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Section 1000: Agency Organization and Administration
1000 Agency Organization and Administration
1110 Family Group Decision Making (FGDM)
1120 Focus on Resources and Outcomes
1140 Relationship with Other Agencies and Entities
1141 Statewide Parent Collaboration Group and Regional Parent Support Group
1150 DFPS Volunteer and Community Engagement
1161 Information Management Protecting Adults and Children in Texas (IMPACT)
1161.1 Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry
1170 Memorandum of Understanding
1200 Legal Foundation for Child Protective Investigations and Child Protective Services
1220 General Eligibility Criteria for Child Protective Services
1221 Reviews of Client Complaints
1230 Clients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
1231 Clients with Disabilities
1231.1 Definition of a Person with a Disability
1231.2 Documentation of Disabilities
1231.3 Child Safety Considerations
1231.4 Accommodations and Modifications to Services
1231.5 Requirements for Auxiliary Aids and Services
1231.51 Obtaining Qualified Interpreters
1231.52 Prohibition against Using Family Members, Friends, or Child Victims as Interpreters
1231.53 Certified Interpreters Required for Court Hearings
1240 Administrative Review of Investigation Findings
1320 Confidentiality of Information and Release of Records
1322 Participation in Interviews
1331 Preparing the External Record
1331.1 Items Returned to the Child When a Conservatorship Case Is Closed
1340 Retention and Disposition of Case Information
1400 Workload Management — Case Conferences and Supportive Supervision
1500 Criminal History Records Checks
1510 Requesting Criminal Records Checks
1520 Disclosure and Release of Criminal History Records Information (CHRI)
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Section 2000: Intake, Investigation, and Assessment
2000 Intake, Investigation, and Assessment
2100 Processing Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2110 Definitions of Abuse/Neglect and Authority
2112 Primary Statutory Definitions
2113 Statutory Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect
2114 Statutory Definition of Person Responsible for Child's Care, Custody, or Welfare
2115 Terms Used in Primary Statutory Definitions
2120 CPI Authority for Investigating Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2121 Reports within CPI Authority to Investigate
2121.1 DFPS Employee or Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) Abuse or Neglect Investigations
2121.2 Expedited Investigations
2122 Reports Not Within CPI Authority to Investigate
2123 Children Not Yet Born or Not Born Alive
2130 The Roles of SWI and CPI During Intake
2131 Legal Requirements for Reporting Abuse or Neglect
2132 Reporting Requirements for DFPS Staff
2132.1 Reporting Requirements for Licensed or Certified DFPS Staff
2132.3 Reporting Requirements for All DFPS Staff When a Person Refuses to Report
2132.4 Exception to the Requirement That CPI Staff Notify SWI About Additional Allegations
2133 Special Issues Relating to Reporting Abuse or Neglect
2134 Reporting Directly to SWI About Abuse or Neglect
2135 Reports Made to Field Offices
2136 When to Notify Law Enforcement About Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2140 Screening an Intake for Investigation
2141 Screening and Prioritizing Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2142 Reports Accepted by CPI for Investigation and Assessment
2142.2 Incomplete or Questionable Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2142.3 When Abuse or Neglect Occurs in a Foster Home, Adoptive Home, or Child Care Facility
2143 Assigning Priority to Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2143.1 Criteria for Assigning a Report as a Priority 1 (P1)
2143.11 When a Priority 1 (P1) Report Is Received After-Hours
2143.2 Criteria for Assigning a Report as a Priority 2 (P2)
2143.3 Criteria for Assigning a Report as Priority None (PN)
2150 The CPI Supervisor’s Role in Reviewing Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2151 Notification of a Report Involving a Child in DFPS Conservatorship
2152 Contacting Collateral Sources About Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2153 Notifying the Reporter When a Report Is Closed
2154 Changing the Priority of a Report about Abuse or Neglect
2155 Closing Investigation Reports of Abuse or Neglect Using Priority None (PN) Closure Codes
2155.1 Closing Reports Priority None (PN) That Involve Children in Care
2155.2 Closing Reports Priority None (PN) That Involve a Child Fatality
2155.3 Closing Reports Using Priority None (PN) Closure Codes
2155.4 Required Tasks before Closing Report Using Priority None (PN)
2155.5 Reports of Abuse or Neglect That Require Program Director Approval for Closure
2155.6 Reports of Abuse or Neglect That Require Program Administrator Approval for Closure
2156 Receiving a New Intake During an Open Investigation of Abuse or Neglect
2156.1 Determining Whether Face-to-Face Contact Is Required
2200 Basic Investigation Process
2221 Documentation and Same Day Contact Entry for Alleged Victims and Other Children
2222 Case Activities Requiring 24 Hour Documentation
2231 Communication Between Stages When New Intake Involves Same Principal
2232 When to Notify Children Advocacy Centers About Reports of Abuse or Neglect
2233 Complex Medical Investigations
2233.1 Making a Referral to the Forensic Assessment Center Network
2233.11 Specialty Consultations
2233.13 Documenting Results from FACN Consultations
2233.14 Requesting an Extension While Awaiting FACN Response
2233.15 Removing a Child Based on FACN Consult
2234 Preliminary Investigation of an Anonymous Report
2235 Sharing Information during an Open Investigation
2240 Interviewing, Examining, Transporting, and Removing a Child
2241 Constitutional Protections Under the Fourth Amendment
2242.11 Determining Whether a Child Has the Capacity to Consent
2242.5 Documenting Consent and Actions Taken Based on Exigent Circumstances
2243.1 Consent to Enter the Home
2243.11 Who Has the Authority to Give Consent to Enter the Home
2243.12 Consent Provided by an Adult Resident of the Home
2244.1 Time Frames for Interviewing Children
2244.2 Interviewing Children Outside of the Home Where Abuse or Neglect is Alleged
2244.3 Consent to Interview a Child
2244.31 Consent to Interview a Child at Home
2244.32 Consent to Interview a Child at School
2244.4 Conducting the Interview
2244.41 Assessing Communication Needs when Interviewing a Child
2244.5 Notifying a Parent that a Child Has Been Interviewed
2244.6 Interviews with Children at Specialized Facilities
2244.7 Accepting Child Interviews Conducted by Others
2244.8 Interviews with a Child Who Is Alleged to Be a Victim and a Perpetrator
2245.1 Consent for Visual Examination of a Child
2245.2 Consent for Visual Examination of a Child at School
2245.21 Visual Examination of a Child at a School Under TEA Jurisdiction
2245.22 Visual Examinations of a Child at a School Not Under TEA Jurisdiction
2245.3 Conducting a Visual Examination
2245.31 Photographs of a Child
2245.4 Audio or Video Recording of a Child’s Interview
2245.5 Examinations by External Entities
2245.51 Sexual Abuse Examinations
2245.52 Medical, Psychological, and Psychiatric Assessments
2246.1 Authority to Transport a Child From School
2246.2 Transporting a Child in Other Circumstances
2246.3 Notifying the Parents Before Transporting a Child
2247 Removing a Child from the Child’s Home
2248.11 Required Notification of Rights
2248.13 Assessing Communication Needs When Interviewing an Adult
2248.2 Recording Interviews of an Adult
2248.3 Notice of Right to Record an Alleged Perpetrator’s Interview
2248.4 Obtaining Demographic Information from Principals
2248.5 Determining the Alleged Perpetrator’s Military Status
2249 Courtesy Requests and Transfer Requests
2260 Adding Additional Information to an Open Investigation
2270 Completing the Safety and Risk Assessment Tools
2271 Completing Safety Assessment Tool
2271.1 Time Frames for Completing a Safety Assessment Tool
2271.3 Safety Assessment Discussion Box
2272 Completing Risk Assessment Tool
2272.1 Time Frames for Completing the Risk Assessment Tool
2273 Supervisor Review of Case Actions and Safety Decisions
2274 Assessment of Ongoing Child Safety
2281 Reaching Dispositions for the Allegations
2281.6 Entering the Date of the Alleged Abuse or Neglect on the Allegation Detail Page
2282 Referral to Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
2290 Submitting Investigations
2291 Submitting an Investigation for Closure
2291.2 Unable to Complete, Family Moved/Cannot Locate
2291.3 All Other Recommended Actions
2291.4 Need for Ongoing Services
2291.6 Required IMPACT Updates Before Case Closure
2292 Action on a Submitted Investigation
2292.1 Roles of the Child Safety Specialist, Supervisor, and Program Director
2292.2 Child Safety Specialist Approval Required on Child Fatalities
2292.3 Required Documentation When Requesting Legal Orders
2292.4 Reopening a Closed Investigation
2292.5 Required Notification When Changes Are Made to a Closed Investigation
2293 Notifying Clients of Investigation Findings
2293.1 Exceptions to Notifying Clients of Investigation Findings
2294 Investigation Recommended Actions at Closure
2300 Special Circumstances for Investigations
2310 Criteria for Administrative Closure of an Investigation
2312 ADMIN – Refute the Allegations
2314 ADMIN – Already Investigated
2315 ADMIN – Investigation Is Longer Than 60 Days
2321 Criteria for a School Investigation
2322 Actions Required before Starting a School Investigation
2323 Actions Required during a School Investigation
2324 Schools Not Under the Jurisdiction of the Texas Education Agency (TEA)
2325 Danger to a Child during a School Investigation
2326 Completion and Closure of a School Investigation
2327 Notification of Findings and Release of the School Investigation Report
2331 Case-Related Special Request (CRSR) Child Fatality
2332 Actions in the First 24 Hours
2333 Notifications of a Child Fatality
2333.1 Notifying Law Enforcement about a Child Fatality
2333.2 Notifying the Medical Examiner or Justice of the Peace of a Child Fatality
2333.3 Notifications within DFPS
2333.31 Notifications in Specialized Cases
2334 Documenting the Final Medical Examiner’s Findings
2335 Requesting an Extension Due to Pending Autopsy or Criminal Investigation Results
2336 Releasing Information about an Investigation into the Death of a Child
2340 OAG Address Confidentiality
2350 Abandoned or Missing Child
2352 When a Child is Abandoned at a DADS Facility
2353 Taking Possession of a Missing Child
2354 Providing Assistance to TJJD about Non-CPS Youth
2361 Child Under the Age of 11 With a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
2363 Prenatal Substance Exposure
2363.1 Prenatal Substance Exposure Definition
2363.2 Disposition for Physical Abuse
2363.3 Disposition for Neglectful Supervision
2364 Dispositions Involving Emotional Abuse
2370 Jurisdiction in Certain Situations
2372 Out-of-State Abuse or Neglect Incidents
