCC or DFPS caseworker, will be used to identify the Selected Service Package and placement type.
6441.14 CANS for Children Ages Zero through Two (0–2) Years Old
CPS September 2026
Children aged zero through two (0–2) under Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) will not routinely have a CANS 3.0 Assessment. However, to determine the payment ceiling for adoption assistance or permanency care assistance (PCA) for a child aged zero through two (0–2), a CANS Assessment must be completed within 90 days prior to the adoption assistance or PCA negotiation only for children who are served by a Recommended Service Package other than T3C Basic Foster Family Home Support Service Package or Tier I: Basic Child Care Operation, or is part of a sibling group that meets the requirements of the policy under Determining Whether a Child Has Special Needs.
To request a CANS for a child aged zero through two (0–2) years old who meet the requirement for this policy, the caseworker must submit Form 2144 Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Request to the appropriate CANS Request mailbox. A DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) CANS assessor will complete the CANS Assessment within 30 days from the date of the request; however completion time frames may be adjusted as needed.
6441.2 CANS Assessments with Children, Youth, or Young Adults Who Are Not Receiving Services under a T3C Service Package
CPS September 2026
A Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) 3.0 Assessment will be conducted with children and youth, ages 3–17, in DFPS conservatorship who are not receiving services under a Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) Service Package:
- Within 30 days of removal.
- At least annually.
Young adults, ages 18–22, who are in extended foster care and are not receiving T3C services, will not receive a CANS assessment.
DFPS or the single source continuum contractor (SSCC) uses the information from the CANS assessment to develop the Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS). See 6241 The Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS).
See the 3 in 30 Resource Guide for information about identifying the following:
- CANS assessors— State of Texas Access Reform (STAR) Health clinicians who are certified to complete the CANS.
- Factors that cause a child not to be eligible for STAR Health coverage.
If a child is not eligible for STAR Health, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker emails the CANS mailbox within seven days of when DFPS removes the child.
When a Child Who is Not Receiving Services under a T3C Service Package and Turns Three after Entering Conservatorship
A child who turns three after entering DFPS conservatorship must receive a Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment within 30 days of the child’s third birthday.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker coordinates with the child’s caregiver to schedule and obtain the CANS assessment.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker makes sure the most recent Family Strengths and Needs Assessment (FSNA) is available in the child’s Health Passport.
6441.21 Timeline for CANS Assessments
CPS September 2026
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker needs to have information from the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment to use in service planning. To make sure this information is available, DFPS or single source continuum contractor (SSCC) staff members complete the following tasks according to the time frames stated below. These time frames refer to the amount of time after DFPS removes the child.
Within 24 Hours
The DFPS caseworker who removes the child enters the placement information in IMPACT within 24 hours of the removal, but no later than 7 p.m. the next calendar day.
This entry of placement information causes IMPACT to automatically notify State of Texas Access Reform (STAR) Health that a new member was enrolled. After STAR Health receives the notification, the STAR Health Member Services staff tries to contact the medical consenter to get consent for a general health screening. This includes an offer to schedule a CANS assessment.
Within 48 Hours
A DFPS or SSCC conservatorship supervisor assigns a caseworker as primary or secondary caseworker on both of the following stages in IMPACT:
- Family Substitute Care (FSU)
- Substitute Care (SUB)
Within 14 Days
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker does the following:
- Contacts the caregiver to confirm that the caregiver has scheduled the CANS assessment. If an appointment was not scheduled, the caseworker helps schedule one by contacting STAR Health for help finding a CANS-certified clinician.
- Documents the contact in IMPACT.
30–35 Days after DFPS Removes the Child
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker views the CANS report by following the directions under the subheadings below.
Step One: Look for the CANS Report
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker goes to the Assessments tab in Health Passport to view the CANS report.
Step Two: Find the CANS Report If It Is Missing
If the CANS report is not present in Health Passport, the following steps occur:
- The DFPS or SSCC caseworker verifies with the caregiver that a CANS assessment was completed, then does as follows:
- If the caregiver states that a CANS assessment was completed, the primary caseworker does step 2 of this list.
- If the assessment was not completed, the primary caseworker helps schedule a CANS appointment.
- The DFPS or SSCC caseworker contacts the STAR Health clinician to make sure that the clinician completed the CANS assessment in e-CANS, then does as follows:
- If the clinician states that the clinician completed the CANS assessment in e-CANS, the primary caseworker does step 3 of this list.
- If the clinician states that the assessment was not completed, then the primary caseworker asks the clinician to enter the CANS results into e-CANS.
- The DFPS or SSCC caseworker emails the CANS mailbox with the following information:
- Child’s name
- Child’s person identification number (PID)
- A brief description of the issue
- A CANS subject matter expert (SME) researches the issue and gives the caseworker further instructions within two business days of receiving the email.
Step Three: Use the CANS Report
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker reviews the CANS report in order to complete service planning for the child or youth, which includes considering:
- If the results of the CANS assessment indicate that the child’s or youth’s needs changed.
- If the child’s or youth’s needs, as indicated by the results of the CANS, are being met by the current caregiver.
- If services for the child or youth need to be altered based on the results of the CANS.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker takes a printed or electronic copy of the CANS report to any permanency planning meeting.
See 6241 The Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS) and 6250 Permanency Planning Meetings (PPM) and their subitems.
Exception: Community-Based Care (CBC)
The timelines for the CANS assessments may be different from those listed above if DFPS places the child in a Community-Based Care (CBC) catchment area under a single source continuum contractor (SSCC). In addition to the policy above, SSCCs must ensure children and youth, ages 3–17, in DFPS conservatorship, receive a CANS assessment every 90 days when the child or youth is receiving therapeutic services.
See the catchment area’s CBC operations manual (available on the DFPS Policy Handbooks web page) for timelines for the CANS assessment, if the child has this type of placement.
6441.22 Placement Changes within the First 30 Days
CPS September 2026
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker coordinates with State of Texas Access Reform (STAR) Health and the caregiver to obtain the status of the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment if both of the following apply:
- The child’s placement changes within the first 30 days after DFPS removes the child.
- The child remains in DFPS conservatorship.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker takes the following steps:
- Determines whether someone scheduled an appointment by asking the caregiver in the previous placement for the time, date, and location of any scheduled CANS appointment.
- Does one of the following, as appropriate:
- If the child’s new placement is within 30 miles of the provider with whom the appointment was already made (or if the new placement is farther but the child can still get to the appointment), the DFPS or SSCC caseworker makes sure that the existing appointment is kept by telling the new caregiver of this appointment.
- If the child’s new placement is more than 30 miles from the provider with whom the appointment was already made, and the appointment cannot be kept, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker does the following:
- Helps the new caregiver reschedule the appointment immediately (no later than two business days after the placement change).
- Cancels the original appointment by contacting the clinician who was originally scheduled to complete the CANS assessment.
- Schedules an appointment if no appointment was scheduled yet.
6441.23 Annual Updates to the CANS
CPS September 2026
All children and youth, aged 3–17, who are not receiving services under a Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) Service Package must receive an annual update to their Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessments.
The deadline for this annual update is 30 days after the anniversary of the most recent CANS. State of Texas Access Reform (STAR) Health Member Services mails a reminder letter to the child’s or youth’s medical consenter when the annual update is due. The medical consenter can call STAR Health Member Services for help with the following:
- Scheduling an annual CANS appointment.
- Finding a CANS-certified STAR Health clinician.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker takes the following steps to complete the annual CANS assessment:
- Coordinates with the child’s caregiver to schedule the annual CANS assessment with the child’s current clinician, if the clinician is CANS certified. If the current clinician is not CANS certified, another clinician conducts the assessment.
- Views the CANS report in Health Passport when it is complete.
- Updates the Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS) with the information and recommendations from the new CANS. See 6241 The Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS).
6441.3 Use of the CANS Assessment for Service Planning
CPS September 2026
The Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) report in the Health Passport contains the following information:
- Raw scores
- Three narrative fields as follows:
- Clinical Impression
- Priorities for Planning
- Service Recommendations
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker considers each of these parts when developing the Child Plan of Service (CPOS) for the child or youth, which includes:
- If the results of the CANS assessment indicate that the child’s or youth’s needs changed.
