7000 Foster and Adoptive Home Development
CPS September 2026
Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) staff recruit, train, approve, and verify prospective foster and adoptive parents.
Foster and adoptive parents provide safe homes for children in DFPS substitute care during planned placements and on an emergency basis. Foster parents work closely with CPS staff to develop and meet the permanency planning goals established for the children placed in their care.
The FAD program admits children and youth, of both genders under the age of 18 years, in foster homes for childcare services as defined in Texas Administrative Code Title 26, Chapter 749 Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies.
FAD specialists:
- Guide prospective foster and adoptive parents through the verification and approval processes.
- Ensure that the parents understand and comply with Residential Child Care Regulation’s (RCCR) minimum standards.
- Ensure that the families receive the necessary resources and support to provide for children in substitute care.
Refer to the Foster and Adoptive Home (FAD) Resource Guide for FAD-related terms.
Race, Color, or National Origin
FAD staff must comply with federal law that prohibits using a child's or prospective foster or adoptive parent's race, color, or national origin ("RCNO") as a factor in a placement decision, with extremely limited exceptions.
FAD staff may consult with the regional attorney for further guidance.
See:
- 4115 Prohibited Considerations Based on Race, Color, or National Origin
- 6931.3 Race, Color, or National Origin
7100 Inquiries and Intial Applications
7110 Responding to Inquiries from Potential Fostre or Adoptive Parents
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must respond to inquiries from interested persons about one of the following:
- Making a general inquiry about becoming a foster or adoptive parent.
- Inquiring about becoming a foster or adoptive parent to a specific child.
The FAD specialist must accept inquiries:
- By phone
- By email
- Online through the TARE website.
- In person.
The FAD specialist must respond to inquiries within three business days to provide more information about the process of becoming a foster or adoptive family with DFPS.
To obtain the necessary information about an interested family, the FAD specialist may use Form 2169 Inquiry Form for Prospective Foster/Adoptive Families.
See 6980 Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE) for more information.
7120 Information Meetings
CPS September 2026
Most prospective foster and adoptive parents begin the verification and approval process by attending an information meeting to learn about fostering and adoption. The Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE) website contains details on information meetings, and FAD staff may inform prospective parents of upcoming information meetings during the follow-up to the prospective parents’ inquiry.
Information meetings may be held in person or virtually, using the TEAMS application or other virtual method designated by DFPS.
Regional Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialists must host a minimum of two information meetings each month. At least one of these meetings must be a “collaborative” meeting held in conjunction with private child-placing agencies (CPAs). The regional director can approve to halt meetings, as needed, based on circumstances in the region.
The FAD specialist must ensure prospective foster or adoptive families attend an information meeting before they are given an application to foster or adopt.
In rare instances when, despite best efforts, a prospective foster or adoptive parent is unable to attend a public information meeting, the FAD specialist may conduct an individual information meeting with the parent.
See the Foster and Adoptive Home (FAD) Resource Guide.
7121 Previously Verified or Approved Applicants
CPS September 2026
Previously verified foster or approved adoptive parents are not required to attend another information meeting if DFPS placed their home in closed status during the 12 months preceding. In this case, the Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must:
- Discuss changes in services or programs that occurred since the previous verification or approval.
- Ensure that foster or adoptive parents received DFPS training during the past 12 months on:
- Preventing
- Identifying
- Treating
- Reporting child abuse, neglect, and exploitation
The FAD specialist must document this discussion in the foster or adoptive parents' case file in IMPACT.
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC DIVISION 3 §749.833
7122 Topics of Information Meetings
CPS September 2026
All information meetings must provide:
- DFPS philosophy, organizational structure, and policies.
- A description of the services and programs offered.
- Demographics of children in the local area who need placement.
- General information about the foster and adoption process.
- Basic requirements of foster and adoptive parents.
- An overview of the applicable rules found in the Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies.
- An opportunity for prospective foster and adoptive parents and their families to ask questions.
- DFPS's goal to recruit foster and adoptive parents for all children in care.
- Information about disproportionality and the need for targeted recruitment of foster and adoptive parents for African American children.
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must ensure that:
- All attendees have signed Form 2171 Information Meeting Sign-In Sheet.
- A copy of this sheet is placed in each foster or adoptive family's case file before the pre-service training starts.
Race, Color, or National Origin
When DFPS conducts a targeted recruitment for foster and adoptive parents for African American children, all interested persons should be encouraged, not just individuals of African American descent. FAD staff must ensure the use of race, color, and national origin (RCNO) in the placement process is prohibited, except in limited, individualized circumstances.
In those rare occasions where the RCNO of a child or a prospective foster or adoptive family may be considered, the decision to consider this must be consistent with federal law and mutually agreed upon by:
- The child's conservatorship specialist or SSCC equivalent
- The conservatorship specialist's supervisor or SSCC equivalent
- The FAD specialist for the family
- The FAD supervisor
A program director must approve the final decision.
See:
- 4115 Prohibited Considerations Based on Race, Color, or National Origin
- 6931.3 Race, Color, and National Origin
7123 Distributing and Assisting with Application
CPS September 2026
Distributing the Application Packet
At the end of each in-person information meeting, the Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must provide a packet with Form 2286 Foster Care and Adoption Parenting Application to attendees interested in pursuing verification to foster or approval to adopt through DFPS. The packet must also include the following:
- Form 2286bAdditional Household Information
- Form 2286c Residence History
- Form 4054c Background Check Statements (provide enough for everyone in the household 14 and older)
See Background Check Statement Instructions for details.
For meetings that are held virtually, application packets must be sent to participants who express the desire to pursue verification or approval through DFPS within two business days following the virtual meeting. Application packets may be sent either by US mail or by email and must include sufficient prepaid return envelopes to return all documents.
Assisting with Completing the Application Packet
The FAD specialist must encourage prospective foster or adoptive parents to complete the application before leaving the in-person information meeting, if they intend to work with DFPS as their child-placing agency (CPA). The FAD specialist must remain on-site and available to assist prospective applicants, as necessary.
The FAD specialist:
- Must collect completed applications and provide information to the applicants about the next step in the foster or adoption process.
- Must document the date of the information meeting that the applicants attended in the space provided at the top of the application.
- Informs participants who participate virtually, and who choose DFPS as their CPA, that applications must be returned within five business days of receipt of the application packet.
- Follows up with prospective applicants who did not return a packet on the sixth business day, following receipt of the application packet, to offer assistance with completion of the packet.
Prospective Parents Who Are Relative or Fictive Kin
Prospective parents may want to adopt or become foster parents to a specific child in DFPS managing conservatorship. This might occur if the prospective parents are the child's relatives or fictive kin (that is, they have a longstanding and significant relationship with the child or with the child's family). See the Services to Kinship Caregivers Resource Guide for definitions of fictive kin.
In this instance, the FAD specialist must ask the prospective parents to complete Form 2286r Foster Care and Adoption Kinship Application. For relatives and fictive kinship families, see the Foster Kinship Standards, Subchapter W.
7124 Processing the Application Packet Submitted by Prospective Foster or Adoptive Parents
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must review the Form 2286 Foster Care and Adoption Parenting Application packet for completeness within three business days of receiving the form from a prospective foster or adoptive parent.
If the application packet is complete, the FAD specialist must check the application to confirm that the prospective parents are interested in a child in DFPS conservatorship.
Prospective Parents Seek a Child in DFPS Conservatorship
If the prospective parents are interested in fostering or adopting a child in DFPS conservatorship, and they have completed and signed Form 4054c Background Check Statement, the FAD specialist must conduct:
- A name-based criminal history check with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
- A check in IMPACT to see if there are reports of child abuse and neglect.
If the results of the checks are clear, the FAD specialist must invite the prospective parents to the next available pre-service training session.
See 7400 Checking Criminal Records and Abuse and Neglect History.
Prospective Parents Do Not Seek a Child in DFPS Conservatorship
If the application shows that the family is not seeking to foster or adopt a child in DFPS conservatorship, the FAD specialist must inquire whether the applicants have considered adopting or becoming foster parents to a child in DFPS conservatorship.
