Handbook Revision, August 21, 2025

This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on August 21, 2025.

On September 1, 2017, the investigations branch of CPS became a separate division named Child Protective Investigations (CPI). Until CPI develops its own policy handbook, investigation policies and procedures will remain in the CPS Handbook.

See:

Child Protective Services Revisions

Child Protective Investigations Revisions

Previous Revisions

Child Protective Services Revisions

None

Child Protective Investigations Revisions

Family Group Decision-Making (FGDM) (PATS 14316)

The existing FGDM policy was updated to align with current practices and includes policy guidance on the newest type of meeting, a Kinship Finder Session, which focuses on locating kinship supports for a child entering DFPS custody. 

The following two new sections were created to provide guidelines on documentation and responsibilities for Child Protective Investigations (CPI) FGDM specialists during the FGDM processes:

  • 1121.25 Kinship Finder Sessions (KFS)
  • Appendix 1100-2: Roles and Responsibilities of the CPI Family Group Decision-Making Specialist

See:

1121.21 Family Team Meeting (FTM)

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1121.25 Kinship Finder Sessions (KFS)

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Appendix 1100-2: Roles and Responsibilities of the CPI Family Group Decision-Making Specialist

Complex Medical Investigations (PATS 14401)

This policy will provide staff with guidance on working complex medical investigations.

See:

2233 Complex Medical Investigations

2233.1 2233 Making a Referral to the Forensic Assessment Center Network

2233.1 When and When Not to Make a Referral to FACN

2233.11 2233.2 Specialty Consultations

2233.12 Second Opinions

2233.13 2233.3 Documenting Results from FACN Consultations

2233.14 2233.4 Requesting an Extension While Awaiting FACN Response

2233.15 2233.5 Removing a Child Based on FACN Consult