2372.1 Handling Requests for Taking Legal Custody of Children Who Are Out of State
2373 Custody Order or Abduction Suit Involving a Foreign Country
2374 Children in DFPS Conservatorship in Certain Types of Placements
2374.1 Child in DFPS Conservatorship Lives in a Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Home
2374.2 Child in DFPS Conservatorship Lives in an Unlicensed Kinship Placement
2380 Child Trafficking (Sex and Labor Trafficking) Investigations
2381 Informing Special Investigations of Child Sex or Labor Trafficking
2382 Informing Law Enforcement of Child Sex or Labor Trafficking
2383 Confirmed and Suspected Victims of Child Sex or Labor Trafficking
2391 Assessing the Parent or Legal Guardian’s Access to Mental Health Services
2392 Determining Residential Treatment Center (RTC) Bed Project Eligibility
2393 Assessing for Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC)
2394 Documenting the Discussion of Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC)
2395 Dispositioning Allegations Related to Children with Severe Emotional Disturbance
2396 Relinquishment of Custody Question on Allegation Detail Page
2397 Providing Crisis Services during the Referral Process
2410 Process for Concurrent Stages – Referring a Case to Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
2411 Role of the Referring Caseworker
2412 Role of the Referring Supervisor
2413 Concurrent Stages Process
2414 Court-Ordered Participation in FBSS
2610 Eligibility for Alternative Response
2611 Intakes or Cases Ineligible for Alternative Response (AR)
2611.1 Intakes Ineligible for Alternative Response
2611.2 Criteria for Routing a Case to Traditional Investigation
2612 New Intakes on an Open Alternative Response Investigation
2612.1 If the New Intake Meets Alternative Response Criteria
2612.2 If the New Intake Does Not Meet Alternative Response Criteria
2612.3 Determining Whether Family Contact Needs to be Made on a New Intake
2621 Documentation and Contact Entry
2621.1 Same Day Contact Entry with Children
2621.2 Case Activities Requiring 24 Hour Documentation
2621.3 All Other Documentation
2622.2 First Face-to-Face Contact
2622.3 Daily Briefings for Alternative Response
2622.6 Notifying and Making Face-to-Face Contact with an Involved Parent
2622.61 Family Member Not Present
2622.62 Family Refuses to Participate
2622.9 Determining Military Status
2623.11 Required Notification of Rights to a Parent or Legal Guardian
2623.12 Audio and Video Recordings in an AR Investigation
2623.13 Photos in an AR Investigation
2623.2 Contact with Collaterals
2624.1 Completing the Safety Assessment Tool
2624.2 Time Frames for Completing a Safety Assessment Tool
2624.4 Safety Assessment Discussion Box
2625 Completing the Risk Assessment Tool
2625.1 Time Frames for Completing the Risk Assessment Tool
2626 Supervisor Review of Case Actions and Safety Decisions
2627 Alternative Response Family Agreement Plan
2627.1 Completing the Family Agreement Plan
2627.2 Documenting the Family Agreement Plan in IMPACT
2630 Stage Progressing an AR Investigation to Traditional Investigation
2631 When an AR Investigation Must Be Progressed to Traditional Investigation
2632 Approval for Transferring AR Investigations
2633 Stage Progression Time Frames
2634 Referring a Case to Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
2635 Legal Orders to Participate in Services
2636 Parent or Caregiver Request for Reassignment
2642 When Not to Allow Extension
2643 Closure Time Frames for Cases with Extension
2653 Action on a Submitted AR Investigation
2654 Roles of the Child Safety Specialist, Supervisor, and Program Director
2655 Alternative Response Investigation Closure Notifications
2655.1 Exceptions to Providing Case Closure Notifications
2657 Submitting an Alternative Response Investigation for Administrative Closure
2657.1 Close – ADMIN – Anonymous Report
2657.2 Close – ADMIN – Refuting the Allegations
2657.3 Close – ADMIN – Lacks Authority
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Section 3000: Ensuring Child Safety
3100 When a Child Who is With His or Her Family Cannot be Located
3110 Purpose of the Child Safety Check Alert List
3111.1 Types of Diligent Searches Relating to CSCAL
3111.2 Time Frames for Preliminary and Diligent Searches
3111.3 Required Preliminary Search Actions
3111.4 Required Actions During the Diligent Search
3111.5 When the Family Is Located During Diligent Search Process
3111.6 When the Family Is Not Located During Preliminary Search Process
3112 Making the Referral to Request CSCAL
3113 Exceptions to Placing a Family on CSCAL
3114 Closing a Case with a Family on CSCAL
3115 Length of Time Family Is on CSCAL
3116 Requesting a Family Be Removed from CSCAL
3117 Child in DFPS Conservatorship Goes Missing
3200 DFPS Actions When Danger to a Child is Present
3211 Out-of-State Safety Plan Monitor or Family-Initiated PCSP
3212.1 Assessment of Caregivers
3212.2 Completing Background Checks
3212.5 Approval or Denial of a Safety Plan or Family-Initiated PCSP
3212.6 New Child Placed into an Existing Family-Initiated PCSP
3212.7 New Child Placed into a Kinship or Licensed Foster Home
3212.8 Court Places a Child in a Family-Initiated PCSP without DFPS Agreement
3212.9 Authorization Agreement for Voluntary Adult Caregiver Form
3213 Required Ongoing Contacts after Implementing a Safety Plan and Family-Initiated PCSP
3213.1 Required Ongoing Contacts During a Safety Plan
3213.2 Required Ongoing Contacts During a Family-Initiated PCSP
3214 Extending a Family-Initiated PCSP Past 30 Days
3215 Ending a Safety Plan or Family-Initiated PCSP
3215.1 Closing a Case When the Child Remains in a Family-Initiated PCSP
3216 Refusal to Participate in a Safety Plan
3220 Taking Legal Custody of a Child
3221.1 Placement and Possession of Child Following Removal
3221.2 Steps in the Removal Process
3221.3 Removal of a Child Is Granted or Not Granted
3222 Notification and Assignment of Conservatorship Caseworker
3223 Diligent Search for Possible Relative or Fictive Kin Placement
3310 Tools and Resources to Address Substance Use
3320 Factors to Consider Identifying Possible Substance Use
3331 Requirements for Requesting a Drug Test
3332 Eligibility for Drug Testing
3332.1 Eligibility for Drug Testing by DFPS or a Contracted Lab
3332.2 Drug Testing Results from External Entities
3333 Frequency of Drug Testing
3334 Time Frames for Checking Drug Test Results
3350 Authorization for Drug Testing and Substance Use Services
3360 Substance Use that Affects Children and Youth
3361 Assessment of Substance Use
3362 Safety and Risk When Substances Are Present
3362.1 Safety during Home Visits When Substances Are Present
3363 Children and Youth Who Are Exposed to or Using Substances
3363.1 Infants Exposed to or Affected by Substances
3363.2 Children and Youth Who Are Not in DFPS Conservatorship and Are Not Emancipated
3363.3 Children and Youth in DFPS Conservatorship
3363.4 Youth in Extended Care or Return to Care
3370 Treatment and Other Resources for Substance Use
3371 Referral to Outreach, Screening, Assessment, and Referral (OSAR) Center
3372 Direct Referral to Treatment Provider
3373 Referral Forms for Substance Use Services
3374 Resources When Treatment Is Not Recommended
3375 Resources When Treatment Is Unavailable or Difficult to Access
3380 Casework and Substance Use
3381 Substance Use Affecting a Parent-Child Visit or Family Group Decision-Making (FGDM) Conference
3382 Recovery, Relapse, and Long-Term Planning
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Section 4000: Placing Children in DFPS Conservatorship
4000 Placing Children in DFPS Conservatorship
4110 Actions Required Before Making a Placement
4111 Gather Information and Recommendations to Select a Placement
4111.1 Review the Permanency Goal
4111.2 Check IMPACT Records for Siblings
4111.4 Consult the Child or Youth
4111.5 Consult the Attorney Ad Litem, Guardian Ad Litem, and CASA Representative
4112 Provide Advance Notice to AAL, GAL, and CASA
4113 Review Additional Information about the Needs of the Child or Youth
4114 Required Factors to Consider When Evaluating a Possible Placement
4114.1 Preference for Relatives and Other Connections
4114.11 Placement with Relatives and Fictive Kin
4114.12 Placement with Noncustodial Parent
4114.13 Placement with Former Foster Parents
4114.14 Placement with Adoptive Parents of Siblings
4114.15 Continuing Obligation to Make Kinship Placements
4114.21 Separating Siblings in Paid Foster Care
4114.22 Separating Siblings for Safety Purposes
4114.23 Siblings of Youth in Extended Foster Care
4114.3 Preference for the Least Restrictive Setting
4114.4 Placing the Child Close to the Child's Home
4114.5 Substitute Caregiver’s Circumstances
4115 Notify the Current Caregiver of the Planned Placement Change
4116 Notify Others about the Planned Placement Change
4116.1 Caregiver-Initiated Placement Move
4116.2 DFPS-Initiated Placement Move
4117 Specific Placement Considerations for Children or Youth Who Have Primary Medical Needs
4118 Placing Children with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
4118.1 Assessing the Need for Facility Placement
4118.2 Home and Community-Based Services (HCS)
4118.3 Obtaining CPS Associate Commissioner Approval to Place a Child or Youth in a Facility
4118.4 Emergency Placement Approval Process
4118.5 Requirement to Continue Seeking Less Restrictive Setting
4118.6 Additional Requirements for Specific Facilities
4120 Actions Required After Selecting a Placement
4121 Prepare the Child or Youth and the Caregivers for the Move
4122 Schedule and Conduct a Pre-Placement Visit
4122.1 Pre-Placement Visit for Emergency Placement
4122.2 Before the Pre-Placement Visit
4122.3 During the Pre-Placement Visit
4122.4 After the Pre-Placement Visit
4123 Complete Authorization Forms Provided at Time of Placement
4123.1 Complete the Placement Authorization Form and Upload Documents
4123.2 Complete the Medical Consenter Form
4123.3 Complete the Education Decision-Maker Form
4130 Actions Required When a Child Moves
4131 Gather the Child or Youth’s Important Documents and Personal Belongings
4131.1 Durable Medical Equipment
4132 Transport the Child or Youth to the Placement
4133 Provide and Discuss the Placement Summary (Form 2279)
4134 Provide the Child’s Plan of Service and Discuss Services
4135 Provide Additional Documentation
4136 Provide Critical Documents to the Kinship Caregiver
4140 Actions Required after a Placement Change
4141 Make a Referral to the Kinship Development Worker
4142 Enter the Placement Change Information in IMPACT
4143 Provide Required Notifications
4144 Request Day Care for the Placement
4145 Request an Initial Service Level or Service Level Change if Needed
4146 Discuss Medical and Dental Appointments with the Caregiver
4150 Special Circumstances Affecting Placements
4151 Court-Ordered Placements in Unapproved Facilities
4152 When a Placement Cannot be Secured
4152.1 Involving State Office in a Placement Search
4152.2 Overnight Plans for a Child or Youth When Placement Is Unavailable
4152.3 Meeting the Needs of a Child or Youth without Placement