If the applicants prefer not to foster or adopt a child in DFPS custody or DFPS conservatorship, the FAD specialist must:
- Refer them to private child-placing agencies.
- Close the family's application.
Application Is Incomplete
If the application is missing information, the FAD specialist must contact the applicants to:
- Explain what is needed.
- Provide a deadline for submission.
If the FAD specialist does not receive the missing information by the midpoint before the deadline (for example, after one week, when the deadline is two weeks), the specialist must contact the applicants to answer questions or help them complete the form.
If the family does not respond, the FAD specialist must make reasonable efforts to contact them, as defined by regional policy. If these efforts are unsuccessful, the FAD specialist must:
- Document the result in IMPACT.
- Close the application.
7200 Screening Applicants for Foster Care and Adoption
CPS September 2026
DFPS, as a child-placing agency (CPA), is subject to the same minimum standard rules that govern private CPAs.
DFPS policy for screening foster and adoptive applicants is based on the minimum standard rules for child-placing agencies in the Title 26 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 749, Subchapter M, Foster Homes: Screenings and Verifications and SUBCHAPTER P, §749.3203, Division 1: Verification of Foster-Adoptive Homes, and Subchapter S, Division 2: Adoptive Home Screening.
For relative and fictive kinship foster applicants, see TAC 26, Chapter 749, Subchapter W.
7210 Reasons for Screening Applicants for Foster Care and Adoption
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must ensure that every applicant to become a foster or adoptive parent, whether married or single, possesses the qualifications and abilities necessary to protect, care for, and nurture abused, neglected, or traumatized children.
Screening Prospective Foster Parents
The FAD specialist must screen prospective foster parents to ensure that they have the ability to:
- Meet a child's immediate and short-term needs for health, education, and social and emotional development, as identified in the child's service plan.
- Meet Licensing's minimum standards for agency foster family homes or kinship foster family homes.
- Become familiar with the DFPS foster care system.
- Comply with DFPS policies regarding children in foster care.
- Work collaboratively with DFPS as part of a professional team.
Screening Prospective Adoptive Parents
The FAD specialist must screen and evaluate persons applying to become adoptive parents to ensure that they are suitable to adopt a child or children, and can meet not only a child's or children’s short-term needs, but also the child's or children’s long-term need for a committed and supportive family.
DFPS Rules, 26 TAC Division 2 §749.3621
7220 Screening Reqirements for Prosptective Foster and Adoptive Parents
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must ensure that prospective foster and adoptive parents meet the basic screening requirements at the time of application.
DFPS Rules, 26 TAC Division 2 §745.605
Applicants must meet these basic requirements before they can continue for verification as foster parents or approval as adoptive parents.
The FAD specialist must not begin the screening process until he or she receives the following information on a prospective foster or adoptive family:
- An initial criminal background check (see 7441 Evaluating Criminal History Results).
- A check of IMPACT abuse and neglect history (see 7442 Evaluating DFPS and Out of State Abuse or Neglect History Results).
Additional Screening for Prospective Adoptive Families
For families who wish to adopt, the FAD specialist must also conduct an adoptive home screening. The FAD specialist must only begin a screening on a family that plans to live in the community long enough for the screening to be completed and for a placement to be made.
See 7512 Home Screenings.
7221 Household Members
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must evaluate the relationships of all persons living with a prospective foster or adoptive parent, regardless of age, during the foster or pre-adoptive home screening. The FAD specialist must assess each person's role with respect to a foster or adoptive child.
7222 Age and Finances
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must ensure all non-relative or non-fictive kin foster and adoptive parent applicants are:
- At least 21 years old.
- Financially stable.
The FAD specialist must ensure prospective foster parents who are relative or fictive kin are:
- At least 18 years old.
- Financially stable.
State law prohibits FAD from doing either of the following:
- Setting a maximum age for any prospective adoptive parent.
- Setting a maximum age differential between a child and any prospective adoptive parent.
FAD may consider the health and expected lifespan of each prospective adoptive parent when determining the best interest of a child.
Although there are no specific income requirements, the FAD specialist must ensure applicants have:
- Enough income to meet a child's basic material needs before reimbursement.
- The ability to manage their income.
The FAD specialist must evaluate income based on the applicant's ability to:
- Manage money, in both the past and present.
- Meet the family's financial needs.
- Meet the foster or adoptive child's additional financial needs.
The FAD specialist must assess and document the prospective foster parents who are Relative or Fictive Kin:
- Understanding of the current reimbursement process, if applicable.
- Financial status, and if they have or do not have reasonable access to sufficient resources to support the household and all children in care.
7223 Relationship Status
7223.1 Relationship Status of Prospective Foster Parents
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must evaluate prospective foster parents' relationship status according to DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1502.
If a couple lives together, only one person is required to apply and become verified as a foster parent. However, the FAD specialist must assess and verify both persons during the home screening process.
There is no minimum amount of time that a couple must be married or living together for the couple to be verified. However, during the couple's home screening, the FAD specialist must:
- Assess the stability of the couple's relationship.
- Discuss how fostering could affect the dynamics of the couple's relationship.
Prospective Foster Parents Who Are Relative or Fictive Kin
The FAD specialist must evaluate and document information about the current relationship status of the prospective relative or fictive kinship foster parent only. This includes interpersonal relationships, including marriages, common-law marriages, and other relationships between people who share or have shared a domestic life without being married, according to DFPS Rules, 26 TAC 749.4503(c).
FAD may verify only one spouse as a kinship foster parent if:
- The spouse FAD verifies will be the only one responsible for the day-to-day care of kinship foster children in the home.
- FAD determines that the spouses maintain separate residences.
A divorce decree is not required. A divorce waiver is not applicable. The FAD specialist must assess, evaluate, and determine that the prospective parent meets both requirements.
DFPS Rules, 26 TAC Division 2 §749.2447
DFPS Rules, 26 TAC Chapter 749, Subchapter W
7223.2 Relationship Status of Prospective Adoptive Parents
CPS September 2026
Although there is no minimum amount of time that a couple must be married to become approved as an adoptive parent, the Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must assess:
- The stability of the couple's relationship.
- The couple's reason for wanting to adopt.
Parents Who Wish to Adopt a Specific Child
The FAD specialist's assessment must include a review of the prospective parent's relationship with the child, if any, whether that relationship is familial or fictive, past or present. See the Services to Kinship Caregivers Resource Guide for definitions of fictive kin.
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC Division 2 §749.3623
7223.21 The Divorce Requirement for Adoptive Parents
CPS September 2026
If a prospective adoptive parent is separated from a spouse, he or she must not be approved as an adoptive parent until the divorce is final.
DFPS Rules, 40 TAC §700.1502(2)(B)(ii)(II)
7223.22 Requesting a Waiver of the Divorce Requirement for Adoptive Parents
CPS September 2026
The associate commissioner or designee may grant a waiver allowing an adoption by a prospective parent whose divorce is not final, if the adoption is in the child’s best interest, and two or more of the following conditions are met:
- The applicant has a preexisting relationship with the child.
- The applicant has a preexisting relationship with the child’s birth family.
- Placing the child with the applicant would allow the child to maintain a familial relationship with a sibling.
- The applicant can meet the child’s particular needs (current and long-term).
See the Foster and Adoptive Home (FAD) Resource Guide for the process of obtaining a waiver.
If a waiver is granted, the conservatorship specialist or Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) equivalent or attorney representing DFPS must inform the court that:
- DFPS determined that it is in the child’s best interest to be adopted by the prospective parent.
- DFPS granted a divorce waiver allowing the prospective parent to proceed with becoming approved to be an adoptive parent.
- The spouse of the prospective parent did not consent to the adoption.
7223.3 Single Applicants as Prospective Foster or Adoptive Parents
CPS September 2026
DFPS may place a child with an unmarried person based on the child's specific needs.
DFPS must evaluate single persons who apply to become foster care or adoptive parents based on the DFPS rule requirements published in the Texas Administrative Code, §700.1502.
7224 Physical and Mental Health
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must evaluate prospective foster and adoptive parents' physical and mental health during the home screening.
See the Foster and Adoptive Home (FAD)Resource Guide.