- If the child’s or youth’s needs, as indicated by the results of the CANS, are being met by their current caregiver.
- If services for the child or youth need to be altered based on the results of the CANS.
Raw Scores
The table below describes the possible raw scores in the CANS report and what they mean.
| Raw Score |
Meaning |
|---|---|
0 or 1 (Strengths Score) |
This score identifies one of the child’s or youth’s main strengths. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker considers this, including this in the CPOS to build strengths. |
2 or 3 (Needs Score) |
This score shows a need for action. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker considers including this in the CPOS. |
Narrative Fields
The CANS report also includes three narrative fields. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker focuses on these when developing the CPOS.
See the 3 in 30 Resource Guide for a detailed explanation of these fields.
More Information in Resource Guide
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker may email the CANS mailbox for more support in using the CANS assessment to develop or review the CPOS.
See the 3 in 30 Resource Guide.
See also 6241 The Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS).
6441.4 The STAR Health Service Plan
CPS September 2026
All children enrolled in State of Texas Access Reform (STAR) Health will qualify for Service Coordination. This is a benefit for children and will assist with identifying all available physical and behavioral health services. STAR Health will initiate a Welcome Call to the medical consenter and develop a health screening to determine the child’s level of care based on their level of need. The caregiver or DFPS or SSCC caseworker must accept these benefits.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker documents in the case narrative in IMPACT if a caregiver refuses to participate in service coordination.
STAR Health will complete an Individualized Health Care Service Plan (ISP) within 45 days for each child, once assigned a service coordinator. This plan incorporates the recommendations in the CANS report. The completed ISP is available to view and print in the Assessments tab of the Health Passport. See 11240 Using the Health Passport.
A caregiver or DFPS or SSCC caseworker may receive a call from STAR Health to arrange a service recommended in the CANS. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker follows up anytime STAR Health calls to make sure the child receives all appropriate recommended services.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker can request that a child receive a higher level of service coordination if more assistance regarding services is required by the caseworker or caregiver, or the most recent assessment did not include newly identified needs of the child.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker may call STAR Health at 1-866-912-6283 at any time to make this request.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker may email the CANS subject matter experts (SMEs) at the CANS mailbox for more support.
6442 Assess for Developmental or Intellectual Disability
CPS September 2026
DFPS or the single source continuum contractor (SSCC) must assess whether a child who comes into care has an intellectual or developmental disability as soon as possible.
Texas Family Code §264.1075(b)
For the initial placement, the caseworker must provide any relevant information in Form 6589 Post-Removal Staffing.
If a child is already under DFPS conservatorship, an assessment can be arranged at any time, based on regional protocols. An assessment may be arranged when:
- The child is moving to a subsequent placement.
- A caregiver suspects a developmental delay.
- The developmental disability specialist decides additional referrals are necessary.
- The child’s treating physician notes a possible disability.
If the child is assessed as possibly having an intellectual or developmental disability, see 6432.1 Medicaid Long-Term Care Interest Lists and Determination of Intellectual Disability.
6442.1 Medicaid Long-Term Care Interest Lists and Determination of Intellectual Disability
CPS September 2026
If an assessment indicates that a child under the conservatorship of DFPS might have an intellectual or developmental disability, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must contact the regional developmental disability specialist (DDS).
The DDS assists the DFPS or SSCC caseworker to:
- Add a child to the long-term care interest list.
- Refer the child for a determination of intellectual disability (DID) with the Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA) in the region where the child is currently placed.
Texas Family Code §264.1075(c)
See the Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) Resource Guide.
Time Frame for Referrals
If the child is under the conservatorship of DFPS, the conservatorship DFPS or SSCC caseworker must refer the child for the DID before the child’s 16th birthday.
If the child is placed in DFPS managing conservatorship after his or her 16th birthday, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must refer the child for the DID no later than 90 days after the child’s initial assessment.
6450 Additional Services
6451 When a Youth in Substitute Care is Pregnant or Parenting
CPS September 2026
If a youth in conservatorship is pregnant or parenting (including a male youth who is parenting), the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must make sure the youth is referred to one of the following:
- HHS Family Support Services, using Form 3105 Service Referral for Youth Parents and Pregnant Youth in DFPS Conservatorship.
- Other community services that make sure the youth parent receives developmentally appropriate information and support in providing a safe environment for the youth’s child, including instruction on all the following topics:
- Safe sleeping arrangements.
- Suggestions for childproofing potentially dangerous settings in a home.
- Child development and methods to cope with challenging behaviors.
- Selection of appropriate people to help the youth parent care for the child.
- A child’s early brain development, including the importance of meeting an infant’s developmental needs by providing positive experiences and avoiding adverse experiences.
- The importance of paternal involvement in a child’s life and methods for co-parenting.
- The benefits of reading, singing, and talking to young children.
- The importance of prenatal and postpartum care for both the mother and child, including the impact of and signs of perinatal mood disorders.
- Infant nutrition and the importance of breastfeeding.
- Healthy relationships and family planning, including the prevention of intimate partner violence and counseling about the prevention of unplanned subsequent pregnancies.
Title IV-E Prevention Program | The Administration for Children and Families
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must also make sure a youth is referred to a STAR Health service management program, such as the STAR Health Start Smart for Your Baby program, if the youth is eligible for STAR Health Medicaid. STAR Health can be contacted at 1-866-912-6283 for enrollment in service management.
See the Youth Who Are Pregnant or Parenting in DFPS Conservatorship Resource Guide for procedures on referring pregnant and parenting youth to services.
See also Procedures for IMPACT Data Entry Associated with Youth Parents in DFPS Conservatorship.
6451.1 When a Youth in Substitute Care is Pregnant
CPS September 2026
See 11731 If a Youth Is Pregnant.
6451.2 When a Youth in Substitute Care Is Parenting
CPS September 2026
The safety of the youth and the youth’s child is always of the highest importance, and DFPS or the SSCC assesses and documents safety at every visit with the youth. DFPS or the SSCC also addresses safe sleep.
The following subsections apply when a youth in DFPS’s managing conservatorship has a child while in care or enters care with a child.
6451.21 When DFPS Has Conservatorship of the Youth's Child
CPS September 2026
When DFPS has conservatorship of both the youth parent and the youth’s child, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker follows the policies related to children in conservatorship. Regardless of whether the child and youth parent are in the same placement, their cases are handled individually. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker does as follows:
- Completes plans of service according to the Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS) and the Family Plan of Service (FPOS).
- Enters in IMPACT a medical consenter and backup medical consenter. The youth parent and the child may have the same or different medical consenters.
- Contacts the regional foster care eligibility specialist to verify whether the youth’s child is eligible for STAR Health.
See Procedures for IMPACT Data Entry Associated with Youth Parents in DFPS Conservatorship.
6451.22 When DFPS Does Not Have Conservatorship of the Youth's Child
CPS September 2026
When DFPS does not have conservatorship of the youth’s child, the child may be placed in the same placement as the youth parent. This placement can be either paid or unpaid by DFPS.
The youth’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker enters medical consenters as stated in 11152 Youth Who Are Parents in DFPS Conservatorship or Extended Foster Care.
If DFPS does not have conservatorship of the youth’s child, a Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS) is not needed for the child. The caseworker addresses the following in the youth’s CPOS:
- The youth’s parenting issues, including any past concerns of abuse or neglect by the youth parent.
- Any needs of the youth’s child.
- During monthly visits, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker does as follows:
- Attempts to meet with the youth when the youth’s child is present to make sure the child’s needs are being met.
- Discusses the youth’s and child’s needs with the caregiver.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker documents the following in the youth’s monthly contact:
- If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker was able to see the youth’s child.
- Observations of the child’s well-being.
- Any needs of the child.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker immediately staffs with his or her supervisor when there is a safety concern or concern that the child’s needs are not being met.