4152.31 Food for a Child or Youth without Placement
4152.32 Medication for a Child or Youth without Placement
4152.33 Toiletries, Linen, and Bedding for a Child or Youth without Placement
4152.34 Supervision for a Child or Youth without Placement (CWOP)
4152.35 Education for a Child or Youth without Placement
4152.36 Entertainment and Recreational Activities for a Child or Youth without Placement
4152.37 Additional Support and Services for a Child or Youth without Placement
4153 Placements Outside the Region or State
4154 Unauthorized Arrangements of Youth in DFPS Conservatorship
4160 Placements and Child Safety
4200 Foster and Licensed Facility Placements
4210 Seeking Placement Through the Placement Team
4211 Caseworker Notifies Regional Team
4212 Placement Team Searches for Placement Options
4213 Placement Team Confers with Providers and Communicates Options to Caseworker
4214 Caseworker and Supervisor Make Placement Selection
4215 Placements into Operations on Heightened Monitoring (HM)
4220 Abuse and Neglect Investigations of Placements
4221 RCCI Notifying CPS of Alleged Abuse or Neglect in Foster Homes
4223 CPS Protocol During an Investigation Involving a Child in Conservatorship
4224 Using Intermittent Alternate Care and Respite Care During an Abuse or Neglect Investigation
4225 How Safety Checks or Other Safety Measures are Conducted
4231 Disallowing Placements into a Foster Home
4232 Reallowing Placements into a Foster Home
4240 General Residential Operations
4251 Reporting Problems to Other State Agencies
4260 The Intensive Psychiatric Transition Program
4261 IPTP 60- to 120-Day Limit
4262 Eligibility for IPTP Placement
4263 Referring a Youth for IPTP Placement
4264 Planning for Discharge from IPTP Placement
4264.1 Submitting the Child’s Service Level Request
4264.2 Discharge from IPTP Placement
4265 Requesting Extension of an IPTP Placement
4270 Intense Foster Family Care Services
4280 Treatment Foster Family Care (TFFC) Program
4281 Treatment Foster Family Care (TFFC) Time Frames
4282 Eligibility for TFFC Placement
4283 Confirming a TFFC Placement
4285 Requesting an Extension of a TFFC Placement
4290 Temporary Absence from Paid Placement
4291 Criteria for Paying for Foster Care During a Child’s Temporary Absence
4292 Payment Time Frames During a Youth’s Absence
4292.3 Alternative Contracted Placements
4293 The Plan or Intent for the Youth to Return to Placement
4294 When the Caregiver or Provider Does Not Agree for the Child or Youth to Return
4300 Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) System
4310 Recommendation and Selection of a Service Package
4311 Foster Family Homes Service Packages
4311.1 Primary Foster Family Home Service Packages
4311.11 T3C Basic Foster Family Home Support Services
4311.12 Substance Use Support Services
4311.13 Short-Term Assessment Support Services
4311.14 Mental and Behavioral Health Support Services
4311.15 Sexual Aggression/Sex Offender Support Services
4311.16 Complex Medical Needs or Medically Fragile Support Services
4311.17 Human Trafficking Victim/Survivor Support Services
4311.18 Intellectual or Developmental Disability (IDD)/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services
4311.19 T3C Treatment Foster Family Care Support Services
4311.2 Add-On Foster Family Home Services Packages
4311.21 Transition Support Services for Youth and Young Adults Add-On
4311.22 Kinship Caregiver Support Services Add-On
4311.23 Pregnant and Parenting Youth or Young Adult Support Services Add-On
4312 General Residential Operations – Tier I T3C Treatment and Transition Service Packages
4312.1 Tier I: T3C Basic Child Care Operation
4312.2 Tier I: Sexual Aggression/Sex Offender Treatment Services to Support Community Transition
4312.4 Tier I: Substance Use Treatment Services to Support Community Transition
4312.5 Tier I: Emergency Emotional Support and Assessment Center Services
4312.6 Tier I: Complex Medical Needs Treatment Services to Support Community Transition
4312.8 Tier I: Human Trafficking Victim/Survivor Treatment Services to Support Community Transition
4312.9 Tier I: Mental and Behavioral Health Treatment Services to Support Community Transition
4313 General Residential Operation – Tier II T3C Stabilization Support Service Packages
4313.1 Tier II: Sexual Aggression/Sex Offender Services to Support Stabilization
4313.2 Tier II: Substance Use Services to Support Stabilization
4313.3 Tier II: Aggression/Defiant Disorder Services to Support Stabilization
4313.4 Tier II: Complex Mental Health Services to Support Stabilization
4313.5 Tier II: Complex Medical Services to Support Stabilization
4313.6 Tier II: Human Trafficking Victim/Survivor Services to Support Stabilization
4400 Texas Service Levels System
4410 Service Level Determinations and Reauthorizations
4411 Authorizing Service Levels
4411.2 Moderate, Specialized, Intense, or Intense Plus Service Levels
4411.3 Intensive Psychiatric Transition Program (IPTP) Service Level
4411.4 Treatment Foster Family Care (TFFC) Service Level
4420 Caseworker Responsibility for Timely Determinations
4421 Obtaining an Initial Authorized Service Level (ASL)
4421.1 Submitting Information to the Third-Party Contractor (Youth for Tomorrow)
4422 Obtaining a Scheduled or Nonscheduled Review of a Service Level
4422.1 Requesting a Review of a Service Level by Preparing a Complete Clinical Record
4422.2 If a Complete Clinical Record Is Not Available When Requesting a Review of a Service Level
4423 Guidelines for Expired Service Level Authorization
4424 Retroactive Service Level Authorization
4424.1 Obtaining a Retroactive Service Level
4430 When Authorized Service Levels and Billing Service Levels Are Not the Same
4431 Requesting a BSL That Is Lower Than the ASL
4432 Requesting a BSL That Is Higher Than the ASL
4433 Role and Responsibilities of the State Office Foster Care Billing Program Specialist
4434 Appealing Disagreements with ASLs
4434.1 Service Level Peer Review Committee
4510 Placing Children Outside of Texas
4511 Documenting a Request to Place a Child Outside of Texas
4512 Expedited ICPC Home Screening
4512.1 Criteria for an Expedited Home Screening
4512.2 Initiating an Expedited Home Screening
4513 Placing a Child with an Out-of-State Caregiver
4513.1 Placing a Child with an Out-of-State Non-Custodial Parent
4513.11 Assessing the Non-Custodial Parent
4513.12 Caseworker Recommendations to the Court After Assessment
4513.13 Court Involvement and Hearings Related to ICPC
4513.14 Issues to Address before Dismissal and Placement with the Non-Custodial Parent
4513.2 Placing a Child with an Out-of-State Custodial Parent
4513.3 Placing a Child with a Relative Out of State
4513.4 Placing a Child With a Foster Family Outside of Texas
4513.5 Placing a Child with an Adoptive Family Outside of Texas
4513.6 If a Texas Caregiver Moves to Another State
4513.7 Placing a Child in a Residential Treatment Center Outside of Texas
4514 Receiving State’s Decision on an Interstate Placement
4514.1 If Permission Is Denied
4514.2 If Permission Is Granted
4515 Placing the Child in the Other State if the Placement is Approved
4515.1 Notifying the Receiving State
4515.3 Canceling a Placement Request
4515.4 Out-of-State Placement Disruptions
4520 Placing Children from Another State In Texas
4521 Illegal Interstate Placements
4522 Accepting Requests From Other States to Place With a Non-Custodial Parent Living in Texas
4522.1 Completing a Home Screening When a Child from Another State Is Placed in Texas
4523 Notification and Supervision
4524 Requirement That the Court Retain Jurisdiction after Making an Interstate Placement
4525 If a Caregiver Moves during the Supervision of an ICPC Case
4525.1 Caregiver Moves Within Texas
4525.2 Caregiver Moves Outside of Texas
4526 Interstate Placement Disruption
4527.4 Ending the Placement in IMPACT
4531.1 When a Child is Missing from Their Approved Placement in Texas
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Section 5000: CPS Legal Functions
5110 Court Orders in Aid of an Investigation
5111 Approval to Seek a Court Order in Aid of an Investigation
5112 Proof Required to Obtain a Court Order in Aid of Investigation
5113 Notice and Service Requirements for a Court Order
5120 Removing the Perpetrator or Alleged Perpetrator From the Home
5121 Types of Orders to Remove a Perpetrator or Alleged Perpetrator from the Home
5122 When DFPS Seeks an Order to Remove a Perpetrator or Alleged Perpetrator from the Home
5123 Seeking an Order to Remove an Alleged Perpetrator From the Home
5123.1 Approval to Seek an Order to Remove an Alleged Perpetrator From the Home
5123.2 Proof Required to Support an Order to Remove an Alleged Perpetrator From the Home
5123.3 Standard for Court’s Decision on Whether to Issue a Temporary Restraining Order
5123.5 Agreed Order to Remove an Alleged Perpetrator from the Home
5124 The Effect of a Temporary Restraining Order for Removal of the Alleged Perpetrator
5125 Duration of a Temporary Restraining Order for Removal of an Alleged Perpetrator
5130 Order to Obtain a Parent’s Mental Health Records or an Examination of a Parent
5131 Approval to Seek a Court Order to Obtain a Parent’s Records or Require an Examination
5133 Notice and Service Requirements for a Court Order to Obtain a Parent’s Records or Examination
5140 Protective Order for a Child or Family Member
5141 Seeking a Protective Order
5141.1 Who May Apply for a Protective Order
5141.2 Alternatives to Seeking a Protective Order
5141.3 Approval to Seek a Protective Order
5141.4 Notice About a Protective Order
5142 Required Findings and the Protective Order
5143 Duration of Protective Orders
5143.1 Duration of a Temporary Protective Order
5143.2 Duration of a Final Protective Order
5143.3 The Caseworker’s Role in Supporting the Victim
5150 Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO)
5151 Purpose and Use of Temporary Restraining Orders
5152 Approval to Seek a Temporary Restraining Order
5153 Service Requirements for a Temporary Restraining Order
5154 Duration of a Temporary Restraining Order
5160 Requesting a Court Order to Participate in Services
5161 Approval to Seek a Court Order to Participate in Services
5162 Process for Obtaining a Court Order to Participate in Services
5163 Legal Notice and Service Requirements for Hearing on a Court Order to Participate in Services
5163.1 Standard for Court’s Decision on Whether to Issue a Court Order to Participate in Services
5163.2 Status Review Hearings Required if a Court Order to Participate in Services is Issued
5164 Requesting Extension of a Court Order to Participate in Services
5170 Taking Possession of a Child With Intent to Return
5180 Taking Possession of a Missing Child
5190 Hague Abduction Convention and Foreign Custody Court Orders
5200 Notice, Service, and Working with Attorneys and Advocates
5210 General Caseworker Duties and Restrictions
5220 The Child’s Best Interest
5231 Purpose of Serving a Citation for a Lawsuit
5232 Caseworker Requirements Related to Missing Parents
5233 Exercising Due Diligence to Locate Missing Parents and Other Relatives