7225 Criminal History
CPS September 2026
Before an applicant can be verified or approved as a foster or adoptive parent, the Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must complete a criminal history background check on:
- The applicants.
- Any member of the applicant's household who is age 14 or older and is not under DFPS conservatorship.
See the FAD Background Check Resource Guide.
See 7400 Checking Criminal Records and Abuse and Neglect History.
7226 Citizenship
CPS September 2026
DFPS may only approve U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or other qualified aliens as foster or adoptive parents. For exceptions to this policy, see 7226.2 The Citizenship Requirement for Adoptive Parents.
For the definition of "Qualified Alien," see 8 U.S.C. §1641(b).
7226.1 The Citizen Requirement for Foster Parents
CPS September 2026
DFPS must verify that foster parents are:
- U.S. citizens
- Permanent residents
- Qualified aliens—see 8 U.S. Code §1641(b)
DFPS does not verify prospective foster parents who do not have, or cannot provide proof of, the required citizenship or immigration status.
In the case of a married couple, DFPS must verify that both applicants meet the citizenship requirement.
Waivers for Foster Parents Prohibited
DFPS cannot provide waivers or exemptions for prospective foster parents who do not have, or cannot provide proof of, the required citizenship or immigration status. DFPS cannot provide waivers or exemptions for prospective foster parents who are married, but only one person holds the required citizenship or immigration status.
7226.2 The Ctizenship Requirment for Foster Parents
CPS September 2026
DFPS must verify that adoptive parents are one of the following:
- U.S. citizens
- Permanent residents
- Qualified aliens
Waivers for Adoptive Parents
The DFPS state office may grant a waiver for certain individuals who do not have the required residency status and who are seeking to adopt.
See “Waiving the Citizenship Requirement for Adoptive Parents” in the Foster and Adoptive Home (FAD) Resource Guide.
7226.3 Verifying a Prospective Parent's Citizenship or Immigration Status
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must verify an applicant's citizenship or immigration status before approving the applicant as a foster or adoptive parent.
The FAD specialist must document proof of an applicant's citizenship or immigration status by obtaining a copy of one or more of the following documents:
- U.S. certificate of birth
- Data match from the Bureau of Vital Statistics (BVS)
- Certificate of Naturalization or Replacement Certificate of Naturalization (UCSIS Form N-550 or N-570)
- Certificate of Citizenship or Replacement Certificate of Citizenship (UCSIS Form N-560 or N-561)
- Valid or expired U.S. passport
- Permanent Resident Card (UCSIS Form I-551), also known as an alien registration receipt card or green card
The FAD specialist must:
- Copy any qualifying documents provided by an applicant (copying both the front and back, if applicable); and
- Keep the copies in the family's case file.
If an applicant cannot provide any of the documents listed above, the FAD specialist may allow the person to prove citizenship status through other means. See Appendix 1000-2: Additional Acceptable U.S. Citizenship Verification Documents.
If there are no qualifying documents available to prove U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, the FAD specialist determines, with assistance from a DFPS regional attorney, whether the applicant qualifies under another type of alien status, such as persons admitted as refugees or granted asylum.
If the FAD specialist cannot determine whether an applicant qualifies under another type of alien status, the applicant must provide some other form of immigration-related documentation to verify his or her citizenship or immigration status.
7226.4 Requesting a Citizenship Waiver for Adoptive Parents
CPS September 2026
DFPS may only grant a waiver to the citizenship requirement to a relative or fictive kin of a child in DFPS conservatorship, who seeks to adopt that child but does not hold the required citizenship or immigration status or cannot provide proof of his or her status.
DFPS Rules, 40 TAC, Subchapter O §700.1502(N)
To waive the citizenship requirement for a prospective adoptive parent, FAD staff must follow the process outlined in the Foster and Adoptive Home (FAD) Resource Guide, under Requirements for Requesting a Citizenship Waiver for Adoptive Parents.
7227 Fertility
CPS September 2026
During the adoptive home screening process, the FAD specialist must consider the applicant's fertility (either a couple or a single parent).
If the couple or parent is infertile, the FAD specialist must assess the couple's or parent's:
- Feelings about being infertile; and
- Ability to be a parent to a child that is not the couple's or parent's biologically.
7228 Physical Discipline
CPS September 2026
Physical discipline must not be used on any child in DFPS conservatorship.
The FAD specialist must evaluate prospective foster and adoptive parents based on their willingness and ability to:
- Recognize and respect differences in children, especially those who have been abused or neglected;
- Employ methods of discipline that suit each child's particular needs and circumstances; and
- Employ methods of discipline that conform to the policies in Residential Child Care Regulation’s minimum standard rules for child-placing agencies. See 26 TAC, Chapter 749, Subchapter K, Division 6, and §749.1953.
See 26 TAC, Division 6, 749.1951 for additional DFPS rules on discipline.
See Appendix 6000-2: DFPS Discipline Policy.
7229 Religion
CPS September 2026
There are no specific religious requirements for prospective foster and adoptive parents; however, the FAD specialist must evaluate foster and adoptive applicants' willingness to:
- Respect and encourage a child's own religious affiliation;
- Provide a child with the opportunity for religious, spiritual, and ethical development, if the child desires it; and
- Protect a child's health, even if the parents' religious beliefs prohibit certain medical treatment.
DFPS makes every effort to accommodate the child and the birth family's wishes about religious practices, within the limits of the foster parent's situation, resources, and abilities.
A child is not required to participate in the foster parent's particular religious practices or activities.
7300 Training Foster and Adoptive Applicants
7310 Preservice Training of Foster and Adoptive Homes
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist ensures that all caregivers, except those designated as relative, kinship foster, or adopt only, complete a minimum of 19 hours of competency-based, preservice training before being verified to foster or approved to adopt. The Texas National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC) is used for DFPS foster and adoptive home applicants. This curriculum meets a portion of the preservice training requirements in the Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies. Only this approved curriculum may be used.
DFPS may require more than 19 hours of preservice training in the treatment of children with the following issues:
- Complex medical needs
- Sexual victimization
- Sexual aggression
- Emotional disorders
- Intellectual or developmental disabilities
- Human trafficking victimization
- Any other situation as determined by DFPS
Prospective Foster Parents Who Are Relative or Fictive Kin
The FAD specialist must cover the following topics prior to the verification of a kinship foster home:
- An overview of the relevant and applicable rules of Chapter 749, to include Subchapter W.
- FAD’s philosophy, organizational structure, and policies, as well as a description of services and programs offered by FAD.
- A review of the reasonable and prudent parent standard, including how the kinship caregivers will use the standard to ensure safety in the kinship foster home (Normalcy Training).
- A review of the form agreements between FAD and kinship foster parents while the verification is in effect:
- Form 2209 Foster Parent Agreement
- Form 2410 Foster Care and Adoption Discipline Acknowledgement
- Form 2288 Disaster Plan for DFPS Foster/Adoptive & Kinship Homes
- Form 2166 Foster and Adoption Minimum Standards and Policy Acknowledgement
- A review of Form 2907 Statement of Foster Parent and Child-Placing Agency Rights and Responsibilities.
In addition to the pre-verification training, relative, or fictive kinship, prospective foster parents must complete the following trainings prior to verification:
- Pediatric CPR and first aid by one relative or fictive kinship caregiver.
- Safe Sleep training by one relative or fictive kinship caregiver who care for children younger than two years of age.
- Medical Consent Training by both relative and fictive kinship caregivers.
Relative and fictive kinship foster parents must complete the following trainings within 60 days after FAD verifies the kinship foster home:
- Topics appropriate to the needs of children for whom the kinship caregiver will be providing care
- Trauma-informed care
- Reporting suspected abuse or neglect of a child
- Preventing and recognizing sexual abuse and victimization of youth in foster care
- Disaster training
- Serious incident reporting
- Communicable diseases training
- Emergency behavior intervention training
Relative and fictive kinship foster parents must complete the following trainings within 90 days after FAD verifies the kinship foster home:
- CPR and first aid by any other kinship caregivers, including a second relative or fictive kinship caregiver.
- Safe Sleep by any other kinship caregivers, including a second relative or fictive kinship caregiver who care for children younger than two years of age.