Youth’s Child Is in a Placement Paid for by DFPS or SSCC
When DFPS or the SSCC is paying for the placement of a child who is not in DFPS conservatorship, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker contacts the DFPS regional foster care eligibility specialist to verify whether the child is eligible for STAR Health, newborn, or traditional Medicaid.
See Procedures for IMPACT Data Entry Associated with Youth Parents in DFPS Conservatorship.
Youth’s Child Is in a Non-DFPS-Paid Placement
When DFPS or the SSCC is not paying for the placement of a child who is not in DFPS conservatorship, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker does as follows:
- If appropriate, adds the child’s noncustodial parent on the youth parent’s Child Plan of Service (CPOS) or a Family Plan of Service (FPOS) completed in the Family Substitute Care (FSU) stage.
- Helps the youth parent apply for benefits through the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), if the child may be eligible for STAR Health, newborn, or traditional Medicaid.
6451.23 When the Youth's Child Leaves Paid Foster Care – Closing Stages in IMPACT
CPS September 2026
When the Youth Parent and Child Leave Paid Foster Care
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker closes the child’s Substitute Care Case-Related Special Request – Public Service (SUB C-PB) stage when the youth parent and the child leave a paid foster care setting. For example, this happens when they move to an independent living setting, return to the youth parent’s home, or move to a non-licensed kinship placement. However, if the youth’s case has progressed to a Family Reunification (FRE) stage, there should not be an open SUB C-PB stage for the youth’s child.
When the Child’s Placement in DFPS-Paid Foster Care Ends
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker closes the SUB C-PB stage for the child when the child’s placement in DFPS- or SSCC-paid foster care ends.
When the youth parent leaves a DFPS- or SSCC-paid foster care placement with the child, the youth parent can seek Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for the child through the Health and Human Services Commission, if the child does not already have health insurance.
6451.24 When the Youth Parent is on a Runaway Status
CPS September 2026
Youth Gives Birth While on Runaway Status
If a youth who is pregnant gives birth while on runaway status, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker does not create a SUB C-PB stage for the youth’s child, unless the youth and child enter a foster care placement and DFPS or the SSCC pays for the child’s placement.
Youth Parent Runs Away from Placement
If the child is in a DFPS- or SSCC-paid foster care placement with the youth parent and the youth parent leaves the placement without permission and takes the child, the caseworker enters a Placement Type of Unauthorized Placement for the child in the SUB C-PB stage.
6452 Hunting
CPS September 2026
When the DFPS or SSCC caseworker receives a request to hunt from a youth or from a facility or caregiver on behalf of a youth, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must send a memorandum to his or her supervisor and program director. The memorandum includes both of the following:
- The recommendations of the youth’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker, attorney ad litem, therapist (if there is one), and parents (if CPS conservatorship is temporary).
- Signature lines for the DFPS or SSCC supervisor and program director
If all parties and the supervisor and program director agree that the youth should be granted the use of firearms for hunting, then staff must notify the facility, caregiver, and youth of the approval.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must:
- File the memorandum in the youth’s case record.
- Send a copy to the youth’s attorney ad litem.
If the youth lives in a residential facility that requires its own permission form, the regional attorney must review the form before the DFPS or SSCC caseworker signs it.
If any party disagrees, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker does not approve the request, unless the court directs otherwise.
For additional requirements and information, see the Services to Children in Substitute Care Resource Guide, under Hunting.
6453 Personal Documents Provided to Youth
CPS September 2026
Youth in DFPS conservatorship must be provided certified copies (or originals) and photocopies of personal documents to assist them in gaining employment, enrolling in school, leasing an apartment, opening a bank account, setting up utility services, getting a driver license, and accessing other resources.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must ensure that a youth has possession or access to these personal documents at all of the following times:
- On or before the date on which the youth turns 16 years old.
- Before the youth turns 18 and exits conservatorship or is legally emancipated.
- Before the young adult exits Extended Foster Care.
- When the youth is 16 or older and does not possess any or all of the youth’s personal documents for any reason. This can include any of the following:
- If the documents are lost or destroyed.
- If the documents are not provided to the youth prior to the youth turning 16.
- The youth entered DFPS conservatorship at age 16 or 17.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must provide the documents to the caregiver to hold for the youth, but the youth must be given access, as needed, for employment and other matters. When the youth changes placements, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must ensure the personal documents go with the youth. DFPS Preparation for Adult Living Staff (PAL) staff or the SSCC equivalent must ensure that, before a youth leaves foster care, each youth who is 14 years of age or older has an email address through which the youth may receive encrypted copies of personal documents and records, even after the youth leaves conservatorship.
Texas Family Code §264.121(a-7)
See:
- Personal Documents Resource Guide
- DPS Foster Youth ID Card Fact Sheet
- DPS Foster Youth Driver License Fact Sheet
6453.1 Personal Documents Provided to Youth Age 15 Through 17
CPS September 2026
Youth who are in DFPS conservatorship must be provided with a photocopy and a certified copy (or original) of their:
- Birth certificate.
- Social Security card or replacement Social Security card, as appropriate.
- Personal identification card issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker provides the above listed personal documents to the youth:
- On or before the date on which the youth turns 16 years old.
- When the youth is 16 or older and does not possess any or all of the youth’s personal documents for any reason. This includes any of the following:
- If the documents are lost or destroyed.
- If the documents are not provided to the youth prior to the youth turning 16.
- The youth entered DFPS conservatorship at age 16 or 17.
6453.2 Additional Personal Documents Provided to Youth before Age 18
CPS September 2026
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must ensure that the youth has all of the documents listed in the chart below at least 30 days before the youth leaves DFPS conservatorship by turning 18 years old or by becoming legally emancipated.
See Appendix 6000-1: Discharging Children from Substitute Care for a list of information and materials a youth and family receive when a youth is discharged from substitute care.
| Document |
Required Copies |
|---|---|
Birth certificate |
Photocopy and a certified copy (or original) |
Social Security card or a replacement Social Security card |
Photocopy and a certified copy (or original) |
Driver license or personal identification card issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) |
Photocopy and a certified copy (or original) |
Immunization records |
Photocopy or original, if available |
Information contained in the youth’s Health Passport |
Photocopy |
Medicaid card or other proof of the youth’s enrollment in Medicaid or an insurance card from a health plan that provides health coverage to youth in foster care. |
Photocopy or, if available, original Medicaid card |
Proof of foster care |
Signed photocopy or original |
Texas Family Code §264.121(e-1)
For all documentation requirements, see 6452.3 Documentation Requirements for Personal Documents.
Medical Power of Attorney
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must also provide the following medical power of attorney forms to the youth 90 days before the date the youth leaves DFPS conservatorship:
- Form 2559A Information Concerning the Medical Power of Attorney
- Form 2559B Medical Power of Attorney, Designation of Health Care Agent
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker may also provide, if available:
- Passport
- Immigration or U.S. citizenship documents
DFPS PAL Staff and SSCC Equivalent Role
DFPS Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) or SSCC equivalent staff helps the youth’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker obtain documents, if necessary.
6454 Consumer Credit Reports
6454.1 Credit Reports for Youth Age 14 Through 17
CPS September 2026
Every youth in DFPS conservatorship who is 14–17 years old qualifies for a free annual consumer credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies. The DFPS State Office liaison requests these credit reports annually on the youth’s behalf until the youth is discharged from DFPS conservatorship.
Social Security Act, Section 475(5)(I) (42 U.S.C. §675)
Administration for Children and Families, Information Memorandum PI-11-09
Administration for Children and Families – Program Instructions PI-12-07.pdf
Administration for Children and Families – Information Memorandum IM 14-03.pdf
See the Personal Documents Resource Guide, under Credit Reports.
If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker’s review of the files finds no record of a credit report for the youth, the caseworker must document this in IMPACT and provide the date each credit reporting agency generated the file.
If the DFPS or the SSCC caseworker’s review of the files finds that a credit report exists for the youth, the caseworker must document that a credit report exists and the efforts being made by the State Office liaison and the caseworker to address the credit report information.