5233.1 Overview of Due Diligence: Making a Diligent Effort to Locate Missing Parents and Relatives
5233.2 Court Monitoring of Due Diligence
5233.21 Requirements When a Parent Is Not Located Before the Status Hearing
5233.3 Making a Diligent Search for a Missing Parent
5233.31 Asking the Custodial Parent for Absent Parent Information
5233.32 Requesting a Diligent Search
5233.33 Searching for Residents of a Foreign Country
5233.34 Attempting Contact by Mail
5233.36 Notifying Parties Involved That the Parent Is Located
5233.37 Repeating Diligent Search With New Information
5233.4 Additional Requirements When Locating an Alleged Father
5233.5 Making a Diligent Search for Relatives
5233.6 Serving a Citation When a Parent Lives in a Foreign Country
5233.61 Due Diligence Search for a Person Believed to Be in Mexico
5233.7 Additional Requirements When the Parent of a Native American Child Cannot Be Located
5234 Providing Notice of a Hearing
5235 General Notice Requirements for CPS Hearings
5236 Notice Requirements Specific to Parents and Children
5236.1 Notify Parents and Children About Planned Court Actions
5236.2 Notify Parents of Their Rights to an Attorney and to Attend Hearings
5240 Working With the Child’s Attorney Ad Litem, Guardian Ad Litem, and CASA
5241 Court Appoints Attorney Ad Litem and Guardian Ad Litem
5241.1 Roles of the Attorney Ad Litem and Guardian Ad Litem
5241.2 Cooperating With the Attorney Ad Litem and the Guardian Ad Litem
5241.3 Providing Access to the Child
5241.4 Communicating With the Child’s Attorney Ad Litem and Guardian Ad Litem
5241.5 Providing Records to the Attorney Ad Litem and Guardian Ad Litem
5241.51 Providing Drug or Alcohol Treatment Records
5242 Working With a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
5242.1 Working With a CASA Who Is Appointed as a Guardian Ad Litem
5242.2 Working With a CASA Who Is Not Appointed as a Guardian Ad Litem
5242.21 Court Orders for CASAs Seeking Access to a Child or a Child’s Records
5242.22 Statewide Memorandum of Understanding and Local Agreements
5250 Documenting Legal Status and Legal Action
5251 Entering a Change in Legal Status or Legal Action Into IMPACT
5300 Court Orders, Notice to the Court, Indian Child Welfare Act, Paternity, and Child Support
5310 The Requirement for Staff to Elevate Certain Court Orders
5311 Notice Requirements for Elevating Certain Court Orders
5312 Court Orders That Must Be Elevated to State Office
5313 Notice Requirements for Court-Ordered Placements in Unapproved Facilities
5313.1 Definition of Unapproved Facility
5314 Court Orders That Violate the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children
5320 Special Court Approvals and Notifications
5321 Obtaining Approval From the Court for Out-of-State Placements and Reunification
5322 Required Notification to the Court
5322.1 Notifying the Court When a Child Is or May Be Harmed
5322.2 Notifying the Court About a Child Who Is Without a Placement
5322.3 Notifying the Court About a Change of Jurisdiction
5322.4 Notifying the Court About a Subsequent Removal
5322.5 Notifying the Court About a Designated Medical Consenter
5322.6 Notifying the Court About the Education Decision Maker
5330 Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
5340 Seeking Child Support for Children in Substitute Care
5341 Requesting Child Support From the Parents of Children in DFPS Conservatorship
5341.1 Requirements for Requesting a Court to Order Parents to Provide Support
5341.2 DFPS’s Right to Review Child Support Payments
5342 Ongoing DFPS Responsibilities in a Child Support Case
5342.1 Contacting the Office of the Attorney General (OAG)
5342.11 Making the OAG Aware of Issues That Could Affect the Collection of Child Support
5342.12 Requesting Information on a Parent’s Payment of Child Support in Conservatorship Cases
5342.2 When Relatives or Caregivers Are Not Receiving Court-Ordered Child Support
5343 Dismissing a DFPS Case and Closing a Child Support Case
5343.1 Dismissal Orders Not Terminating Parental Rights
5343.11 Dismissal of Child Support Orders Following Termination of Parental Rights
5343.12 Waiving Child Support Owed to DFPS
5344 Closing the Child Support Case in the OAG System
5344.1 Initiating the Closing of a Child Support Case in the OAG System
5344.2 Determining Whether a DFPS Child Support Case Has Been Closed in the OAG System
5344.3 Factors That Affect the Closing of a DFPS Child Support Case in the OAG’s Automated System
5344.4 Helping a Caregiver Obtain Child Support After DFPS Conservatorship Is Dismissed
5351 Court Ordered Testing When Paternity Has Not Been Established
5351.1 Referring Cases to the Office of the Attorney General for Paternity Testing
5351.2 Paternity Testing by the OAG and Court Ruling
5352 Court Ordered Testing When Paternity Has Been Established But Is Questioned
5352.1 Acknowledgment of Paternity
5352.2 Court Order Establishing Paternity
5400 From Removal to the Adversary Hearing
5410 Types of Court Orders and the Process for Obtaining a Court Order for Removing a Child
5411 Obtaining a Court Order Before Conducting an Emergency Removal
5411.1 Determining Whether to Conduct an Emergency Removal with a Court Order
5411.2 Standard for Obtaining a Court Order before Conducting an Emergency Removal
5411.3 Basic Process for Obtaining a Court Order before Conducting an Emergency Removal
5412 Conducting an Emergency Removal before Obtaining a Court Order (Exigent)
5412.1 Standard for Conducting an Emergency Removal before Obtaining a Court Order (Exigent)
5412.11 Exigent Circumstances and Imminent Danger
5412.2 Basic Process for Conducting an Emergency Removal before Obtaining a Court Order (Exigent)
5412.3 Required Time Frame for Ex Parte Emergency Hearing (Exigent)
5413 Obtaining a Waiver of the Requirement to Provide Notice of Removal
5414 Rescinding the Decision for Emergency Removal
5420 Beginning a Child Protection Lawsuit
5421 Requirements for Completing a Removal Affidavit
5422 Essential Information for the Petition
5423 Limited Time Before Dismissal
5431 Requirements for the Adversary Hearing
5431.1 Evidence Required on Request Prior to Adversary Hearing
5431.11 Required Information Provided to the Court Before the Adversary Hearing
5431.2 Time Frame for the Adversary Hearing
5431.3 Standard of Proof in an Adversary Hearing
5431.4 Requesting Services and Participation at the Adversary Hearing
5431.5 Temporary Visitation Schedule
5431.6 Designation of an Education Decision Maker and Notification of a Surrogate Parent
5432 Requirements Following the Adversary Hearing
5500 From Status Hearing to the Final Hearing
5510 The 60-Day Status Hearing
5511 Findings the Court Makes at the Status Hearing
5512 Notice Requirements for the Status Hearing
5513 Required Filings in Preparation for the Status Hearing
5513.1 Original Service Plan Filed 45 Days After DFPS Is Named Temporary Managing Conservator
5513.2 Status Report (Form 2070) Filed 10 Days Before the Status Hearing
5513.4 Visitation Plan 10 Days Before the Hearing
5514 Required Action Following the Status Hearing
5520 The Family’s Service and Visitation Plans: Filing and Review Requirements
5521 Original Family Service Plan
5521.1 Filing a Service Plan With the Court
5521.2 Purpose of the Service Plan
5521.3 Failure to Comply With a Service Plan
5521.4 When the Original Service Plan Takes Effect
5521.5 A Service Plan for the Family of a Native American Child
5522 Amended Service Plans: Signing and Taking Effect
5523 Duration and Scope of the Service Planning Requirement
5524 Visitation Plan: Filing and Court Review
5530 Permanency Hearings for Children Under Temporary DFPS Conservatorship
5531 The Purpose of a Permanency Hearing Before the Final Order
5532 Meeting the Time Frames for Holding a Permanency Hearing
5532.1 Time Frames for the Initial Permanency Hearing
5532.2 Time Frames for Subsequent Permanency Hearings
5533 Filing Requirements for Permanency Hearings
5534 Notice Requirements for All Hearings Before Final Order
5535 Meeting the Content Requirements for the Permanency Plan and Progress Report for a Child in TMC
5536 Obtaining Approval of a Permanency Progress Report
5540 Final Orders and Supporting Actions
5541 Issues to Resolve Before DFPS’s Role in the Lawsuit Ends
5542 Dismissal Deadlines and the Final Order Requirement
5542.1 A Final Order in a DFPS Conservatorship Case in General
5542.2 Standard for Modifying a Final Order
5542.3 Required Preparation for Final Hearing
5543 Extending the Dismissal Deadline
5550 Outcomes in a Court’s Final Order
5551 Family Reunification and Dismissal of DFPS as Conservator
5551.1 Monitored Return of a Child to a Parent
5551.2 Presumption in Favor of a Parent as Managing Conservator
5552 Appointing a Conservator Who Is Not the Parent and Dismissing DFPS From the Case
5553 DFPS Named as the Child’s Permanent Managing Conservator (PMC)
5553.1 DFPS Named as the Child’s PMC With Termination of Parental Rights
5553.11 Standard for DFPS to Be Named as the Child’s PMC With Termination of Parental Rights
5553.12 Procedural Requirements Following an Award of PMC With Termination of Parental Rights
5553.2 When DFPS Is Named as the Child’s PMC Without Termination of Parental Rights
5553.21 The Limited Circumstances in Which DFPS Requests PMC Without Terminating Parental Rights
5553.23 The Casework Requirements When PMC Is Awarded Without Terminating Parental Rights
5553.3 Pursuing Preferred Permanency Options When DFPS Is Named as the Child’s PMC
5553.4 Requesting a Change in PMC After DFPS Is Appointed
5560 Involuntary and Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights
5561 Terminating Parental Rights
5561.1 Providing Services to the Parents
5561.2 Searching for Missing Parents
5561.3 Notice of Termination Required for Certain Relatives
5562 Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights
5562.1 Circumstances in Which Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights May Be Appropriate
5563 Involuntary Termination of Parental Rights
5564 The Legal Basis for Termination of Parental Rights
5564.1 Grounds for Termination of Parental Rights
5564.13 Failure to Support a Child
5564.14 Criminal Activity and Imprisonment
5564.2 Additional Grounds for Termination of Parental Rights
5565 The Child’s Best Interest in Regard to Terminating Parental Rights
5570 Mediation and Other Forms of Dispute Resolution
5571 Requirements for Mediations and Other Dispute Resolutions
5571.1 Court-Ordered Mediation
5571.11 Overview of Court-Ordered Mediation
5571.12 Who Must Attend Court-Ordered Mediation
5571.13 When a Named Person Cannot Attend Court-Ordered Mediation
5571.2 Informal Dispute Resolution
5571.3 Requirements Before Entering Into an Agreement in an Informal Mediation
5572 Agreeing to Accept DFPS Conservatorship Without Termination of Parental Rights
5573 Actions Prohibited When Negotiating for Conservatorship
5573.1 The Termination of Parental Rights Agreement Must Comply With Law, Rule, and Policy
5573.2 Visitation May Not Be Used to Encourage Agreement to Termination of Parental Rights
5573.3 Parent Must Not Be Pressured to Relinquish Parental Rights