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC, Division 4 §749.863
26 TAC, Chapter 749, Subchapter W
7311 Preservice Training Sessions
CPS September 2026
Preferably, a team consisting of a Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist and a foster or adoptive parent presents the Texas National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC) training to foster and adoptive home applicants, either in a group setting or one-on-one.
Preservice training provides families with a base of knowledge about caring for children in DFPS managing conservatorship, and it must do the following:
- Ensure nonrelative or non-fictive kin foster and adoptive parents meet all requirements as specified in the Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 749, Subchapter F, Training and Professional Development.
- Ensure relative or fictive kin foster parents meet all requirements as specified in 26 TAC, Chapter 749, Subchapter W, §749.4427. The FAD specialist utilizes the NTDC training curriculum specific to the following sessions:
- Sessions 6(1)–6(3) for behavior intervention
- Session 7 for:
- Safe sleep
- Normalcy training
- Disaster training
- Serious incident reporting
- Recognizing and reporting abuse and neglect
- Suicide prevention and intervention
- Communicable diseases
- Provide information about the prospective adoptive parents’ potential eligibility for a federal adoption tax credit.
7312 When Prospective Parents Complete Training and Then Withdraw
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must assess whether a prospective foster or adoptive parent must retake the preservice training, if the prospective parent:
- Attends preservice training (see 7311 Preservice Training Sessions).
- Withdraws from the verification or approval process.
- Returns within 12 months requesting verification or approval.
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC 749.867
7313 When Prospective Parents Complete Training, Are Approved, and Then Withdraw
CPS September 2026
When the prospective foster or adoptive parent is verified or approved but has withdrawn from foster care or adoption for more than 12 months, the Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must assess whether the prospective foster or adoptive parent must retake the preservice training.
7320 Training in CPR and First Aid
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must ensure that applicable nonrelative or fictive kin foster parents, or other household caregivers, if applicable, are certified in both of the following, before being the only caregiver responsible for a child in DFPS conservatorship:
- Pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Pediatric first aid, including training on rescue breathing and choking
A caregiver must obtain first aid or CPR certification only through the providers specified in Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC, Division 6, §749.911.
After the foster parent completes training, the FAD specialist must obtain proof of certification from the foster parent.
The FAD specialist may accept proof in the form of one of the following:
- A certificate, letter, or a statement of successful completion, signed and dated by the training source.
- A photocopy of the CPR and first aid card, front and back.
The FAD specialist must ensure each foster parent renews his or her first aid or CPR training, as required, to maintain a current certification.
Relative or Fictive Kin Foster Parents
The FAD specialist must ensure that one relative or fictive kinship foster parent is certified in the following, before verification, and the second relative or fictive kinship foster parent, or other applicable household relative or fictive kinship caregivers , if applicable, complete both of the following certifications 90 days after verification:
- Pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Pediatric first aid, including training on rescue breathing and choking
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC, Chapter 749, Division 6, Subchapter F
26 TAC, Chapter 749, Subchapter W
7330 Preventing and Recognizing Youth Sexual Abuse Training
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist ensures that all foster and adoptive parents are trained to recognize and report sexual abuse, including abuse of a child by another child.
This requirement is met through the Preventing and Recognizing Sexual Abuse and Victimization of Youth in Foster Care curriculum located on the DFPS Caregiver Training webpage.
A prospective foster or adoptive parent is required to complete this training before he or she can do any of the following:
- Become verified as a foster parent.
- Become approved as an adoptive parent.
- Be a caregiver for over 72 hours for a child in DFPS conservatorship.
The FAD specialist makes sure each verified foster parent or approved adoptive parent completes this training again at the following times:
- Within 12 months after the date when the parent completed the initial training, before becoming verified for foster care or approved for adoption.
- During each subsequent 12-month period thereafter.
The family’s case record is required to contain current documentation of completion of this training for each verified, approved, or prospective foster or adoptive parent. The FAD supervisor reviews the documentation for each of these people for compliance at the following times:
- Before verification of a new foster home.
- Before approval of a new adoptive home.
- During each subsequent 12-month training period (as described above), after the home was verified or approved.
Prospective Foster Parents Who Are Relative or Fictive Kin
Prospective relative or fictive kinship foster parents must complete the Preventing and Recognizing Sexual Abuse and Victimization of Youth in Foster Care training within 60 days after the verification of a kinship foster home and meet all requirements as described in this policy.
7400 Checking Criminal Records and Abuse and Neglect History
7410 Determine Need for Background Check
7411 General Requirements for Background Checks
CPS September 2026
Federal law, DFPS, and Residential Child Care Regulation’s minimum standards rules for child-placing agencies require that, before receiving verification to foster or approval to adopt, certain persons must submit to both of the name-based checks of their:
- Criminal history
- DFPS abuse or neglect history
These persons may also be required to submit to one or more of the following:
- Fingerprint-based criminal history checks
- Checks of another state's abuse and neglect registry (see 7413 Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Abuse or Neglect History Checks)
- Checks of local law enforcement records
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must consult the tables in 7411.1 Required Background Check Tables to determine which individuals living or present in the home are subject to background checks, and which type of check an individual is subject to.
7412 Background Check Statement Form 4054
CPS September 2026
Before conducting any of the background checks, the Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must obtain a completed and signed Form 4054c Background Check Statement from each subject of a background check. See Background Check Statement Instructions for details.
Immediately upon receiving the signed and completed Background Check Statement, the FAD specialist must ensure that all available information on each person submitting the form is entered completely and correctly on the Person Detail page for each person in IMPACT. After verifying that all available information is accurately documented, the FAD specialist must request both of the following:
- Criminal history record information (CHRI) from DPS or the FBI.
- DFPS abuse and neglect history information from IMPACT.
7413 Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Abuse or Neglect History Checks
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must request an out-of-state central registry check for:
- A person who applies to become a foster or adoptive parent and who lived outside of Texas at any time in the five years before submitting the application.
- Any adult who lives in the home of the applicant, and who lived outside of Texas at any time in the five years before the applicant submitted the application.
The FAD specialist is not required to check abuse and neglect records in foreign countries. However, the FAD specialist must request a check of abuse and neglect registries in the U.S. territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
If a child welfare agency in another state or U.S. territory refuses to release the information to the FAD specialist, the FAD specialist works with the applicant to have the individual obtain his or her own results. If the other state or territory does not have an abuse and neglect registry, the FAD specialist must file a letter from that state or territory in the case record saying that it has no such registry before verifying or approving the individual.
DFPS Rules, 26 TAC, Division 2, §745.613
7420 Submitting Checks
7421 Ensuring Checks Are Submitted Timely
7421.1 Time Frames for Initial Checks
CPS September 2026
A person's initial background check must be submitted and received according to specific time frames. See the table in the Foster and Adoptive Home Background Checks Resource Guide, under Time Frames for Initial Checks.
7421.2 Time Frames for Checks Required before Consummating an Adoption
CPS September 2026
While Residential Child Care Regulation’s minimum rules for child-placing agencies require recurring checks to be conducted every 24 months, criminal history record checks for adoptive parents must be current within 12 months of a petition for adoption.
7422 Releasing or Disclosing DPS and FBI Criminal History Records Information (CHRI)
CPS September 2026
DFPS must follow Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) laws and rules when it comes to releasing criminal history records information (CHRI).
House Bill (H.B.) 4123, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023, amended Government Code 411.114 concerning when CHRI may be disclosed or released. Additionally, the FBI has strict limitations and guidelines on the release or disclosure of FBI CHRI. The procedure to follow is: Do not release or disclose FBI CHRI to any person or entity, except the person who is the subject of the check. However, there are certain circumstances when DPS criminal history can only be released, which are outlined in 1521 Releasing of a Copy of the DPS Criminal Records Check.
See the Releasing or Disclosing DPS or FBI CHRI handout for more information.
7430 Requesting information from Law Enforcement
7431 Service Call Information from Law Enforccement
CPS September 2026
Minimum standards and state law regarding foster home screenings require that DFPS obtain service call information from the appropriate law enforcement agency for the prospective foster parent's addresses for the past two years.