Case Plan Documentation
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must inform a youth of his or her right to an annual credit report beginning at age 14. The caseworker must document that the youth was given this information in the youth’s case plan.
Credit Reports with Discrepancies
If discrepancies exist in a credit report or credit history, the DFPS State Office liaison emails instructions on how to access the credit report to the DFPS or SSCC caseworker. If the State Office liaison requests documents to resolve the discrepancy, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must ensure they are provided.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must review the credit report face-to-face with the youth and discuss the efforts DFPS or SSCC staff is making to resolve the issues. The caseworker must document these discussions in IMPACT.
Requesting Individual Credit Reports
To request a credit report, the caseworker must submit the youth’s full name, person identifier number, and the current address. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker sends credit report inquiries to the CPS Credit Reports mailbox.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker may request individual credit reports if any of the following occurs:
- There are suspicions or proof that a youth’s Social Security number has been used to open a business account or for fraudulent purposes.
- A youth age 17 or older recently came into the conservatorship of DFPS.
- There is a court order requiring DFPS to request a credit report.
Before requesting a credit report, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must check the most current annual file to ensure a credit report does not already exist on the youth.
Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze
If there is evidence of identity theft or fraudulent debts on a youth’s credit report, the State Office liaison or the DFPS or SSCC caseworker requests that the credit reporting agency place an initial fraud alert on the account or a credit freeze. The State Office liaison may consult with the caseworker on these decisions.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must notify the youth that a fraud alert or credit freeze has been placed on the youth’s credit report account. Upon turning age 18, the young adult can lift fraud alerts or credit freezes by contacting each credit reporting agency.
6454.2 Credit Reports for Young Adults in Extended Foster Care
CPS September 2026
Each year, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must help a young adult enrolled in the Extended Foster Care program to obtain his or her own credit reports. According to the agreements with the three credit reporting agencies, DFPS and SSCCs do not conduct credit checks for young adults age 18 and older.
To assist the young adult, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker refers the young adult to the Annual Credit Report website to request and obtain his or her credit report. This is the only website authorized to provide a free credit report.
If a credit report exists, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must do the following:
- Review and explain how the young adult can dispute any inaccuracies.
- Document the discussion in the case record.
If the young adult refuses to request a credit report, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must document in the case file all efforts made to encourage the young adult to request a report.
6455 Driver License and State Identification (ID) Card
6455.1 Driver License Approval Process for Youth under 18
CPS September 2026
A youth under age 18 in DFPS conservatorship may request to take driver education courses or apply for a driver license, if he or she meets the age requirements listed on the Department of Public Safety’s Texas Learners License as a Teen webpage. The youth’s caregiver may make the request on behalf of the youth.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker assesses the youth’s readiness to take a driver education course and obtains appropriate approvals.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker informs the DFPS or SSCC supervisor of the assessment results. The supervisor reviews the results and determines whether the youth may obtain a driver license. The caseworker informs the youth and caregiver of the determination and documents the approval or denial in the youth’s case record. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker documents the assessment and any consultation with any other relevant people on the Contact Detail page in IMPACT.
The Personal Documents for Children and Youth Resource Guide provides a complete outline of what is required and how to help with obtaining a driver license.
6455.2 Insurance Coverage
CPS September 2026
For youth under age 18, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker informs the youth that he or she must not drive a vehicle at any time without having the proper insurance. If the youth does drive without insurance, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker cancels the license. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker documents the discussion with the youth on the Contact Detail page in IMPACT.
For young adults over age 18 in Extended Foster Care, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker discusses the consequences of driving a vehicle without having the proper insurance.
6455.3 Eligible Youth Applying for a Driver Learner License or Driver License
CPS September 2026
See Texas Learners License as a Teen.
After completing all the driver education requirements and driving practice hours, the youth can then apply for a driver license. Both the driver learner license and driver license require a visit to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) office with required documents, including forms completed by the caseworker.
Once an eligible youth is enrolled in a driver education course or the youth has completed the DPS driver license requirements for youth under 18 and is ready to apply for the license, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker, or another DFPS or SSCC staff member at a caseworker level or above, does as follows:
- Verifies that the youth is enrolled in a driver education course or completed the DPS driver license requirements. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker does not need to verify that the youth completed the first six hours of driver education, only that the youth is enrolled in the course. The youth cannot move to the next part of the education and driving practice until he or she obtains the driver learner license, and waiting for paperwork from the caseworker could delay them. DPS does not issue the driver learner license without documentation that the first six hours of driver education was completed.
- Verifies that the DFPS or SSCC supervisor approved the youth to obtain a driver license.
- Assists the youth with completing the DPS Form DL-14B Texas Driver License or Identification Card Application.
- Signs the form before a notary public, which authorizes the youth to obtain the learner license or driver license without the caseworker being present. While this form lists that it is for youth aged under 17 years and 10 months, it should be used if the youth will be applying for a learner license or driver license if the youth is under 18 years old. The alternate form, DPS Form DL-14A Texas Driver License or Identification Card Application is only valid for a youth who already has a driver license and is applying to renew it up to 30 days prior to the youth’s 18th birthday.
- Completes and signs Form 2042 Youth or Young Adult in Foster Care Residency Verification for a Driver License or State Identification Card Fee Waiver.
- Gives the youth the completed and signed Form 2042 DFPS Youth or Young Adult in Foster Care Residency Verification for a Driver License or State Identification Card Fee Waiver.
- Assists the youth by gathering and providing all identification documents.
See Personal Documents for Children and Youth Resource Guide for more information.
6455.4 Young Adult in Extended Foster Care Applying for Driver License
CPS September 2026
While young adults ages 18 and over in Extended Foster Care do not need permission or authorization from DFPS or an SSCC to obtain a driver learner license or driver license, they do need the caseworker to provide them with Form 2042 Youth or Young Adult in Foster Care Residency Verification for a Driver License or State Identification Card Fee Waiver.
To facilitate this process, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker does as follows:
- Completes Form 2042 for any young adult who is at least 18 years old, but under 21, and is in a paid DFPS Extended Foster Care placement.
- Assists the young adult in completing DPS Form DL-14A Texas Driver License or Identification Card Application .
- Assists the young adult by gathering all DPS required identification documents.
See Personal Documents for Children and Youth Resource Guide for more information.
6455.5 Foster Care Residency Verification Form for Driver License or State Identification (ID) Card and Fee Waiver
CPS September 2026
The Form 2042 Youth or Young Adult in Foster Care Residency Verification for a Driver License or State Identification Card Fee Waiver verifies that the person is in foster care and documents their mailing and residential address. A youth or young adult in foster care uses it to establish Texas residency to obtain a driver learner license, driver license, or state identification card without paying Department of Public Safety (DPS) fees.
If youth and young adults in foster care do not have the completed Form 2042, DPS requires that they do at least one of the following:
- Provide two documents that show their current address.
- Have someone who lives at their address accompany them, provide transitional living documents listed in the DFPS Foster Youth ID Fact Sheet or the DPS Foster Youth Driver License Fact Sheet, and complete a DL-5 Texas Residency Affidavit before a notary public.
Completing the form and attaching a copy of the appropriate DPS Foster Youth ID Fact Sheet and DPS Foster Youth Driver License Fact Sheet makes the process simpler at DPS for the applicant and prevents the applicant from being turned away for not having documents that show the current address. This form also entitles the applicant to a fee waiver for the cost of the license.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker completes the youth or young adult’s office address as the mailing address. If the youth or young adult uses the office address, under state law, they do not need to update their ID or license every time they move to a new foster care placement. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker also lists the youth or young adult’s current physical address on the form.
When completing the DPS DL-14A or 14B Texas Driver License or Identification Card Application, a youth who is in a placement that is intended to be permanent can choose to have DPS use the youth’s current physical address rather than the DFPS or SSCC caseworker’s mailing address. Young adults can also choose to have mail sent directly to their current physical address .
Conservatorship Verification—Youth under Age 18
For all applicants under age 18, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker, or another DFPS or SSCC staff member at a caseworker level or above, signs and dates Form 2042 to verify conservatorship status.