5573.4 An Agreement to Relinquish Parental Rights Must Reflect a Child’s Permanency Goals
5573.5 Joint Managing Conservatorship and Mediation
5574 Considering Sibling Groups
5582 Meeting the Time Frames for Holding a Permanency Hearing After Final Order (PMC)
5584 Notice Requirements for Permanency Hearings for Children Under Permanent DFPS Conservatorship
5585 Meeting the Content Requirements for a Permanency Progress Report for a Child in PMC
5586 Obtaining Approval of a Permanency Progress Report
5590 Reinstatement of Parental Rights
5591 Factors to Consider in Seeking Reinstatement
5592 Approval to Seek Reinstatement of Parental Rights
5593 Process for Requesting Reinstatement of Parental Rights
5594 Notice and Service Requirements for Petition for Reinstatement and Hearing
5595 Hearing on Petition for Reinstatement
5596 Standard for Court’s Decision on Whether to Order Reinstatement
5600 Extended Court Jurisdiction When a Youth Turns 18
5610 When a Youth Turns 18 in DFPS Conservatorship
5611 Actions Required by the Caseworker for All Youth Aging Out of DFPS Conservatorship
5611.1 Requesting That the Court Approve a Trial Independence (TI) Period
5611.2 Notifying the Court About a Young Adult’s Status After Turning 18
5611.3 Documenting Court Orders
5621 Court Review Hearings for Extended Foster Care
5622 Actions Required by the Caseworker for Young Adults in Extended Foster Care
5622.1 Request a Review Hearing for Extended Foster Care
5622.2 Provide Notice of the Review Hearing for Extended Foster Care
5622.3 Submit Documents in Preparation for a Review Hearing for Extended Foster Care
5622.4 Request Approval of a 12-Month Trial Independence Period
5622.5 Record the Review Hearing for Extended Foster Care in IMPACT
5622.6 Send a Notice at the Start of the Young Adult’s Trial Independence Period
5622.7 Record the Start or End of a Trial Independence Period in IMPACT
5622.8 When a Young Adult Turns 21
5631 Required Actions During and After Trial Independence
5631.1 If a Hearing Is Held During Trial Independence
5631.2 If a Young Adult Returns to Extended Foster Care Before Trial Independence Ends
5631.3 If a Young Adult Returns to Extended Foster Care After Trial Independence Ends
5641 Reviews for Transitional Living Services After Trial Independence
5642 Caseworker Actions When the Young Adult Requests Jurisdiction for Transitional Living Services
5642.1 Obtain Extended Jurisdiction for a Case Involving Transitional Living Services
5642.2 File a Motion to Extend the Court’s Jurisdiction to Review Transitional Living Services
5642.3 Participate in Hearings Held for a Young Adult’s Case
5642.4 Complete a Report in Preparation for a Service Review Hearing
5642.5 Young Adult Withdraws Consent to Allow a Court to Extend Its Jurisdiction
5642.6 When a Court’s Jurisdiction Ends
5650 Referral to HHSC Guardianship
5651 Required Caseworker Actions
5710 Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)
5711 Priority Handling for Interstate Placements With Certain Relatives or Guardians
5720 Court-Related Requirements for Travel by a Child in DFPS Conservatorship
5730 Foreign-Born Children in Foster Care
5740 The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
5742 Decision Regarding Native American Status
5743 Legal Requirements If the ICWA Applies
5751 Orders for DFPS to Conduct a Home Screening in a Case to Which DFPS Is Not a Party
-
Section 6000: Substitute Care Services
6100 Overview of Substitute Care
6110 Actions Required When a Child Initially Comes into DFPS Conservatorship
6120 Required Tasks at Conservatorship Assignment
6130 Notifications and Efforts to Locate Family Members
6140 Documentation Requirements When a Child is Placed in DFPS Conservatorship
6141 Timeliness of Documentation
6142 Approval of Documentation
6143 Actions Requiring Child Placement Management Staff Approval
6144 Additional External Documentation
6160 Communication and Discipline for Children and Youth
6170 Notification to Parties of Significant Events
6171 Exceptions to the Notification Requirements
6172 Child Admitted to an Inpatient Mental Health Facility
6173 Notification Requirements and Schedule
6180 Caseworker’s Duty to Report Abuse and Neglect in an Open Conservatorship (CVS) Case
6190 Discharging Children from Substitute Care
6191 Services Preceding Discharge
6192 Services at Discharge from Substitute Care
6200 Case Planning for Positive Permanency
6210 Overview of Case Planning
6211 Requirements to Produce a Case Plan
6213 Concurrent Permanency Planning
6220 Permanency Planning Process
6230 Factors to Consider When Planning for Permanency
6231 Working with Family of Origin
6233 Selecting the Permanency Goal
6234 Prioritizing Permanency Goals
6234.11 Exceptions to Planned Reunification
6234.12 Priority of Family Reunification
6234.14 Aggravated Circumstances or Criminal Convictions
6234.16 Ruling Out Family Reunification
6234.17 Changing the Permanency Goal Back To Family Reunification
6234.21 Categories of Adoption
6234.23 Adoption vs. Conservatorship
6234.24 Ruling Out Family Reunification and Adoption Before Pursuing Permanency Care Assistance
6234.3 Permanent Managing Conservatorship to a Relative or Suitable Individual
6234.4 Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement
6234.42 Identifying Support of a Family or Other Caring Adult
6234.43 Reassessing APPLA as the Permanency Goal
6235 Documenting the Permanency Plan
6236 Approving the Permanency Plan
6236.2 Presenting the Permanency Plan to the Court
6236.3 Changing or Revising the Permanency Plan
6237.1 Time Frames for Permanent Family Placements in Temporary Managing Conservatorship
6241 The Child Plan of Service (CPOS)
6241.1 Basic Description and Content of the Child's Plan of Service
6241.11 Reviewing and Documenting a Youth’s Plans for a Successful Transition to Adulthood
6241.2 Child Plan of Service Types and Frequency of Reviews
6241.21 Initial Child Plan of Service
6241.22 Service Planning and Documentation for Youth with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
6241.23 Review of Child Plan of Service
6241.25 Person Characteristics in IMPACT
6241.3 Participating in Development of the Child's Plan of Service
6241.31 Documenting Participation in the Development of the Child's Plan of Service
6241.32 Distributing the Approved Child's Plan of Service to Participants
6241.4 Documenting and Approving the Child's Plan of Service
6241.41 Changing or Revising the Permanency Goal
6242 The Family Plan of Service (FPOS)
6242.1 Family Plan of Service Types
6242.11 Initial Family Plan of Service
6242.12 Family Plan of Service Evaluation
6242.13 Family Reunification Family Plan of Service
6242.2 The Family Plan of Service for Children Under Age Two
6242.3 Requirement for a Family Plan of Service
6242.31 Exceptions to Requirements for the Family Plan of Service
6242.4 Developing the Family Plan of Service
6242.41 Family Participation in Developing the Family Plan of Service
6242.5 Content of the Family Plan of Service
6242.6 Documenting and Approving the Family Plan of Service
6242.7 Reviewing the Family Plan of Service
6242.8 Updating the Family Strengths and Needs Assessment (FSNA)
6243 Services to Parents Who Live Outside of the Country
6250 Contact with Special Populations
6260 Permanency Planning Meetings (PPM)
6261 Overview and Purpose of Permanency Planning Meetings
6262 Types of Permanency Planning Meetings
6263 When to Hold a Permanency Planning Meeting
6264 Permanency Planning Meeting Participants
6265 Notice of Permanency Planning Meetings
6266 Requirements of Permanency Planning Meetings
6266.1 Additional Requirements in Specific Situations
6267 Documentation of Permanency Planning Meetings
6270 Permanency Roundtables (PRT)
6310 Services to the Child's Family When the Child Is in Substitute Care
6311 Services to the Parent and Family
6312 Participation of Parents’ Attorneys When a Child Is in Substitute Care
6320 Contacts and Visits with the Family
6321 Frequency of Contact and Visits
6330 Services to Children and Parents across Regional Lines
6331 Coordination Between Primary Caseworker and Courtesy Supervision Caseworker
6331.1 Responsibilities of the Courtesy Caseworker
6331.2 Responsibilities of the Primary Caseworker
6340 The Family Strengths and Needs Assessment (FSNA)
6350 When DFPS Obtains Permanent Managing Conservatorship Without Termination of Parental Rights
6351 Assessing Parental Involvement and Participation in Service Planning
6352 Maintaining the Family Substitute Care Stage
6353 Court's Authority to Order CPS to Provide Services
6354 When to Complete a Family Plan of Service
6360 When a Mother in an Open CVS Case is Pregnant
6370 Parental Child Safety Placements in CVS Cases
6400 Services to Children in Substitute Care
6411.1 Conducting the Monthly Face-to-Face Visits
6411.2 Documenting the Monthly Visit
6411.3 Following Up on Identified Needs
6411.4 Contact with Children in IDD GRO, SSLC and ICF Facilities
6411.41 Responsibilities of the Developmental Disability Specialist
6411.5 Contacts with Out-of-State Placements
6412 Children with Primary Medical Needs and Special Health Care Needs
6412.1 Working with Children and Youth in DFPS Conservatorship Using Substances
6412.11 Youth in Extended Care or Return to Care
6413 Services to Children and Caregivers across Regional Lines
6413.1 Courtesy Supervision – Contact across Regional Lines
6413.2 Local Permanency Supervision and Eligibility
6413.21 Responsibilities of the Alternate Caseworker/Local Permanency Specialist
6413.24 Local Permanency Waiver
6414 The Right to Regular Contact
6414.1 Ending Contact if the Child Is at Risk
6415 Visitation between Families and Children in Substitute Care
6416 Supervising a Child Placed in Texas From Another State
6417 The Supervision Services Expected From Another State
6420 Preparation for Long-Term Care or Support in Adulthood for Youth with Disabilities
6421 Planning for Long-Term Care Needs
6421.1 Researching Long-Term Care Resources
6421.2 Ensuring Funding and Eligibility for Services
6422 Home and Community-Based Services (HCS)
6423.1 Preparing to Request Appointment of a Guardian
6423.2 Criteria for HHSC Guardianship Referral
6423.3 Initiating the HHSC Guardianship Referral
6423.4 Guardianship Assessment
6423.5 HHSC Decision, Notification and DFPS Response
6423.51 HHSC Agrees to Become Guardian
6423.52 HHSC Denies Request for HHSC Guardianship
6423.6 HHSC Appointed as Guardian
6423.61 Youth Leaves DFPS Foster Care
6423.62 DFPS Foster Care Placement after HHSC Appointed as Guardian
6430 Rights of Children and Youth in Foster Care
6431 Texas Foster Care Handbook
6432.1 Corporal Punishment is Not Permitted
6432.2 Addressing Behavior Management and Discipline Issues
6433 Respect for Religious Practices
6440 Initial Assessment Services
6441 Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Assessment
6441.11 When to Request a CANS Assessment
6441.12 Viewing the CANS Report
6441.13 Use of the CANS Assessment to Inform T3C Service Packages
6441.14 CANS for Children Ages Zero through Two (0–2) Years Old
6441.21 Timeline for CANS Assessments