Texas Human Resources Code §42.0449
Texas Human Resources Code §42.0561
26 TAC, Division 2, §749.2445(d)
26 TAC, Division 2, §749.2447(7)
Though the minimum standards apply this requirement only to foster home screenings, Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) policy applies it to both foster and adoptive home screenings.
The FAD specialist must:
- Have the foster or adoptive applicants complete Form 2954 Disclosure of Family Violence Calls and Other Law Enforcement Service Calls Family Violence Calls Disclosure for Foster and Adoptive Applicants.
- Ask the foster or adoptive applicants whether any law enforcement agency responded to any of their residences in the past two years, regardless of whether results are found, or whether the applicant discloses any calls or incidents on Form 2954. If so:
- Request background information from each law enforcement agency that responded.
- Discuss with the applicants each incident and any additional background information.
- Obtain service call information for the foster or adoptive applicants’ addresses for the past two years and discuss with the applicants any results and the facts surrounding the incident.
- Address and document information obtained from law enforcement and any discussion with the applicants in the foster or adoptive home screening;
- Document results in the home record.
- Consider whether to move forward with the application in accordance with 7440 Evaluating Background Check Results and Service Call Information.
Reporting Service Call Information to RCCR
Even if the application will not move forward and the home screening will not be completed, the FAD specialist must report any domestic violence information to Residential Child Care Regulations.
7440 Evaluating Background Check Results and Service Call Information
CPS September 2026
Background check results are not printed; exceptions are provided in the Records Management Group Handbook, 2540 Handling Criminal History Record Information. Criminal history record information (CHRI) must not be documented in the home screening. The following information must not be released, and the dates and locations thereof should not be mentioned in the home screening:
- Arrests
- Convictions
- Police
- Jail
- Court
- Prison
- Charges
- Felonies
- Misdemeanors
- Probation
- Parole
Discussing and assessing the individual’s reason and rationale behind an incident, how it was resolved, and the person’s current state of being, as reported by the individual, without mentioning CHRI, is key. In lieu of copying and pasting CHRI results in a contact narrative in IMPACT or in the home screening, it is advisable to document for each person: DFPS/FAD has reviewed, assessed, and discussed all background checks as required by minimum standards 749.2447(7) and 749.23623(5). The background check results are documented and located in IMPACT. The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must also provide a recommendation if the person will either meet or not meet licensing standards for fostering or adopting a child.
Documentation related to CHRI should be regarding life experiences and relationships. It should be documented elsewhere in a home study, not under the background check section of a home study. The FAD specialist must follow this procedure when addressing and documenting results in the home screening. See the Foster and Adoptive Home Background Checks Resource Guide for more detailed direction on handling CHRI in the home screening.
DFPS Rules, 26 TAC, Division 2, 749.2447
DFPS Rules, 26 TAC, Division 2, 749.3623
The FAD specialist must not document any criminal history check results in IMPACT, other than in the narrative page found after clicking the narrative button on the Criminal History Check Results page, for each respective background check.
If no matches are received on any individuals in a prospective foster or adoptive home, the FAD specialist continues with the verification or approval process.
If matches are received on any individuals in a prospective foster or adoptive home, the FAD specialist must follow the processes described in the Foster and Adoptive Home Background Checks Resource Guide, depending on whether the results involve criminal history or DFPS abuse or neglect history.
If FAD receives new background check information about a person connected to a home already verified or approved (including arrests and convictions that have not yet been evaluated, abuse or neglect investigations, and so forth), the FAD specialist must follow 7443 New Background Check Results on a Verified or Approved Home.
7441 Evaluating Criminal History Results
CPS September 2026
Once the Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist has the results of a person's criminal history check, the FAD specialist must evaluate the criminal history results as outlined in the Foster and Adoptive Home Background Checks Resource Guide, under Criminal History.
7442 Evaluating DFPS and Out os State Abuse or Neglect History Results
CPS September 2026
Once the FAD specialist has the results of a person's DFPS abuse or neglect history checks or out-of-state abuse or neglect history checks (if required), the FAD specialist must evaluate the results as outlined in the Foster and Adoptive Home Background Checks Resource Guide under Abuse and Neglect History Checks.
7443 New Background Check Results on a Verified or Approved Home
CPS October 2026
If a home is already verified or approved and the Foster and Adoptive Home (FAD) specialist receives new information about criminal or abuse and neglect history, the FAD specialist must consult with the program administrator or designee and take the following actions, as applicable:
- If the person is arrested or charged with a crime, the FAD specialist must report the information to Residential Child Care Regulation (RCCR), a division of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
- If the offense for which the person is arrested or charged would be a bar to being present, either permanently or temporarily pending the outcome of a risk evaluation, the person cannot be present where children are in care unless one of the following occurs:
- The charge is dismissed, the prosecutor rejects the charge, the person has been acquitted, etc.
- A risk evaluation is completed and allows the person to be present.
- If the FAD specialist becomes aware of a criminal conviction or finding of abuse or neglect that was not previously considered, the FAD specialist must report the information to RCCR. The person with the finding may be barred from being present in the home, or RCCR may place conditions on the person’s presence.
- If a person in the home who is required to undergo background checks becomes the subject of an abuse or neglect investigation, the FAD specialist must notify RCCR immediately. The person may remain present unless RCCR determines that the person poses an immediate threat or danger to the children’s health or safety.
RCCR, through the DFPS Background Checks team or its designee, makes the ultimate decision about the person’s presence or conditions on the person’s presence in the verified or approved home.
7450 Risk Evaluations
CPS September 2026
When requesting a risk evaluation, the Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must complete Form 2974C CPS Request for Risk Evaluation Based on Past Criminal History or Central Registry Findings for Foster/Adoptive Homes. The FAD specialist must complete the form according to the form instructions and attach all required documentation. See the Foster and Adoptive Home Background Checks Resource Guide for more information.
7451 Conduct with Children During Risk Evaluations
CPS September 2026
DFPS may prohibit individuals with a criminal history or a history of abuse or neglect from being present in a home while children are in care, pending the outcome of a risk evaluation.
For further guidance, see DFPS Rules, 26 TAC, Chapter 745, Subchapter F or contact the Centralized Background Check Unit (CBCU).
7452 When a Risk Evaluation Is Not Required
CPS September 2026
A risk evaluation is not necessary for criminal history or abuse and neglect history at the time of a later background check, if all of the following conditions are met:
- A risk evaluation was previously requested for the same finding of abuse or neglect or criminal conviction, and DFPS approved the risk evaluation.
- A more recent criminal history check or DFPS abuse or neglect history check does not reveal a new finding or criminal conviction.
- The circumstances of the person's contact with children in the home are the same as when the previous risk evaluation was completed.
7460 Information Related to Specific Types of Checks
7461 Incorrect Criminal History Information
CPS September 2026
Accuracy of an individual's criminal history record information (CHRI) is vital to the foster and adoption application processes. DFPS assumes that information returned during the course of a fingerprint-based or name-based check is correct.
If the subject of the criminal history record check believes that information contained in his or her criminal history record is incomplete or inaccurate, he or she may contest the results with the appropriate federal or state criminal justice agency.
Because CHRI is confidential, only the subject of the criminal history may contest the results. To the extent possible, the FAD specialist assists the individual through the process of contesting inaccurate or incomplete criminal history results.
7461.1 Texas Department of Public Safety
CPS September 2026
The Texas Department of Public Safety's Error Resolution Unit is responsible for updating and evaluating possible errors in criminal history records. The process for contacting the Error Resolution Unit is located on the Texas Department of Public Safety's Criminal History Error Resolution web page.
7461.2 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
CPS September 2026
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducts either name- or fingerprint-based checks of their National Crime Database. These checks compile information submitted to the FBI by various federal and state criminal justice agencies. If an individual believes that the information contained in his or her name- or fingerprint- based check is incomplete or inaccurate, the individual may contest the results by one of the following:
- Contacting the criminal justice agency that reported the information to the FBI.
- Submitting a written request to:
FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division
Attention: Crime History Analysis Team 1
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306
Additional information about this process is located on the FBI website.