DFPS Placement Verification—Young Adults Ages 18 to 21
For all applicants ages 18 to 21, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker, or another DFPS staff member at a caseworker level or above, signs and dates Form 2042 to verify DFPS-paid foster care placement status.
6455.6 Documenting the Assistance and Maintaining Forms Provided to Obtain a Driver License or State Identification Card for a Youth in Foster Care or a Young Adult in Extended Foster Care
CPS September 2026
The youth’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker or another authorized staff member documents information regarding approval for a youth under age 18 to obtain a driver license and the youth’s receipt of a driver license or state identification card on the Contact Detail page in IMPACT and in the youth’s Child’s Plan of Service.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker places a copy of the following forms in the youth or young adult’s case file:
- Form 2042 DFPS Youth or Young Adult in Foster Care Residency Verification for a Driver License or State Identification Card Fee Waiver
- DPS Form DL-14B or 14A Texas Driver License or Identification Card Application
6455.7 Address Changes for a Driver License or State Identification (ID) Card
CPS September 2026
A youth or young adult must update the address on his or her driver license or state ID card within 30 days of certain changes. DFPS or SSCC staff and caregivers inform the youth or young adult about this responsibility.
If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker’s office address was used, the youth or young adult must notify the Department of Public Safety (DPS) about the new address for one of the following reasons:
- He or she leaves Extended Foster Care.
- He or she turns 18 and leaves foster care.
- He or she is discharged from DFPS conservatorship prior to turning 18.
In addition, if the youth or young adult used the placement address as his or her mailing address with DPS and has not used the DFPS or SSCC caseworker’s office address, the youth or young adult must update the address whenever the placement changes.
6455.8 Canceling or Withdrawing a Driver License
CPS September 2026
For a youth under age 18, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) allows the adult who signed the Parental Authorization section of DPS Form DL-14B – Texas Driver License or Identification Card Application (Minor – Under 17 Years 10 Months of Age) to cancel a youth’s driver license. The DFPS regional director or SSCC equivalent, as the final authority, approves the cancellation of a youth’s driver license. Only a DFPS or SSCC caseworker may sign the Parental Authorization section or cancel the license, not the caregiver.
The youth’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker discusses the issues that led to a driver license cancellation or withdrawal with the youth and the youth’s caregiver. The caseworker documents reasons for this action on the Contact Detail page in IMPACT. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker signs and submits DPS Form DL-163 Withdrawal/Restoration of Authorization for Minor’s License to the DPS office to request cancellation of a youth’s driver license.
No Insurance
The youth’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker or DFPS or SSCC supervisor immediately submits DPS Form DL-163 to the DPS office to request cancellation of the youth’s driver license, if the caseworker or supervisor becomes aware of either of the following:
- There is a citation for no automobile insurance involving the youth.
- The youth drives and has no automobile insurance coverage.
Youth Who Run Away
For a youth under age 18 with a driver license that was obtained with DFPS or SSCC staff as the parental signatory and who runs away, the youth’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker or the DFPS or SSCC supervisor fills out DPS Form DL-163 and waits 30 days from the date the youth ran away to submit it to the DPS office to request cancellation of the youth’s driver license.
Youth Who Are under Age 18 and Leaving DFPS
DFPS or the SSCC notifies a youth, before conservatorship is dismissed, that DFPS or the SSCC can no longer remain as the signatory for the driver license when all the following criteria are met:
- The youth is under age 18.
- The youth’s conservatorship case is dismissed.
- The youth has a driver license that was obtained with DFPS or SSCC staff as the parental signatory.
The youth’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker or DFPS or SSCC supervisor submits DPS Form DL-163 to the DPS office immediately after the case is dismissed.
6455.9 State Identification (ID) Card
6455.91 Affidavit Requirements
CPS September 2026
Form 2042 Youth or Young Adult in Foster Care Residency Verification for a Driver License or State Identification Card Fee Waiver is valid for 30 days from the date of the signature of the form.
Conservatorship Affidavit — under Age 18
For all applicants under age 18, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker, or another DFPS or SSCC staff member at a caseworker level or above, signs and dates the Signature section on the form to affirm the youth’s conservatorship status and the DFPS or SSCC caseworker office or placement address.
DFPS Placement Affidavit — Ages 18 to 21
For all applicants age 18–21, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker, or another DFPS or SSCC staff member at a caseworker level or above, signs and dates the Signature section on the form to affirm the DFPS-paid foster care placement status and the DFPS or SSCC caseworker or placement address.
6456 Youth Enlisting in the Military
CPS September 2026
When a youth under the age of 18 in the conservatorship of DFPS wishes to enlist in the military, approval must be given by the following:
- Parents, unless parental rights have been terminated
- Guardian ad-litem
- Attorney ad-litem
- Regional director
- Court
The youth must have a complete medical assessment by the youth’s primary care physician before seeking approval to join the military.
Approvals must be in writing, and a copy is placed in the youth’s record.
6457 Marriage of Youth in Conservatorship
CPS September 2026
A youth who is16 or 17 years old cannot marry unless he or she has one of the following:
- The consent of a parent or other person designated by a court.
- A court order authorizing the marriage.
A parent loses the right to consent to marriage when parental rights are terminated or when a court grants the right to consent to another person or entity.
When DFPS is appointed as the sole temporary or permanent managing conservator, DFPS or the SSCC automatically has the right to consent to the marriage unless the order granting DFPS managing conservatorship specifically does one of the following:
- Denies DFPS the right to consent.
- Grants the right to another person.
A court order is required before the youth can marry in the following situations:
- A parent or other person designated by the court does not consent.
- The youth is under the age of 16.
If a 16- or 17-year-old youth who is in DFPS conservatorship asks to marry, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must consult with legal and notify the court.
The youth’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker must review the court order granting managing conservatorship to DFPS to determine if there is anything in the order that limits DFPS or the SSCC’s right to consent to marriage on behalf of the youth (this would be uncommon).
If the court has not denied DFPS or the SSCC the right to consent or the court has not specifically granted the right to someone else, the youth’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker must determine:
- Whether the marriage is in the best interest of the youth.
- If there is any possible impediment to the marriage (such as if the youth is already married to someone else).
If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker concludes that the marriage is in the best interest of the youth and that there is no impediment to the marriage, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must inform the court of DFPS’s or the SSCC’s intent to consent before the marriage takes place.
If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker concludes that it is not in the youth’s best interests for DFPS or the SSCC to consent to the marriage, the caseworker must inform the court of DFPS’s or the SSCC’s intent to withhold consent. The court may issue an order authorizing the youth to marry without DFPS or SSCC consent.
If the youth obtains consent to marry from DFPS or the SSCC or from the court, the youth’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker must encourage the youth’s parents and caregivers to be supportive of the marriage and participate in the planning of the wedding.
Exception: The DFPS or SSCC caseworker does not ask a youth’s parent to participate if any of the following are true:
- The parent cannot be found.
- Parental rights have been terminated.
- The parent has executed an affidavit of relinquishment, as specified in 5562 Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights.
- The youth objects to the participation of the parent in the youth’s wedding.
DFPS or SSCC staff contact the regional attorney if there are questions regarding:
- Annulment of a prior marriage or divorce.
- DFPS’s or the SSCC’s right to consent to marriage, such as when:
- Multiple conservators have been appointed.
- DFPS has been appointed as possessory, rather than managing, conservator.
6458 Financial Responsibility
CPS September 2026
Opening a bank account and effectively managing money are important parts of learning financial responsibility. The Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program teaches youth about financial management through its PAL Life Skills Training and other services. DFPS or the SSCC must provide youth with general information about banking opportunities and encourage youth to open a bank account when possible to help them build assets and achieve personal goals as part of their transition to a successful adulthood.
6460 When a Child or Youth Is Missing from DFPS Conservatorship
CPS September 2026
DFPS and SSCC staff use the Missing Children Protocol when a child or youth is missing from DFPS conservatorship.
