Handbook Revision, August 20, 2026

This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on August 20, 2026.

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

Parental Child Safety Placements (PATS 00239)

This Child Protective Investigations policy revision creates new sections about updating information in IMPACT before case closure and using the Authorization Agreement for Voluntary Adult Caregiver form. Several other updates related to Parental Child Safety Placements (PCSP) are summarized below:

  • 2248.1 — Adds language about income of household members.
  • 2651 — Adds language about income information for caregiver and household members and that IMPACT reflects each child's current location.  
  • 3210 — Updates language to reflect statutory definition of caregiver.
  • 3212.1 — Updates PCSP caregiver criteria and adds that caseworker must provide copy of the Voluntary Caregiver Manual to all PCSP caregivers.
  • 3214 — Adds a chart for PCSP extension time frames.
  • 3215.1 — Updates caregiver responsibilities and adds information about case closure planning and income verification.  
  • 3221.1 — Adds that caseworkers must prioritize PCSP placements upon removal and give priority to relative or fictive kin providing PCSP if certain circumstances apply.

See:

2248.1 Interviewing an Alleged Perpetrator, Parent, Legal Guardian, or Other Adult in the Home Where Abuse or Neglect Is Alleged

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2291.6 Required IMPACT Updates Before Case Closure

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2651 Required Actions

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3210 Safety Plan

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3212 Assessing the Child’s Safety Before Implementing a Safety Plan or Family-Initiated Parental Child Safety Placement (PCSP)

3212.1 Assessment of Caregivers

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3212.9 Authorization Agreement for Voluntary Adult Caregiver Form

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3214 Extending a Family-Initiated PCSP Past 30 Days

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3215.1 Closing a Case When the Child Remains in a Family-Initiated PCSP

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3221.1 Placement and Possession of Child After Removal