7500 Home and Family Assessment
CPS September 2026
If a prospective foster or adoptive family selects DFPS as their child-placing agency (CPA), the Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must determine whether to do one of the following:
- Verify the prospective foster parent.
- Approve the prospective adoptive parent.
To make an initial assessment of the prospective parents, their family, and their home, the FAD specialist must visit the home:
- Before the prospective parents complete preservice training.
- Before the FAD specialist begins a home screening.
Completing the Home Visit
For a detailed list of tasks to complete during the home visit, see Form 2176 Home and Family Assessment Protocol.
During the assessment, the FAD specialist must discuss with the prospective parents any obvious conflicts to minimum standards that the FAD specialist observes in the home.
After the visit, the FAD specialist must consult with the FAD supervisor to address any concerns about the family and any minimum standard issues.
The FAD specialist documents the outcome of this staffing in IMPACT.
7510 If an Application to Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent is Denied
CPS September 2026
If the Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist and supervisor determine that an application to become foster or adoptive parents must be denied, the FAD specialist must:
- Discuss the reasons for the denial with the applicants.
- Inform the applicants, orally and in writing, that they have the right to request an unbiased administrative review of the denial.
See 7740 Administrative Review.
DFPS Rules, 26 TAC, Division 8, §749.423
DFPS Rules, 26 TAC, Division 8, §749.425
DFPS Rules, 26 TAC, Division 1, §745.8805
If appropriate, the FAD specialist may allow denied applicants to continue with the preservice training to gain more knowledge about the services provided and children served by DFPS.
7511 Documentation for Verifying and Approving Homes
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must ensure that a foster or adoptive home's case record contains the appropriate forms and documentation listed in the following sections:
- 7511.1 Documents Required Before Verifying or Approving Any Prospective Parent
- 7511.2 Documents Required Before Verifying Prospective Foster Parents or Approving Prospective Foster and Adoptive Parents
- 7511.3 Documents Required Before Approving Prospective Adoptive Parents
7511.1 Documents Required before Verifying or Approving Any Propective Parent
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must ensure all items on the 2217a Required Documentation for CPS Foster or Foster/Adoptive Home form or the 2217b Required Documentation for CPS Adopt Only Homes form are in the home record before a prospective parent is verified or approved.
Prospective Foster Parents Who Are Relative and Fictive Kin
The FAD specialist must ensure all items on Form 2217k Required Documentation for CPS Relative or Fictive Kinship Foster Homes are in the kinship home record. Certain documentation and training must be completed prior to verification, and others after verification. See Form 2217k Required Documentation for CPS Relative or Fictive Kinship Foster Homes for more details.
7511.2 Doucments Required before Veritying Prospective Foster Parents or Approving Prospective Foster and Adoptive Parents
CPS September 2026
In addition to the documentation listed in 7511.1 Documents Required before Verifying or Approving Any Prospective Parent, the Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must obtain the following documents before verifying and approving a nonrelative or non-fictive kin prospective foster or adoptive parent:
- Proof of a college or high school diploma (including a GED or the results of an approved DFPS equivalency exam)
- Results of a tuberculosis (TB) test taken within 30 days before or after verification, for all household members over the age of one
- Completed Form 2209 Foster Parent Agreement
- Completed Form 3001 Statement of Rights and Responsibilities of Foster Parent and Child-Placing Agencies, signed by the foster parents
- CPR and first aid training certificates
- Water safety training certificate, if applicable
- Proof of passing a fire inspection
- Proof of passing a health inspection
Prospective Foster Parents Who Are Relative or Fictive Kin
In addition to the documentation listed in 7511.1 Documents Required before Verifying or Approving Any Prospective Parent, documents required before and after verifying a prospective relative or fictive kinship foster parent, the FAD specialist must obtain the following completed documents from the prospective parents:
- Form 2209 Foster Parent Agreement
- Form 2907 RCCR Statement of Foster Parent, Kinship Foster Parent and Child-Placing Agency Rights and Responsibilities
- CPR and first aid training certificates:
- One kinship foster parent must be certified in pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR, before the home’s verification.
- Other kinship caregivers, including a second foster parent, must be certified in first aid and CPR within 90 days after the home’s verification.
- Proof of passing a fire inspection
- Proof of passing a health inspection
Proof of a college or high school diploma is not a required document. The basic competency of each prospective parent is assessed and documented in the kinship foster home screening.
See 7512 Home Screenings for more information.
7511.3 Documents Required before Approving Prospective Adoptive Parents
CPS September 2026
In addition to the documents listed in 7511.1 Documents Required before Verifying or Approving Any Prospective Parent, the Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must complete the following before approving a prospective adoptive parent:
- Form 3006 Fire Safety Checklist for Adoptive Homes
- HHSC Form 4004 Environmental Health Checklist. After clicking the link to the form, staff must follow the directions to paste the form to the desktop, and then open it in Adobe Acrobat.
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC, Division 3, §749.3663
7512 Home Screenings
CPS September 2026
Before verifying or approving a prospective foster or adoptive parent, the Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must conduct a home screening. The screening assesses the applicant's suitability to provide care and thoroughly evaluates any potential or actual risk of harm.
The FAD specialist or a designated contractor must conduct the screening using Form 2191 Foster and/or Adoption Home Screening.
After completing the screening, the FAD specialist or contractor must submit the template to the FAD supervisor for review and approval.
The FAD supervisor must review and approve the home screening form no later than 10 working days from the date he or she receives it. Additionally, child placement management staff (CPMS) must review and approve home screenings before final verification or approval.
Under Definitions, for the definition of child placement management staff (CPMS), see the Foster and Adoptive Home (FAD) Resource Guide.
Home screenings must contain all information required by Licensing's Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies (CPAs).
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC, Division 2 §749.2447
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC, Division 2 §749.3623
During the home screening process, FAD staff make an initial assessment of each home to determine the number, ages, genders, and needs of children who may be placed in that home. The family's input is also a factor when making this decision.
The initial determination about the numbers, ages, genders, and needs of children who may be placed in a home may change over time as a family gains experience with different children with different needs.
Prospective Foster Parents Who Are Relative or Fictive Kin
Before verifying a prospective foster home, the FAD specialist must ensure the family has an approved home screening. FAD, as a CPA, may do one of the following:
- Complete the home screening using Form 2191 Foster and/or Adoptive Home Screening.
- Use an approved Kinship Home Assessment obtained from DFPS Kinship.
If FAD utilizes an approved Kinship Home Assessment, FAD is responsible for ensuring it meets the requirements of 26 TAC, Chapter 749, Subchapter W, Division 6. FAD must address and complete an addendum to the Kinship Home Assessment for any requirements not met or any time there is a major life change in the kinship foster family.
The child placement management staff must review the completed home screening or home screening addendum for approval in accordance with the requirements in Subchapter W.
7512.1 Home Screening Interviews
CPS September 2026
Interviews for Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) screenings must, at a minimum, include all of the following:
- One individual interview with each prospective parent.
- One individual interview with each child, three years old or older, who is living in the home either full- or part-time. This includes the following:
- Adult children attending college who are home for the weekends, holidays, or vacations.
- Children who reside in other living arrangements, such as with a custodial parent or in a boarding school.
- One individual interview with each adult household member who lives with the family full- or part-time.
- One joint interview with the prospective foster or adoptive parents.
- One family group interview with all members of the household.
- One interview with each of the prospective foster or adoptive parents’ children 12 years old or older, including adult children who are not living in the home, excluding relative or fictive kinship foster parents’ children, 12 years old or older, not living in the home. (This interview can be conducted either by telephone, in person, or by letter.)
The FAD specialist must also visit the home at least once when all members of the household are present.
The FAD specialist must document all required interviews. Documentation must include all of the following:
- The date and method used to contact each person.
- The date of each interview.
- A listing of who was present at each interview.
- The interviewee’s relationship to the prospective foster or adoptive parents.
- A summary of each interview.
The FAD specialist makes diligent efforts to locate all adult children, including, but not limited to doing the following:
- Searching IMPACT.
- Using Google or another search engine to perform an online search for the adult child’s name.
- Sending letters (both regular mail and certified) to last known addresses.
- Contacting last known phone numbers (multiple attempts on varying days and times of the day).