6461 Child or Youth Missing from Substitute Care Placement
CPS September 2026
DFPS or the SSCC categorizes a child or youth in DFPS conservatorship as missing if any of the following apply:
- The child or youth runs away.
- The child or youth is abducted by a known or unknown person.
- The child or youth is otherwise absent from care with no known location.
When a child or youth in DFPS conservatorship is missing, it is extremely important that all staff make every effort to quickly locate and ensure the safety of the child or youth.
6461.1 Notification Requirements When a Child or Youth Runs Away or Is Missing
CPS September 2026
If a child or youth in DFPS conservatorship runs away or is otherwise missing and his or her location is unknown, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker or assigned on-call staff must notify all of the following:
- DFPS or SSCC supervisor.
- Law enforcement in the jurisdiction where the child went missing.
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at the 24-hour call center: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
- The designated special investigator regional mailbox and the regional director’s assistant. Include identifying information about the child, the law enforcement report number, and the NCMEC report number.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker or assigned on-call staff must notify all parties that the child is missing or has run away as described in 6151.3 Notification Requirements and Schedule.
Young Adults (18–20 Years Old) Missing from Extended Foster Care or Supervised Independent Living Placement
If DFPS or the SSCC discovers that a young adult in an Extended Foster Care or Supervised Independent Living placement is missing or suspected to have been abducted and the young adult’s location is unknown, the caseworker must notify all the following:
- Appropriate law enforcement officials in the jurisdiction where the young adult went missing.
- The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at the 24-hour call center: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must provide the above notifications immediately or no later than eight hours after learning the young adult’s location is unknown.
Victims of Labor or Sex Trafficking
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must inform local law enforcement immediately or no later than eight hours after the caseworker identifies or suspects that a child, youth, or young adult who is 0–20 years old has become a victim of labor or sex trafficking.
6461.11 Runaway Prevention
CPS September 2026
Notifications
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must ensure that the child’s caregiver has been informed of the child’s history of running away.
DFPS defines a runaway incident as a type of unauthorized absence that meets the following criteria:
- The child left the placement on the child’s own accord and without permission from the caregiver.
- The child does not appear to intend to return and is unable to be located.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must include runaway history in the following forms:
- Form 2087 Application for Placement or Form 2087ex Alternative Application for Placement of Children in Residential Care
- Form 2279 Placement Summary
Information provided to the caregiver must include:
- Past runaway information.
- Any known information about triggers that could lead to a runaway episode.
- Any known information about strategies to prevent runaway episodes that were effective in the past.
- Whether the child has a history of leaving the child’s placement without permission for short periods of time and then returning.
- Last date the child ran away.
- Any other important information related to the child’s history of running away.
If a child is placed with a relative or kinship caregiver, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must do the following:
- Inform the kinship development worker of the child’s history of running away.
- Provide the child’s caregiver a Runaway Prevention Tip Sheet.
The DFPS or SSCC kinship development worker ensures that the caregiver has a copy of the Runway Prevention Tip Sheet and reviews the strategies to support the child with the caregiver.
See the Runaway Prevention Resource Guide.
Runaway Prevention Plan for Children in Substitute Care
A runaway prevention plan must be implemented when one or more of the following apply:
- The child has a history of running away, with the most recent episode being within the past six months.
- The child is a victim of human trafficking.
- The child recently verbalized a desire to run away.
The following people help develop the plan:
- The child.
- The child’s caregiver.
- The child’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker.
- Other supportive people in the child’s life, such as relatives, teachers, mentors, court appointed special advocate, commercially sexually exploited youth (CSEY) advocate, and others as applicable.
The plan should meet the following criteria:
- Be focused on the child.
- Be based on the child’s strengths.
- Be proactive in planning for action steps to take if the child does run away.
- Include alternatives for the child to use as an outlet instead of running away.
- Include a plan for the child’s safety and well-being.
- Explore reasons for past runaway episodes and triggers.
The plan must be evaluated monthly to determine if it needs to be updated or if the plan can be ended.
For children placed in contracted placements, the provider is responsible for developing the runaway prevention plan. When a child is placed in a non-contracted placement, such as a kinship home, Foster and Adoptive Home Development home, or other substitute care placement, the conservatorship caseworker is responsible for developing the plan.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker does the following:
- Puts a copy of the plan in the child’s or youth’s case file.
- Indicates whether the plan is currently implemented in the child’s or youth’s monthly evaluation.
- At least once a month, discusses the child’s or youth’s status and progress in meeting any conditions in the plan with all of the following people:
- The child or youth.
- The caregiver.
- Anyone else who helped develop the plan.
Contracted Placements
For a child or youth who is placed with a contracted residential provider, the provider does the following:
- Invites the DFPS or SSCC caseworker to participate in the development of the runaway prevention plan.
- Provides a copy of the plan to the caseworker within 24 hours of implementation.
If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker is not able to participate in the creation of the plan, the provider does not delay implementation of the plan, and the caseworker provides support for the plan through alternate means (such as by phone, email, or text messages). The provider evaluates the following on a monthly basis:
- Whether any updates to the plan are needed.
- Whether the plan should be continued based on the provider’s assessment of the child’s progress, the caregiver’s feedback, the caseworker’s recommendation, and feedback from the other supportive people in the child’s life, as applicable.
Non-Contracted Placements
Within two business days of the DFPS or SSCC caseworker learning that the child or youth is exhibiting behavior that warrants the use of a runaway prevention plan, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must initiate a meeting to create and implement the plan for a child or youth who is placed in any type of non-contracted placement, including the following:
- Kinship home
- FAD home
- Unauthorized placement
- Any other non-contracted placement
Everyone who participates in developing the plan does the following:
- Signs or acknowledges their agreement with the plan in writing.
- Receives a copy of the plan.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker evaluates the following each month:
- Whether any updates to the plan are needed.
- Whether the plan should continue to be active based on the caseworker’s assessment of the feedback from the child, caregiver, and other supportive people in the child’s life, as applicable.
6461.2 Other Initial Actions
CPS September 2026
Amber Alert
The Amber Alert Network was developed as a statewide emergency response system for abducted children. The network is designed to be activated in instances involving true child abductions.
If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker believes that a child has unwillingly left the substitute care placement or has been removed by an unauthorized person, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker requests that the child be placed on the Amber Alert Network when making the report to local law enforcement. The local law enforcement officials will work with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to decide if Amber Alert criteria are met and will activate the Amber Alert Network, if appropriate.
Child Safety Check Alert List
When a child in DFPS conservatorship runs away or otherwise goes missing, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must request that local law enforcement file a missing person report with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). If the appropriate law enforcement officials decline to file a missing person report on the missing child, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must, immediately following the event, notify the supervisor and the special investigator program director (SIPD). If immediate notification is not possible, the notifications must be made within eight hours.
The SIPD must request that DPS place the child and the family on the Child Safety Check Alert List (CSCAL).
For CSCAL procedures, see 3100 When a Child Who is With His or Her Family Cannot be Located.
Special Investigator Assignment
The special investigator (SI) is assigned as secondary to the SUB stage after notification from the SIPD.
No later than the next business day after being assigned to the case, the SI must follow up with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at the 24-hour call center: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
6461.3 Ongoing Efforts to Recover
CPS September 2026
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must continue ongoing efforts to recover the child. At a minimum, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker coordinates efforts to locate the child and maintains monthly contacts with the assigned special investigator (SI).
Ongoing efforts may include at least monthly contacts, as applicable, with the following:
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
- Appropriate law enforcement agencies.
- The child’s relatives.
- The child’s former caregivers.
- Any social service agency that may be providing services to the child.
The assigned SI must actively assist the DFPS or SSCC caseworker in searching for the child until the child is found or the court dismisses conservatorship of the child.
The SI must remain in contact with law enforcement and the NCMEC, if applicable, weekly until the child is recovered.
6461.31 Documentation and Review
CPS September 2026
When DFPS or the SSCC receives notice that a child is missing, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must enter the Missing Child Episode into IMPACT by doing the following:
- Enter information in all required fields on the Missing Child Detail page within 24 hours of notification.
- Complete Missing Child Detail page within 48 hours of receiving notification that the child is missing.