6441.22 Placement Changes within the First 30 Days
6441.23 Annual Updates to the CANS
6441.3 Use of the CANS Assessment for Service Planning
6441.4 The STAR Health Service Plan
6442 Assess for Developmental or Intellectual Disability
6442.1 Medicaid Long-Term Care Interest Lists and Determination of Intellectual Disability
6451 When a Youth in Substitute Care is Pregnant or Parenting
6451.1 When a Youth in Substitute Care is Pregnant
6451.2 When a Youth in Substitute Care Is Parenting
6451.21 When DFPS Has Conservatorship of the Youth's Child
6451.22 When DFPS Does Not Have Conservatorship of the Youth's Child
6451.23 When the Youth's Child Leaves Paid Foster Care – Closing Stages in IMPACT
6451.24 When the Youth Parent is on a Runaway Status
6453 Personal Documents Provided to Youth
6453.1 Personal Documents Provided to Youth Age 15 Through 17
6453.2 Additional Personal Documents Provided to Youth before Age 18
6454.1 Credit Reports for Youth Age 14 Through 17
6454.2 Credit Reports for Young Adults in Extended Foster Care
6455 Driver License and State Identification (ID) Card
6455.1 Driver License Approval Process for Youth under 18
6455.3 Eligible Youth Applying for a Driver Learner License or Driver License
6455.4 Young Adult in Extended Foster Care Applying for Driver License
6455.7 Address Changes for a Driver License or State Identification (ID) Card
6455.8 Canceling or Withdrawing a Driver License
6455.9 State Identification (ID) Card
6455.91 Affidavit Requirements
6456 Youth Enlisting in the Military
6457 Marriage of Youth in Conservatorship
6460 When a Child or Youth Is Missing from DFPS Conservatorship
6461 Child or Youth Missing from Substitute Care Placement
6461.1 Notification Requirements When a Child or Youth Runs Away or Is Missing
6461.3 Ongoing Efforts to Recover
6461.31 Documentation and Review
6461.4 When a Child Who Is Missing Is Recovered
6461.5 Caseworker Actions When a Missing Child Returns to Care
6461.51 Documentation and Review
6462 Confirmed or Suspected Victims of Human Trafficking
6471 Approvals Required for Travel
6472 Transporting a Child by Vehicle
6473 Transporting a Child by Airplane
6474 When a Child Travels Outside of the United States
6474.1 Requesting Court Approval for International Travel
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
6482 Use of Digital Services by Children in DFPS Conservatorship
6490 If a Child Dies While in Substitute Care
6491 Immediate Notification Requirements When a Child Dies
6492 Making Funeral Arrangements
6492.1 Inquire About the Child's Funds
6492.2 Involve Biological Parents
6492.3 Involve Foster Parents and Other Significant People
6492.4 Involve Community Partners
6510 Completing a Reunification Assessment Tool
6520 Starting the Reunification Process
6531 Providing Services and Ensuring Child Safety after a Child Returns Home
6540 Maintaining Contact with the Family When a Child Is Returned Home
6542 Conducting Follow-Up Visits with the Family When a Child Is Returned Home
6542.1 Preparing for the Visit
6550 Completing a Risk Reassessment Tool
6560 Closing a Case with a Child in a Parent’s Home
6561 Tasks Required before Dismissal
6562 Tasks Required before Closure
6563 Approval for Case Closure
6610 Identifying a Potential Relative Placement Before the Adversary Hearing
6620 Assessing a Potential Kinship Caregiver
6621 Background Checks as Part of the Kinship Assessment Process
6621.1 If No DFPS or Criminal History Is Found
6621.2 Conducting a Criminal History Check
6621.3 If DFPS or Criminal History Is Found
6621.4 Determining the Consequences of a Criminal History
6621.5 Considering the Totality of the Circumstances
6621.6 Determining Whether to Proceed with Kinship Caregiver Home Assessment
6621.7 Informing Potential Kinship Caregivers of Potential Consequences of Criminal History
6621.8 Authority to Disclose Criminal History Information
6623 The Written Home Assessment
6630 Placing a Child with a Kinship Caregiver
6640 The Kinship Caseworker or SSCC Equivalent
6642 Services and Initial Contact with the Kinship Caregiver
6643 Expectations for Face-to-Face Contact with the Kinship Caregiver
6643.2 Where Visits Must Occur
6644 Preparing for the Subsequent Visits
6645 Conducting the Kinship Caregiver Visit
6646 Actions after each Kinship Caregiver Visit
6648 Closing the Kinship Case in IMPACT
6650 Financial Assistance Available to a Kinship Caregiver
6651 Explaining the Federal Financial Assistance Available to a Kinship Caregiver
6652 Explaining the DFPS Financial Assistance Available to a Kinship Caregiver
6652.2 DFPS Relative and Other Designated Caregiver Program
6652.3 Kinship Reimbursement Payment
6652.4 Post-Permanent Managing Conservatorship Annual Reimbursement Payment
6660 Kinship Caregivers Interested in Becoming Verified as Foster Parents
6661 Assisting a Kinship Caregiver Seeking Verification as a Foster Parent
6680 Permanency Care Assistance (PCA)
6681 Overview of Permanency Care Assistance
6681.2 Caregiver Ineligibility for Permanency Care Assistance
6681.3 Child Eligibility for Permanency Care Assistance
6681.4 Meeting the Conditions to Verify Eligibility for Permanency Care Assistance
6682 Adding Permanency Care Assistance to the Child's Plan of Service
6683 Ruling Out Family Reunification and Adoption Before Pursuing Permanency Care Assistance
6684 Applying for Permanency Care Assistance
6684.1 Time Frame for Applying
6684.2 Negotiating the Monthly Payment
6684.21 Submitting the Permanent Managing Conservatorship Order
6684.22 Receiving the First Payment
6684.3 Signing the PCA Agreement Before Conservatorship is Granted: Court Time Frames and Processes
6685 Granting Assistance to the Sibling of a Child Who Receives PCA
6686 Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
6686.1 Definition of Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
6686.2 Eligibility Requirements for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
6686.4 Approval Process for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
6686.5 Deferred Agreements for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
6700 International and Immigration Issues
6710 Services to Children and Families Who Are Not U.S. Citizens
6711 Immigration Opportunities for Foster Children
6712 Caseworker Responsibility for Citizenship and Immigration
6713 Contacts With the Immigration Authorities
6714 Working with the Foreign Consulate
6714.1 Giving Notice to a Foreign Consulate
6715 Transporting Undocumented People
6720 Staff Travel Outside of the United States
6730 Placements in a Foreign Country
6731 Home Studies in Foreign Countries
6732 Procedure for International Placement
6733 U Visa Certification Requests
6740 Temporary CPS Custody Resulting from a Foreign Custody Order or a Hague Abduction Suit
6811 Discussing the Option of Joint Temporary Managing Conservatorship
6811.1 Determination of Joint Temporary Managing Conservatorship
6811.2 Documenting the Discussion
6820 CPS Youth and Municipal or County Courts and the Juvenile and Criminal Justice Systems
6821 CPS Youth with Tickets and Fines Involving Municipal or County Courts
6822 CPS Youth and Juvenile Justice
6822.1 Detention Before an Adjudication (Court Decision) Hearing
6822.11 Documenting Living Arrangement in IMPACT
6822.12 Legal Status and Legal Action in IMPACT
6822.13 Providing Medical Care
6822.3 When a Youth Is in Juvenile Probation Department (JPD) Custody or on JPD Probation
6822.31 Medical Care for a Youth in JPD Custody or on JPD Probation
6822.32 Serving as Medical Consenter
6822.4 Coordinated Service Planning
6822.43 Juvenile Record Requests with JPDs
6822.6 Addressing Other Issues Related to Juvenile Probation
6823 When a Youth Is in TJJD Custody in a Secure Facility or on TJJD Parole
6823.1 General Procedures When Youth Are Committed to the TJJD Secure Facility Program
6823.2 Medical Care for a Youth in TJJD Custody or on TJJD Parole
6823.3 Coordinated Service Planning
6823.32 DFPS and TJJD Casework
6823.33 Juvenile Record Requests with TJJD
6823.41 Attendance at Permanency Hearings
6823.5 Addressing Other TJJD-Related Issues
6824 Sealing Juvenile Records for Minor Offenses
6900 Adoption Preparation and Support Services
6910 Planning for a Child's Adoption
6911 Completing the Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History (HSEGH) Report
6912 Completing the Adoption Readiness Summary (ARS)
6915 Preparing the Child's Records for Presentation to Prospective Adoptive Parents
6920 Selecting an Adoptive Family
6921 Issues to Consider When Selecting an Adoptive Home
6922 Time Frames Related to Termination of Parental Rights
6923 Adoption by Foster Parents
6924 Adoptive Homes Located by Private Child-Placing Agencies
6925 Adoptive Homes in Other States
6926 Considering the Need for Adoption Assistance
6927 Adoption by Military Families Both In the United States and Outside the United States
6928 Legal Risk Adoptive Homes
6928.1 Requirements for Dual-Licensed Parents
6928.2 Requirements for Children
6928.3 Requirements for the Match
6929.3 Discussions of the Child
6929.4 Discussions of the Potential Adoptive Families
6929.5 Confirming Selection of a Prospective Adoptive Family
6929.6 Requirements for Adoptive Families
6929.7 When No Prospective Adoptive Family Is Available
6930 Presenting and Placing the Child for Adoption
6931 Presenting Information About the Child
6931.2 Documenting That Prospective Adoptive Parents Have Received the HSEGH Report
6931.3 Sharing Other DFPS Records with the Prospective Adoptive Parents
6931.4 Providing Adoptive Parents with Access to Research
6931.5 Refusal to Review the Child's Records
6932 Deciding Not to Proceed with a Placement
6933 Preparing the Family and the Child for the Placement
6934.1 Providing Continuing Access to the Child's Records
6934.2 Providing Written Consent to Secure Medical Services for the Child
6934.31 If the Child Is Not Receiving Social Security Benefits
6934.32 If the Child Is Receiving Social Security Benefits
6934.4 Informing the Adoptive Family of the Availability of Continuing Services
6934.5 Providing the Child's Personal Documents
6934.6 Discussing the Adoptive Placement Agreement
6934.61 Completing the Placement Summary
6934.7 Arranging to Forward the Child's Income and Records
6934.8 Updating Adoption and TARE Records
6934.9 Receiving Documents Back from a Canceled Placement
6935 Making Adoptive Placements in Other Regions
6936 Making Placements in Other States
6937 Making Placements in Other Countries
6940 Supporting and Consummating the Adoption
6941 Supporting the Adoptive Placement
6941.1 Developing an Adoption Services Plan
6941.11 Objectives of an Adoption Services Plan
6941.12 Establishing the Adoption Services Plan
6942 Resolving Problems in an Adoptive Placement
6943 Contact with the Child and Adoptive Family
6943.1 Conducting Visits With the Child and Adoptive Family
6943.11 Preparing for the Visit
6944 Consummating the Adoption
6944.1 Time Frames for Consummating the Adoption
6944.2 Caseworker Tasks after the Adoption Petition Is Filed
6944.21 Preparing a Post-Placement Report
6944.22 Filing the Health, Social, Education, and Genetic History (HSEGH) Report