- Searching social media (Facebook and so on).
- Talking to other relatives, including siblings, about the adult child’s whereabouts.
- Using tips from the Finding Families Resource Guide.
- Contacting a regional special investigator for help.
- Searching county jail records online, or calling the county jail to ask what address the person was released to.
- Doing the following, if the adult child is in prison:
- Searching the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facilities, using the TDCJ Inmate Information Search.
- Searching the internet for “inmate locator” and the state name for facilities outside of Texas.
- Contacting the prison chaplain to arrange a phone call.
- Mailing Form 2195 FAD Adult Child Reference Letter to the adult child in jail or prison. Sending it certified mail to ensure it is received, and including a postage paid return envelope.
If a FAD specialist uses all search methods above and is unsuccessful in contacting the adult child, the FAD specialist may omit the interview with the adult child. The FAD specialist must document the diligent efforts to locate the adult child in the home screening.
7512.11 Obtaining References during Home Screenings
CPS September 2026
References enhance the assessment of prospective foster or adoptive families. Information from individuals that have a long acquaintance with prospective foster and adoptive parents is important when assessing an individual's suitability to provide foster or adoptive care.
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must obtain five references for each prospective foster and adoptive family. Two references must be from relatives of the family (not counting adult children) and three from nonrelatives. The FAD specialist may obtain references by telephone or email, or by providing Form 2165 FAD Reference to persons named as references.
Prospective Foster Parents Who Are Relative or Fictive Kin
Relative and nonrelative references are not a requirement for relative or fictive kinship prospective foster parents.
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC, Division 2, §749.2449
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC, Division 2, §749.3625
7512.2 Updating the Home Screening
7512.21 Updating Foster Home Screenings
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must update a nonrelative or non-fictive kin foster home screening or a relative or fictive kinship foster home screening if there is a major life change in the foster family, as described in Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies:
- 26 TAC, Chapter 749, Subchapter N, §749.2805 for nonrelative or non-fictive kin foster homes
- 26 TAC, Chapter 749, Subchapter W, §749.4503(b) for relative or fictive kinship foster homes
The FAD specialist may update a foster home screening or kinship foster home screening using an addendum. When updating a foster home screening or kinship foster home screening because of a major life change in the foster family, the FAD specialist must:
- Immediately upon notification, assess the appropriateness of any current placement of children in the foster home.
- Complete the update within 30 days of being notified of the major life change.
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC, Division 2, §749.2453
7512.22 Updating Adoptive Home Screenings
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must update an adoptive home screening every 12 months and after a major life change in the adoptive family. The update must include a review and update of each required category of information in an adoptive screening. It must also include documentation of at least one visit to the adoptive home when all household members are present. The visit to the home must occur within the 90-day period before child placement management staff (CPMS) approves the update.
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC, Division 2, §749.3633
Subsequent Adoptions
If an adoptive family wishes to pursue a subsequent adoption, the FAD specialist must complete an update to the original home screening to reflect the new adoption within 30 days of the adoption consummation.
7512.3 Documenting Home Screenings
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must document in IMPACT that a family's home screening was completed. The FAD specialist refers, in IMPACT, to the family's external case file for a hard copy of the home screening. The FAD specialist must maintain the completed and signed hard copy of the home screening within the case file.
7512.4 Waivers and Variances
CPS September 2026
A waiver can be requested if the economic impact of complying with a minimum standard is great enough to make compliance impractical.
A variance can be requested if the family is able to meet the purpose of a minimum standard in a different way.
DFPS Rules, 26 TAC, Subchapter J, §745.8301
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist may submit waiver and variance requests to Residential Child Care Regulation (RCCR) on behalf of all foster and adoptive home applicants and verified or approved homes (related, unrelated, and fictive kin).
The FAD specialist submits waiver and variance requests for relative and fictive kin caregivers before verification.
RCCR reviews and processes each waiver or variance request on a case-by-case basis. Waivers and variances cannot be granted if child safety will be negatively impacted.
RCCR's authority to grant waivers and variances is limited to minimum standards and does not extend to RCCR's general rules in 26 TAC Chapter 745. For example, RCCR may grant a variance request for the minimum standard governing bedroom space requirements if child safety is not negatively impacted; however, RCCR will not consider a waiver or variance request on background check rules, because those rules are in Chapter 745, over which RCCR does not have authority. RCCR cannot grant any waiver or variance that conflicts with a requirement in state statute.
Waivers and variances often come with conditions.
DFPS Rules, 26 TAC, Subchapter J, §745.8311
RCCR can amend or revoke any waiver or variance that has been granted if:
- It presents risk to children.
- The circumstances that supported it have changed.
- Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) or the home failed to meet the conditions.
- RCCR and FAD agree to an alternative time limit or conditions.
DFPS Rules, 26 TAC, Subchapter J, §745.8319
7512.41 Requesting a Waiver or Variance
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must submit all waiver and variance requests for all applicants and verified or approved homes through IMPACT.
The following steps are required to request the waiver or variance through IMPACT:
- The FAD supervisor requests the waiver or variance be approved (when appropriate) and forwards the request to the FAD program director.
- The FAD program director signs off on the request for the waiver or variance, and forwards the request through the Childcare Licensing Automation System (CLASS).
- CLASS then forwards the request to the Residential Child Care Regulation (RCCR) staff assigned to regulate the CPS region requesting the waiver or variance.
- RCCR requires that a separate request be made for each minimum standard rule section number for which a waiver or variance is being requested.
If requesting a waiver or variance, the FAD specialist completes the waiver or variance form in IMPACT.
The FAD specialist must:
- List the minimum standard rule section number for which the waiver or variance is being requested.
- List the name of the caregiver for whom the waiver or variance is being sought (if the request applies to a particular child or children, list each child's name and date of birth).
- Specifically describe how the home does not, or would not, meet the minimum standard and why.
- State how long the waiver or variance is needed (specify a month, day, and year).
- Provide justification for why this length of time is being requested.
- Describe how child safety will be impacted if RCCR grants the request, and how the purpose of the standard will be met through other means.
- Describe how FAD or the home will ensure the children's health and safety if the request is granted.
- Identify steps FAD or the home will take to meet this minimum standard by the time the waiver or variance expires.
If the request is for a waiver, the FAD specialist must describe why it is not economically practical for the home to comply with this minimum standard. The FAD specialist must include a cost estimate in the request.
7513 Inspections
7513.1 Foster Home Inspections
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must ensure all foster homes are in compliance with the applicable fire, health and safety laws, ordinances, and regulations. Foster homes must have current and approved fire and health inspections before receiving verification.
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC, Division 1, §749.2901
26 TAC, Chapter 749, Subchapter W, Division 7, §749.4553
Fire Inspections
The FAD specialist must ensure all approved and active foster homes have a current fire inspection at all times. Foster homes providing childcare services can have one of the following:
- A fire inspection completed by a certified fire inspector or a local or state authority.
- A fire safety evaluation conducted by the FAD specialist using Form 3004, Family Foster Home Fire Safety Evaluation Checklist.
The FAD specialist must ensure that the inspection or evaluation is documented in writing and includes the printed name and telephone number of the person conducting the inspection or evaluation.
The FAD specialist must ensure that fire inspections completed by a certified inspector or local authority are updated every two years for foster homes (unless stated otherwise on the inspection). If the FAD specialist conducts the fire safety evaluation, it must be completed every year for foster homes.
Fire Inspections for Relative or Fictive Kin Foster Homes
The FAD specialist must ensure to document the results of a fire inspection, safety evaluation, and emergency preparedness plan for each family. A kinship foster home must correct any deficiencies documented during the fire inspection and comply with any conditions or restrictions specified by the inspector or evaluator. The kinship foster home must have at least one of the following:
- A fire inspection conducted by a state or local fire authority.
- A fire safety evaluation conducted by a FAD specialist using Form 3007, Fire Safety Checklist for Relative or Kinship Foster Homes. A kinship foster home must correct any deficiencies documented during the fire inspection or evaluation and comply with any conditions or restrictions specified by the inspector or evaluator.