- Enter the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) case number on the Missing Child Detail page.
Until the child is recovered, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker and assigned special investigator (SI) must document in IMPACT all efforts to recover the child.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must include efforts to recover in the Contacts Performed and in the Contact Evaluation portions of the record, which are reviewed monthly by the supervisor. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker and DFPS or SSCC supervisor must meet at least quarterly with the program director and other appropriate staff members (as identified by the region) to determine whether sufficient efforts have been made to recover the child and whether other actions are needed.
6461.4 When a Child Who Is Missing Is Recovered
CPS September 2026
When DFPS or the SSCC receives information about a missing child’s possible location, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker or special investigator (SI) must consult with his or her supervisor immediately. The DFPS or SSCC supervisor determines the most appropriate course of action to assess the child’s safety and can determine the assigned SI’s level of involvement in the case.
If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker is notified of the child’s recovery before the SI, the caseworker must inform the SI that the child has been recovered. The caseworker must report the child’s recovery to the regional director’s assistant.
If the child is on the Child Safety Check Alert List (CSCAL) when recovered, the special investigator program director (SIPD) must be informed immediately. The SIPD must then clear the CSCAL entry with DPS and IMPACT as indicated in 3116 Requesting a Family Be Removed from CSCAL.
Unless the child is being detained by law enforcement, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must make arrangements to place the child.
6461.5 Caseworker Actions When a Missing Child Returns to Care
CPS September 2026
If a child in DFPS’s managing conservatorship returns to substitute care after being reported to law enforcement as a runaway or missing, the child’s DFPS or SSCC caseworker or assigned on-call staff must provide notice as described in 6151.3 Notification Requirements and Schedule.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker or the special investigator (SI), whoever made first contact with the child, must interview the child to do the following:
- Determine the reasons the child ran away or was absent from care.
- Get information about the child’s experiences while absent from care.
- Screen to determine whether the child was a victim of abuse, neglect, sex trafficking, or labor trafficking, while absent from care.
If the interview identifies the child as a victim of a crime, including trafficking, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must immediately, but no later than eight hours after the interview, report the situation to local law enforcement.
If the child is identified as a victim of abuse, neglect, or trafficking, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must also notify Statewide Intake to make a report immediately, but no later than eight hours after becoming aware of this information.
If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker completes the interview, the caseworker must share the information with the SI, and if the SI completes the interview, the SI must share the information with the DFPS or SSCC caseworker
If the reasons the child ran away or was absent from care are revealed during the interview, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must, to the extent possible, address those factors in the child’s current and future placements.
When a missing child is recovered, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker follows the regional practices for conducting a Youth Recovery Roundtable, also called a wraparound meeting, with the child. This meeting allows the child an opportunity to discuss the reasons for running away and to develop alternatives to running away in the future.
Notifications for Identified or Suspected Victims of Human Trafficking
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must inform local law enforcement immediately, but no later than eight hours after, identifying or suspecting that a child, youth, or young adult (ages 0 – 20) has become or may become a victim of sex or labor trafficking.
6461.51 Documentation and Review
CPS September 2026
When a missing child is recovered, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must ensure the required child recovery information is documented. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker does the following:
- Completes the initial required fields on the Child Recovery Detail page in IMPACT within 24 hours of the child’s recovery.
- Completes the Child Recovery Detail page in its entirety within seven days of the child’s recovery.
- Documents the child’s recovery information in a Contact Narrative in IMPACT, providing additional details of the missing event.
When a missing child or youth is recovered, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must screen to determine whether the child or youth was a victim of sex or labor trafficking during the absence and document the findings in IMPACT. Each Sex or Labor Trafficking event that is Suspected-Unconfirmed or Confirmed must be added to IMPACT as a trafficking record on the Trafficking Detail page.
6462 Confirmed or Suspected Victims of Human Trafficking
CPS September 2026
If any DFPS or SSCC staff member has reason to believe that a child or youth in DFPS conservatorship has been a victim of trafficking, staff must make a determination of victimization. A determination of victimization is not limited to incidents that occurred during a missing event, during time in care, or in situations involving familial or non-familial trafficking.
Visit the Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation page on the DFPS intranet to find the Trafficking Service Referral Survey, services, and resources.
42 U.S.C. 5106a(b)(2)(B)(xxiv)
Reporting Human Trafficking Victimization
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must make a report to Statewide Intake and law enforcement immediately, but no later than eight hours after becoming aware of this information.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must work a joint investigation with the Special Investigation Division and must use the children’s advocacy center’s (CAC) local multi-disciplinary team (MDT) protocols, when applicable.
Service Planning
When a child or youth has been identified as being a Confirmed or Suspected- Unconfirmed victim of human trafficking, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must assess the child’s or youth’s service array, including placement and community resources, and refer the child or youth to appropriate services, as needed.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must ensure that all appropriate services, support, and resources identified for the child or youth are made available for his or her participation. All needs and services identified for the child or youth must be addressed in the Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS).
When any child or youth identified as a Confirmed or Suspected-Unconfirmed victim of human trafficking it has a Clear Concern Commercial Sexual Exploitation-Identification Tool score, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must refer the child or youth to the local care coordination team (CCT), if a local CCT is in operation.
Documenting Human Trafficking Victimization in IMPACT
Each sex or labor trafficking Confirmed or Suspected-Unconfirmed victimization incident must be documented on the Trafficking Detail page in IMPACT.
A trafficking event is Suspected-Unconfirmed when specific information regarding the child or youth and the surrounding circumstances creates a reasonable belief that the child or youth has been trafficked. Note: A runaway episode, in and of itself, is not equal to Suspected-Unconfirmed.
A trafficking event is Confirmed when evidence supports the conclusion that the child or youth has been trafficked. Note: The supporting evidence must be more than just an allegation or suspicion and does not have to be a direct outcry from the child or youth.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must enter each sex or labor trafficking event that is Confirmed or Suspected-Unconfirmed as a trafficking record on the Trafficking Detail page in IMPACT within 24 hours of making the victimization determination or receiving notification of victimization.
Each trafficking event should only have one entry on the Trafficking Detail page, unless a Suspected-Unconfirmed event is later confirmed, in which case there would be both a Suspected-Unconfirmed and a Confirmed event listed.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must also document all Confirmed or Suspected-Unconfirmed trafficking events and associated specifics in the case narrative and the monthly evaluations in IMPACT. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must ensure that this documentation also includes services and support provided to the child or youth to address his or her individual needs and circumstances, including his or her history of human trafficking victimization.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must document in the CPOS all services, support, and resources that are appropriate for meeting the child or youth’s needs, and which of these services were accessed and provided.
When updating the child or youth’s Application for Placement, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must address the placement and service needs of the child or youth related to his or her history of human trafficking victimization. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must also document referrals to care coordination team and commercially sexually exploited youth (CSEY) advocate agencies in the Trafficking Service Referral Survey.
Services and resources can be found on the Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation page of the DFPS intranet.
6470 When a Child Travels
CPS September 2026
The tables below summarize DFPS policy and procedure on traveling with a child in DFPS conservatorship.
6471 Approvals Required for Travel
CPS September 2026
| Type of Travel |
Approval Required |
DFPS or SSCC Staff Required Actions |
|---|---|---|
|
None. |
None. |
More than 72 hours with the caregiver, away from facility or home. |
Written approval by the DFPS or SSCC caseworker or the caseworker’s supervisor. |
|
More than 48 hours with a person who is not a caregiver or relative. |
Written approval by the DFPS or SSCC caseworker or the caseworker’s supervisor. |
|
| Destination |
Approval Required |
DFPS/SSCC Staff Required Actions |
|---|---|---|
U.S. states that share a border with Texas. |
|
Document travel in case file. |
U.S. states that do not share a border with Texas. |
|
|
Outside of the U.S. |
|
Follow steps outlined in 6474.1 Requesting Court Approval for International Travel. |
6472 Transporting a Child by Vehicle
CPS September 2026
When DFPS or SSCC staff transports a child by vehicle, the child must be properly secured by a seat belt, according to Texas law governing passenger safety for children.