6944.23 Providing the Child's History to the Adoptive Parents
6944.24 Providing Documents to the Family's Attorney
6944.25 Providing Advice on Obtaining Post-Adoption Services
6944.26 Documenting the Adoption Decree and Other Actions
6944.27 Transferring a Legal Case between Jurisdictions for Adoption
6944.3 Additional Tasks Related to Adoption
6944.31 Providing Advice on Applying for a New Social Security Number or Card
6944.32 Transferring Income, Benefits, and Assets
6944.4 Adoption Assistance When DFPS Is Not Consenting to the Adoption
6944.5 Termination of DFPS's Managing Conservatorship
6944.6 Adoption Reporting Requirements
6951 Post-Adoption Substitute Care (Return to Care)
6951.1 Circumstances Requiring Post-Adoption Substitute Care
6951.2 Procedures for Obtaining Post-Adoption Substitute Care
6951.3 Permanency Planning for Post-Adoption Substitute Care
6951.4 Processing Post-Adoption Substitute Care
6951.5 Transitioning from Post-Adoption Services to Post-Adoption Substitute Care
6960 Subsequent Placements in the Same Home
6970 Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE)
6971 Community Agencies That Support Child-Specific Recruitment
6972 TARE Adoption Recruitment Efforts
6972.1 Pre-TARE Regional Recruitment Efforts
6972.11 Pre-Recruitment Discussion With the Current Foster Parents
6972.2 National Recruitment Efforts
6973 Time Frames for Registering Children on TARE
6974 Court Orders Related to Adoption Recruitment
6974.1 Court-Ordered Recruitment for a Legal Risk Placement
6974.2 Court Orders to Cease or Suspend Recruitment Efforts
6974.3 Court Orders for Placement Only in Texas
6974.4 Challenge of Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
6975 Maintaining TARE Registrations
6975.1 Responsibilities of the Child's Caseworker
6975.2 Updating TARE Registrations
6975.3 Discontinuing TARE Registrations
-
Section 7000: Foster and Adoptive Home Development
7000 Foster and Adoptive Home Development
7100 Inquiries and Initial Applications
7110 Responding to Inquiries From Potential Foster or Adoptive Parents
7121 Previously Verified or Approved Applicants
7122 Topics of Information Meetings
7123 Distributing and Assisting with Applications
7124 Processing the Application Packet Submitted by Prospective Foster or Adoptive Parents
7200 Screening Applicants for Foster Care and Adoption
7210 Reasons for Screening Applicants for Foster Care and Adoption
7220 Screening Requirements for Prospective Foster and Adoptive Parents
7223.1 Relationship Status of Prospective Foster Parents
7223.2 Relationship Status of Prospective Adoptive Parents
7223.21 The Divorce Requirement for Adoptive Parents
7223.22 Requesting a Waiver of the Divorce Requirement for Adoptive Parents
7223.3 Single Applicants as Prospective Foster or Adoptive Parents
7224 Physical and Mental Health
7226.1 The Citizenship Requirement for Foster Parents
7226.2 The Citizenship Requirement for Adoptive Parents
7226.3 Verifying a Prospective Parent's Citizenship or Immigration Status
7226.4 Requesting a Citizenship Waiver for Adoptive Parents
7300 Training Foster and Adoptive Applicants
7310 Preservice Training of Foster and Adoptive Homes
7311 Preservice Training Sessions
7312 When Prospective Parents Complete Training and Then Withdraw
7313 When Prospective Parents Complete Training, Are Approved, and Then Withdraw
7320 Training in CPR and First Aid
7330 Preventing and Recognizing Youth Sexual Abuse Training
7400 Checking Criminal Records and Abuse and Neglect History
7410 Determine Need for Background Check
7411 General Requirements for Background Checks
7412 Background Check Statement Form 4054
7413 Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Abuse or Neglect History Checks
7421 Ensuring Checks Are Submitted Timely
7421.1 Time Frames for Initial Checks
7421.2 Time Frames for Checks Required Before Consummating an Adoption
7422 Releasing or Disclosing DPS and FBI Criminal History Records Information (CHRI)
7430 Requesting Information from Law Enforcement
7431 Service Call Information from Law Enforcement
7440 Evaluating Background Check Results and Service Call Information
7441 Evaluating Criminal History Results
7442 Evaluating DFPS and Out of State Abuse or Neglect History Results
7443 New Background Check Results on a Verified or Approved Home
7451 Contact With Children During Risk Evaluations
7452 When a Risk Evaluation Is Not Required
7460 Information Related to Specific Types of Checks
7461 Incorrect Criminal History Information
7461.1 Texas Department of Public Safety
7461.2 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
7500 Home and Family Assessment
7510 If an Application to Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent Is Denied
7511 Documentation for Verifying and Approving Homes
7511.1 Documents Required Before Verifying or Approving Any Prospective Parent
7511.3 Documents Required Before Approving Prospective Adoptive Parents
7512.1 Home Screening Interviews
7512.11 Obtaining References during Home Screenings
7512.2 Updating the Home Screenings
7512.21 Updating Foster Home Screenings
7512.22 Updating Adoptive Home Screenings
7512.3 Documenting Home Screenings
7512.41 Requesting a Waiver or Variance
7513.1 Foster Home Inspections
7513.2 Adoptive Home Inspections
7514 Special Considerations Regarding Foster Parents
7520 Annual Training Requirements for Foster Parents and Child Placement Staff
7521 Annual Training Requirements for Foster Parents
7522 Annual Training Requirements for Child Placement Staff
7600 Developing Foster and Adoptive Homes
7611 Rights and Responsibilities of Foster Parents
7612.1 Supervisory Visits: Unannounced Home Visits
7612.2 Supervisory Visits: Normalcy
7613 Foster Family Quarterly Assessment
7613.1 Time Frames for Documenting the Quarterly Assessment
7620 Evaluating Foster Home Compliance with Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies
7621 Evaluating Foster Home Compliance
7621.1 When to Evaluate a Foster Home
7621.2 Conducting Foster Home Evaluations
7621.3 Documenting Foster Home Evaluations
7621.4 Plans for Achieving Compliance and Follow-Up
7622 Updating a Foster Home's Verification Certificate
7623.1 Documenting an Inactive Foster Home
7623.2 Contact With an Inactive Foster Home
7623.21 Training Requirements for an Inactive Foster Home
7623.22 Background Checks for Inactive Status Foster Homes
7624.1 If Foster Families Move Out of Region
7624.2 If Foster Families Move Out of State
7626 Developmental Plans and Documenting Failure to Comply With Minimum Standards
7626.2 Failure to Comply With Minimum Standards
7626.21 Failure to Comply With a Minimum Standard or Other Licensing Rule
7626.22 Corrective Action Plans
7626.4 Foster Families that Adopt
7626.5 Supervising Children Receiving Treatment Services
7630 Developing and Supervising the Adoptive Home
7631 Supervising the Adoptive Home
7632 Homes for Legal Risk Placements
7633.1 Contact With an Inactive Adoptive Home
7640 DFPS Policies That Exceed Minimum Standards
7641 Water Safety and Swimming Activities
7641.1 Water Policy Requirements for Foster, Adopt, and Foster-Adopt Homes
7642 Disaster Planning and Procedures for Foster and Adoptive Home Development (FAD) Placements
7642.2 Documenting Disaster Plans for Foster and Adoptive Homes
7642.3 Disaster Procedures for FAD Specialists
7644 Weapons, Firearms, Explosive Materials, and Projectiles
7644.4 Toys That Explode or Shoot
7645 Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention
7645.1 Suicide Prevention and Intervention Training
7645.3 Suicide Prevention and Intervention Planning
7645.4 Returning Post-Hospitalization
7645.5 Postvention Protocols and Support
7700 Investigations in Foster Family and Adoptive Homes
7711 Allegations and Incidents That Licensing Must Investigate
7720 Minimum Standards Violations
7741 Peer Review Appeal Process for DFPS Verified Foster Parents
7810 Avoiding a Conflict of Interest When DFPS Employees Apply to Foster or Adopt
7811 Restrictions on FAD Verifying or Approving DFPS Employees and Others with Close Ties to DFPS
7900 Alternate Caregiving for Foster Children
7910 Background Check Requirements for Babysitters and Intermittent Alternate Care Providers
7920 Babysitting and Overnight Care
7921 Restrictions on DFPS Employees
7923 Approving and Documenting Babysitters
7923.1 Approving and Documenting Adult Babysitters
7923.2 Approving and Documenting Minor Babysitters
7924 Approving Alternate Care Plans
7925 Documenting Care Instructions
7926 Notifying DFPS of Alternate Care Services
7930 Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC) and DFPS Verified Foster Homes
7931 Verified FAD Homes Providing Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC)
7932 Service Limitation of Verified IAC Providers
7933 Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC) Providers
7933.1 Non-Verified Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC) Providers
7934 Contracting for Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC) Services
7935 Arranging Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC) Services
7935.1 Requiring Prior Service Authorization to Ensure Payment of IAC Services
7935.2 Procedures for Arranging Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC)
7936 Processing the Billing for Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC) Services
7936.1 Canceling Intermittent Alternate Care
7936.2 Requesting Additional Units of Intermittent Alternate Care Service
-
Section 8000: Purchased Child Protective Services
8000 Purchased Child Protective Services
8120 Types of Purchased Services
8121.1 Direct Services for Active Cases (Standard and ICPC)
8121.2 Post Adoptive Cases (Consummated Adoptions)
8123 State Office (Statewide) Contracts
8130 Policy Waivers or New Service Requests
8150 State Office and Regional Responsibilities
8151 State Office Responsibilities
8152 Regional Responsibilities
8160 Authorizing, Extending, or Terminating Services
8161 Direct Services – Authorizing, Extending, or Terminating
8161.1 Active Cases – Authorizing, Extending, or Terminating Direct Services
8161.11 Considering Priority Funding
8161.13 Establishing End Dates
8161.14 Adding, Extending, or Reauthorizing Service
8161.2 Post-Adoptive Services (Consummated Adoptions)
8162 Support Services – Authorizing, Extending, or Terminating
8163 State Office Contracts – Adding, Extending, or Terminating
8163.1 Authorizing Contract Services
8163.2 Contract Services – Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, or Terminating
8164 Manual Authorization – Submitting a Paper Form
8165 Interregional Service – Authorization
8200 Direct Services for Active Cases
8220 Purchased Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
8222 Identifying Available Services
8223 Referring Clients for Family-Based Safety Services
8224 Using IMPACT for Completing Service Authorizations
8226 Starting New Investigations of Open Cases
8227 Handling Returned Open Cases
8228 Adding, Changing, or Terminating
8230 Services for Caregivers (p.8)
8231.1 Protective Homemaker Services
8231.11 Determining Eligibility