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC, Division 1, §749.2903 and §749.2903
26 TAC, Chapter 749, Subchapter W, Division 7, §749.4553
Environmental Health Inspections
The FAD specialist must ensure foster homes have at least one of the following:
- A health inspection conducted from the local health authority.
- A health and safety evaluation conducted by child placement staff using HHSC Form 4004 Environmental Health Checklist for foster homes.
The FAD specialist must document each health inspection or evaluation, which includes the printed name and telephone number of the person who conducted the inspection or evaluation. The foster home must correct any deficiencies found during the inspection or evaluation and must comply with any conditions or restrictions specified by the inspector or evaluator.
Environmental Health Inspections for Relative or Fictive Kin Foster Homes
The FAD specialist must ensure to document the results of an environmental health inspection, safety evaluation, and emergency preparedness plan for each family. A kinship foster home must correct any deficiencies documented during the health inspection or evaluation and comply with any conditions or restrictions specified by the health inspector or evaluator. The kinship foster home must have one of the following:
- A health inspection conducted by a local certified health authority.
- A health and safety evaluation conducted by the FAD specialist using Form 4005, Residential Child Care Licensing Environmental Health Checklist-Kinship.
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC, Division 1, §749.2902 and §749.2903
26 TAC, Chapter 749, Subchapter W, Division 7, §749.4553
7513.2 Adoptive Home Inspections
CPS September 2026
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must ensure all adoptive homes are clean, safe, and free of obvious fire and safety hazards. The home must also be equipped with working smoke detectors. The FAD specialist must document the home's condition using HHSC Form 4004 Environmental Health Checklist and Form 3006 Fire Safety Checklist for Adoptive Homes.
Any concerns documented during an inspection must be immediately corrected, and the adoptive home must comply with any conditions or restrictions the inspector or evaluator specifies at the time of the inspection.
Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 26 TAC, Division 3, §749.3663
7514 Special Considerations Regarding Foster Parents
7514.1 Verifying Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Supplemental Nutrition Assistnce Program Recipients As Foster Parents
CPS September 2026
Prospective foster parents who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) may be verified if they meet the requirements set forth in the Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies.
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist must obtain and document information about money management and spending habits, since TANF payments may not meet all of the family's budgetary needs. The FAD specialist must also assess the family's resources to evaluate their ability to financially care for a child in foster care.
Prospective Parents Who Are Relative or Fictive Kin
The FAD specialist is not required to obtain documents that offer proof of the relative or fictive kin’s financial status, but must discuss and document information about money management and spending habits with prospective kinship foster parents. FAD must assess and document the financial status of the prospective kinship foster parents, and if they have or had reasonable access to sufficient resources, including TANF payments, to support the household and all children in care.
7515 Foster Home Verification
CPS September 2026
A foster home's compliance with the Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies does not guarantee that the home will become verified or that a child's placement will actually occur.
Verification and placement are based on the Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist's assessment of the applicant's ability to offer adequate care to a child for whom DFPS is responsible.
FAD staff must make an initial assessment of each prospective home to determine the numbers, ages, genders, and needs of children who may be placed in that home. FAD staff must also consider input given by the applicant when making decisions about placements.
If the FAD specialist determines that an applicant is not an appropriate caregiver for children in DFPS conservatorship, the FAD specialist must discontinue the verification process.
Race, Color, or National Origin
Federal law prohibits using a child's or prospective placement's race, color, or national origin to delay or deny applicants the opportunity to become foster parents or adopt.
FAD staff may consult with the regional attorney for further guidance.
7520 Annual Training Requirements for Foster Parents and Child Placement Staff
7521 Annual Training Requirements for Foster Parents
CPS September 2026
The Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies contain annual training requirements for foster parents. See the Texas Administrative Code, Title 26, Division 7 Annual Training and Division 8 Topics and Curriculum Components for Annual Training.
The Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) specialist makes sure foster parents complete all required annual training at the following times:
- Within 12 months after the date they become verified as foster parents.
- During each subsequent 12-month period after the date they became verified.
Costs
Foster parents are responsible for paying the following costs (if applicable):
- Training fees or tuition
- Travel expenses to attend training
- Childcare costs associated with training
Required Hours and Topics
The foster parents in each foster home must complete a combined total of 20 training hours annually. (A foster parent in a one-parent foster home must complete 10 training hours annually.)
These required hours must include training on the following topics:
- Emergency behavior interventions—Each foster parent completes four hours.
- Trauma-informed care—Each caregiver completes two hours.
- Prevention, recognition, and reporting of child abuse and neglect, including recognition and reporting of sexual abuse—Each foster parent completes one hour. (See 7330 Training in Recognizing and Reporting Sexual Abuse.)
- Normalcy—Each foster parent completes one hour. (See 7612.2 Supervisory Visits: Normalcy.)
Required Hours and Topics for Relative or Fictive Kin Foster Homes
Relative or fictive kinship foster parents are not required to obtain annual training hours. However, relative or fictive kinship foster parents must complete the following annual training topics:
- Preventing and Recognizing Sexual Abuse and Victimization of Youth in Foster Care Training—Each kinship foster parent completes one hour. (See 7330 Preventing and Recognizing Youth Sexual Abuse Training.)
- Medical Consent
- Annual training requirements assigned by Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD), if applicable. This is only required for training topics identified to address areas of noncompliance. This training may lead to an annual requirement, if assigned by FAD.
- Kinship Caregivers must complete Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Training every two years.
26 TAC, Chapter 749, Subchapter W, Division 2, §749.4429
Extra Training Hours
Before Verification
Training that a person is required to complete before becoming verified as a foster parent does not count toward the annual training requirements.
However, if a prospective foster parent completes more training hours than are required, those extra hours count toward the annual training requirements during that person’s first year as a verified foster parent.
After Verification
If a verified foster parent completes more training hours than are required in a particular year, up to five extra hours can carry over to the next year.
Before and after Verification for Relative or Fictive Kin Foster Homes
Extra training hours or carry over hours to the next year are not applicable training requirements for relative or fictive kin foster homes.
Self-Instructed Training
In self-instructed training, the participant goes through a training program or course without an instructor.
26 TAC, Chapter 749, Subchapter F, Division 7, §749.931 and §749.935
Self-instructed training can count for no more than 10 of the 20 required annual training hours for two-parent homes, or five of the 10 required annual training hours for one-parent homes. Self-study training can count for no more than three of those 10 hours.
Self-Instructed Training for Relative or Fictive Kin Foster Homes
Self-instructed training and self-study training are not applicable for relative or fictive kin foster homes.
Psychotropic Medication Training
Foster parents who accept or care for children who take psychotropic medication must also complete annual training about those medications.
Psychotropic Medication Training for Relative or Fictive Kin Foster Homes
Relative or fictive kinship foster parents who care for a relative child who takes psychotropic medication must complete this training once, prior to administering psychotropic medication. Annual training completion of psychotropic medication training is not an applicable training requirement for relative or fictive kinship foster homes.
Documentation
The FAD specialist maintains documentation that each foster parent has completed the annual training requirements.
The following types of documentation are acceptable:
- Certificate.
- Transcript from an accredited college or university.
- Written statement (such as a letter or email) of successful completion of the training, signed and dated by the participant or instructor.
Documentation (other than college or university transcripts) must include the following information:
- Participant’s name.
- Date of training.
- Title or subject of training.
- Instructor’s name and qualifications or the source of training materials for self-instructed training.
- Number of hours of training (actual hours, not college credit hours).
7522 Annual Training Requirments for Child Placement Staff
CPS September 2026
The Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies contains annual training requirements for child placement staff members. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:
- One hour of training on prevention, recognition, and reporting of child abuse and neglect.
- Two hours of training on trauma-informed care.
- Two hours of training on normalcy.
26 TAC, Chapter 749, Subchapter F, Division 7, §749.931
Annual training makes staff members better able to identify the following:
- Ongoing issues that affect children in foster care.
- Ways to prevent child abuse and neglect.
- Signs that a child may be a victim of abuse or neglect.
- Actions to take when a child was abused or neglected.
Annual training can also teach staff members about the following:
- How to work with community resources.
- How best to get help for children, when needed.
Instagram