Before using a car seat, DFPS or SSCC staff transporting the child must ensure that the car seat meets all of the following requirements:
- Is in good working condition.
- The current date is not after the expiration date on the car seat.
- Has not been recalled for a defect or safety reason.
- Is properly installed in the vehicle.
DFPS or SSCC staff does not transport the child in a car seat that does not meet these requirements.
If a vehicle has child car door locks on the rear doors, the locks must be engaged and in the lock position.
DFPS or SSCC staff must follow Texas Transportation Code §545.412 for the age and height requirements for a child to be secured in a car seat.
More information about safely transporting a child is available through the Texas Department of State Health Services’ Safe Riders Child Passenger Safety Program.
6473 Transporting a Child by Airplane
CPS September 2026
The following must occur before transporting a child by airplane:
- The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must complete a travel authorization (TA) in eTravel.
- The DFPS or SSCC supervisor and DFPS or SSCC program director or designee must approve the TA.
Each child must have his or her own ticket.
DFPS or SSCC staff must use a car seat on a plane when transporting a child who is younger than two years old. The child must remain in the car seat during takeoff, during landing, and at any other time when the airline requires passengers to fasten their seat belts.
More information is available on the Kids' Corner | Federal Aviation Administration.
6474 When a Child Travels Outside of the United States
CPS September 2026
When a caregiver wants to travel outside of the United States with a child in DFPS conservatorship, a court must approve the travel, and DFPS or the SSCC must follow the specific steps described in 6474.1 Requesting Court Approval for International Travel.
Domestic-bound cruises use international waterways and require the same steps as those traveling to international destinations.
6474.1 Requesting Court Approval for International Travel
CPS September 2026
Before a caregiver travels outside of the United States with a child who is in DFPS conservatorship, DFPS and SSCC must file a motion with the court to request approval.
Caseworker Responsibilities
When the DFPS or SSCC caseworker receives a completed Form 2069 Caregiver Declaration Regarding Out-of-Country Travel from the caregiver, the caseworker must take the following steps:
- Use the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisories webpage to research the specific destination for conditions that may affect safety and security. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must pay special attention to the following:
- Travel alerts.
- Travel warnings.
- Travel restrictions.
- Recent embassy notices.
- Threats to safety and security.
- Medical facilities and health information.
- Consider the child’s health issues, if any.
- Consult with the regional immigration attorney, if the child is not a U.S. citizen, to assess the effect of the travel on the child’s immigration status.
- Determine if there is a risk for an international custody dispute given the parent’s and child’s circumstances. If so, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must staff the travel request with the DFPS regional attorney or SSCC attorney before submitting a motion to the court.
- Review the international travel request with the supervisor to determine whether DFPS or the SSCC recommends approval or denial of the request.
- Submit, through regional management, a DFPS or SSCC action memo packet to the CPS associate commissioner. The DFPS or SSCC action memo for international travel includes all of the following:
- The purpose of the trip.
- Background information or a summary of planned activities.
- A summary of the research conducted for the planned destination, including whether there are safety, immigration, or health concerns for the child.
- The DFPS or SSCC caseworker and DFPS or SSCC supervisor recommendation for the associate commissioner’s approval.
- Upon receiving the associate commissioner’s action memo response, complete the DFPS section at the bottom of Form 2069, including whether DFPS or the SSCC supports or opposes the proposed travel.
- Coordinate with the attorney representing DFPS or the SSCC to submit the request for court approval before the child travels, whether DFPS or the SSCC supports or opposes the proposed travel.
For additional guidelines and information, see the When a Child or Youth in CPS Conservatorship Travels Resource Guide.
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
CPS September 2026
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker informs the caregiver and the child, youth, or young adult that information posted or shared with others on the internet or through email is not private. Even with privacy settings, other people may be able to view this information. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker explains that the child, youth, or young adult should take caution when providing any personal information via email or on the internet, including through social media.
6482 Use of Digital Services by Children in DFPS Conservatorship
CPS September 2026
DFPS or the SSCC must designate the caregiver of a child in DFPS conservatorship to perform the functions of the child’s parent or guardian (“verified parent”) under Chapter 509 Use of Digital Services by Minors of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If the child’s caregiver is unable to perform these functions, DFPS or the SSCC may designate a staff member as a verified parent.
Chapter 509 governs the use of certain digital services (such as social media) and the verified parent’s right to supervise the child’s use of the digital service.
Decision-making by the child’s caregiver and use of a digital service are considered normalcy activities.
Texas Business and Commerce Code §509.104
6490 If a Child Dies While in Substitute Care
6491 Immediate Notification Requirements When a Child Dies
CPS September 2026
When a child dies while in substitute care, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must notify all parties as described in 6151.3 Notification Requirements and Schedule.
6492 Making Funeral Arrangements
CPS September 2026
DFPS or the SSCC arranges a funeral for:
- Any child or youth who dies while in DFPS managing conservatorship.
- Any young adult, age 18 or older, who dies in Extended Foster Care.
Funeral arrangements include burial or cremation as specified in 8512 Funeral and Burial Services for Children in DFPS Conservatorship. Children or youth placed with relatives or in the birth home at the time of death are eligible for financial assistance for funeral arrangements if DFPS was the managing conservator.
To ensure proper arrangements are made, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker must complete the following steps.
- Inquire about the child’s funds
- Involve biological parents
- Involve foster parents and other significant people
- Involve community partners
- Access CPS funding
6492.1 Inquire About the Child’s Funds
CPS September 2026
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must check with the regional Supplemental Security Income (SSI) coordinator to determine whether DFPS or the SSCC is aware of any funds for the child that can be used for funeral expenses after the child dies. The SSI coordinator consults with the DFPS Federal and State Support division in State Office to determine if the child’s funds can be used for funeral expenses.
6492.2 Involve Biological Parents
CPS September 2026
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker involves the child’s biological parents in the funeral arrangements to the maximum extent possible, even if parental rights have been terminated, if the DFPS or SSCC caseworker determines doing so is appropriate. For example, parental involvement:
- May not be appropriate if rights have been terminated and the child was in a pre-consummated adoptive placement.
- Could be appropriate if a parent has remained in contact and the child was in a placement not intended to be permanent.
Regardless of legal status, a parent may wish to help with arrangements, express preferences, and contribute resources to cover the costs of a child’s funeral. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker may not ask the biological parents to pay for all or some of the funeral expenses. However, parents may contribute directly to the funeral home if they so choose.
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must document all of the following in the child’s case record:
- Date the DFPS or SSCC caseworker spoke with the parents.
- Content of the discussions.
- Outcome of the discussions.
- Date the parents responded.
6492.3 Involve Foster Parents and Other Significant People
CPS September 2026
The DFPS or SSCC caseworker also invites foster parents and other people significant to the child’s life to participate in planning the child’s funeral arrangements. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker does not solicit contributions from foster parents and other significant people. However, if they voluntarily indicate that they wish to contribute to some of the funeral expenses, they may do so by paying the funeral home or other vendor directly.
6492.4 Involve Community Partners
CPS September 2026
The external community is often a key partner in securing funeral arrangements for a child who died while in DFPS conservatorship. When a community partner expresses a desire to assist with funeral arrangements, DFPS or the SSCC coordinates with those partners. DFPS is legally authorized to accept donations, gifts, or in-kind contributions to cover funeral expenses.
6492.5 Access Funding
CPS September 2026
If resources are not available to fully fund the cost of a funeral for a child who died while in conservatorship, the DFPS or SSCC caseworker may authorize up to $4,500 per child for reasonable and necessary burial or cremation expenses. The DFPS or SSCC caseworker must contact the regional burial liaison, who is usually a contract manager, to make the request for funds. If the DFPS or SSCC caseworker determines funding in addition to the $4,500 is needed for the child’s funeral, the DFPS or SSCC region must seek approval for additional funding from the DFPS associate commissioner. Additional funds may be expended to cover the funeral costs as described in 8512 Funeral and Burial Services for Children in DFPS Conservatorship.
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