8231.12 Identifying Available Services
8231.15 Handling Additional Duties
8231.2 Emergency Homemaker Services
8231.21 Determining Eligibility
8231.22 Identifying Available Services
8231.25 Handling Additional Duties
8232 Parent and Caregiver Training
8232.1 Basic Training – Parents and Caregivers
8232.11 Determining Eligibility
8232.12 Identifying Available Services
8232.15 Handling Additional Duties
8232.2 Special Needs Training for Parents and Caregivers
8232.21 Determining Eligibility
8232.22 Identifying Available Services
8232.25 Handling Additional Duties
8233.1 Determining Eligibility
8233.2 Identifying Available Services
8233.41 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8233.5 Handling Additional Duties
8234 Hospital Sitting Services
8234.2 Determining Eligibility
8234.3 Identifying Available Services
8234.51 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8234.6 Handling Additional Duties
8235.1 Funding Availability for Child Day Care Services
8235.2 Authorizing, Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, Terminating, or Changing Services
8235.21 Caseworker Responsibilities
8235.22 When a Child Care Provider's Licensing Status Changes
8235.3 General Protective Child Day Care
8235.31 Determining Eligibility for General Protective Day Care
8235.32 Types of Facilities That May Be Used for General Protective Day Care
8235.33 Resolving Issues of Space
8235.34 Authorizing, Reauthorizing, and Terminating Services
8235.41 Determining Eligibility for Foster Day Care
8235.42 Types of Day Care Facilities That May Be Used for Foster Day Care
8235.43 Resolving Issues of Space
8235.44 Authorizing, Reauthorizing, and Terminating Services
8235.51 Determining Eligibility for Kinship Day Care
8235.52 Types of Facilities That May Be Used for Kinship Day Care
8235.53 Resolving Issues of Space
8235.54 Initiating, Authorizing, Reauthorizing, and Terminating Services
8235.6 Day Care Coordinator Responsibilities
8235.61 Handling Program-Related Duties
8236 Supervised Visitation Services
8236.1 Determining Eligibility
8236.2 Contracted Supervised Visitation
8236.5 Handling Additional Duties
8236.6 Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, or Terminating Services
8240 Evaluation, Treatment, and Substance Abuse Services
8242.1 Psychosocial Assessment
8242.11 Determining Eligibility for Psychosocial Assessment
8242.12 Identifying Available Services for Psychosocial Assessment
8242.13 Referring Clients for Psychosocial Assessment
8242.14 Using IMPACT to Authorize Psychosocial Assessment
8242.15 Adding, Extending, and Reauthorizing Psychosocial Assessment Services
8242.16 Terminating Service for Psychosocial Assessment
8242.21 Determining Eligibility for Psychological Testing
8242.22 Identifying Available Services for Psychological Testing
8242.23 Referring Clients for Psychological Testing
8242.24 Using IMPACT to Authorize Psychological Testing
8242.25 Adding, Extending, and Reauthorizing Services for Psychological Testing
8242.26 Terminating Service for Psychological Testing
8242.31 Determining Eligibility for Psychiatric Evaluation
8242.32 Identifying Available Services for Psychiatric Evaluation
8242.33 Referring Clients for Psychiatric Evaluation
8242.34 Using IMPACT to Authorize a Psychiatric Evaluation
8242.35 Adding, Extending, and Reauthorizing Services for Psychiatric Evaluation
8242.36 Terminating Service for Psychiatric Evaluation
8243.1 Counseling — Individual, Family, and Group
8243.11 Determining Eligibility
8243.12 Identifying Available Services
8243.15 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8243.16 Handling Additional Duties
8243.17 Adding, Changing, or Terminating Service
8243.2 Programs for Children with Developmental Delays
8243.21 Determining Eligibility
8243.22 Identifying Available Services
8243.25 Handling Additional Duties
8250 Court-Related Services – Preparing for Judicial Determination
8252 Requesting Court-Related Services
8253 Obtaining Court-Related Services
8260 Adoption Services (Pre-Consummated Adoptions)
8261 HSEGH Reports - Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History
8261.1 Identifying Available Services for HSEGH Reports
8261.21 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8262 Adoptive Placement Services (Including Legal Risk Placements)
8262.1 Determining Eligibility
8262.2 Identifying Available Services
8262.3 Referring Clients for In-State Adoption Services
8263 Out-of-State Adoption Placement
8263.1 Identifying Out-of-State Families for Adoption Placement Services
8263.2 Determining Eligibility
8263.3 Contracting with Out-of-State CPAs
8263.4 Selecting an Out-of-State Family and Authorizing Services
8263.5 Adding, Extending, or Reauthorizing Services
8263.6 Completing Placement Services
8264 Post-Placement Adoption Services (Pre-Consummated)
8264.1 Determining Eligibility
8264.2 Identifying Available Services
8264.5 Handling Additional Duties
8265 Subsequent Adoptive Placement Services
8265.1 Determining Eligibility
8270 Youth Camping Services — Day and 24-Hour
8272 Identifying Available Services
8275 Contracting with Youth Camps
8276.1 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8280 Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Services
8282 Identifying Available Services
8283 Identifying Additional Services
8285.1 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8286 Adding, Extending, or Terminating Services
8300 Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC)
8312 Identifying Available Services
8314.1 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8315 Handling Additional Duties
8316 Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, or Terminating Services
8320 ICPC Placement and Courtesy Supervision Services
8322 Identifying Available Services
8324.1 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8325 Handling Additional Duties
8326 Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, or Closing Services
8330 ICPC Evaluation and Treatment Services
8332 Identifying Available Services
8334.1 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8335 Handling Additional Duties
8336 Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, or Terminating Service
8400 Post Adoption Services (Consummated Adoptions)
8411.1 Determining Eligibility
8411.3 Identifying Available Services
8411.6 Sharing the Child's Record
8412.1 Case Management and Service Planning
8412.11 Defining Case Management and Service Planning
8412.12 Maintaining a Service Plan
8412.21 Identifying Available Services
8412.22 Determining Eligibility
8412.23 Identifying Allowable Costs
8412.31 Identifying Available Services
8412.32 Determining Eligibility
8412.33 Identifying Allowable Subcontractors
8412.34 Identifying Allowable Costs
8412.4 Post Adoption Counseling
8412.41 Providing Available Services
8412.42 Determining Eligibility
8412.43 Identifying Allowable Providers
8412.44 Defining Units of Service
8412.45 Authorizing in Advance
8412.51 Identifying Eligible Providers
8412.52 Defining Units of Service
8412.6 Residential Therapeutic Care
8412.61 Determining Eligibility
8412.63 Requiring Family Involvement
8412.64 Reunifying Child and Family
8412.65 Identifying Allowable Providers
8412.69 Reducing the Service Level
8414 The Contract Plan of Operation for Post Adoption Services
8420 Duties of a Regional Post Adoption Liaison
8431 Notifying Families of Their Rights
8432 Resolving Disagreements with Contractors
8434 During and After the Fair Hearing
8511 Foster Parent Intermittent Alternate Care (IAC) Services
8512 Funeral and Burial Services for Children in DFPS Conservatorship
8512.1 DFPS Funding for Services
8512.2 Purchasing and Payment of Services
8513 Medical, Dental, or Sexual Abuse Examinations
8514 Diagnostic Consultation — Case Specific
8514.1 Determining Eligibility for Consultation
8514.2 Identifying Available Consultation Services
8514.3 Referring Clients for Consultation
8514.41 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8514.5 Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, or Terminating Consultation
8520 Program Support Services (Regional)
8521.2 Foster and Adoptive Home Study Services
8521.22 Determining Eligibility
8521.23 Identifying Available Services
8521.26 When IMPACT is Unavailable
8521.27 Adding, Extending, Reauthorizing, or Terminating Studies
8521.3 Relative, OTI, or Court-Ordered Home Study Services
8521.31 Identifying Required Services
8521.34 Handling Additional Duties
8521.35 Adding, Changing, Reauthorizing, or Terminating Services
8522 Programmatic Consultation
8522.1 Identifying Allowable Services
8523 Community and Parent Group Services
8523.1 Contracting With Councils, Associations, and Organizations
8523.11 Identifying Eligible Contractors
8523.3 Costs for Community and Parent Group Services
8523.31 Allowable Costs for Community and Parent Group Services
8523.32 Unallowable Costs for Community and Parent Group Services
8524.1 Group Training for Foster and Adoptive Parents
8524.11 Determining Eligibility
8524.14 Handling Additional Duties
8524.2 Topic-Specific Training for Clients, Parents, or Contractors
8524.22 Determining Eligibility
8525 Title IV-E University Pass-Through Services
8525.1 Title IV-E — Professional Training
8525.2 Title IV-E — Ongoing Training
8525.3 Title IV-E — University Degree and Stipend Programs
8525.31 Identifying Allowable Services
8525.32 Student Responsibilities
8525.33 Application Requirements for Current DFPS/SSCC Employees
8526.3 Reviewing Contracts Annually
8526.4 Including Termination Dates
8526.5 Registering and Paying Contracts
8526.7 Restrictions on Child Welfare Boards
8526.72 Restrictions on Contracts
8526.73 Restrictions on Funding
8530 State Office Contracts with Program Consultants
8531 Identifying Available Services
-
Section 9000: Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)
9000 Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)
9100 The DFPS ICPC Coordinator and SSCC Equivalent
9200 Placing Children from Texas in Another State
9210 Processing an ICPC Request from Texas
9211 ICPC Coordinator Review and Approval
9212 Texas Interstate Compact Office (TICO) Review and Processing
9213 Obtaining the Other State’s Decision on an Interstate Placement
9213.2 Request for Home Study Approval Extension
9214 Placing a Child in the Other State
9214.1 Notifying the Other State
9214.11 Retaining Jurisdiction
9214.2 Canceling a Placement Request
9216 Out-of-State Placement Disruptions
9300 Placing Children from Another State in Texas
9310 Accepting a Request to Place a Child from Another State
9312 If the Other State’s Child Protection Agency Skips TICO
9313 Accepting Requests from Other States to Place with a Non-Custodial Parent Living in Texas
9314 If a Home Screening Has Already Been Completed
9315 Creating an ICPC Case in IMPACT
9316 Notification and Supervision
9320 If a Caregiver Moves to Texas
9323 If a Caregiver Moves Before TICO Authorizes the Placement
9324 Placements Made without a Request
9330 Processing a Home Screening for a Child Being Placed in Texas from Another State
9340 Making the Decision to Accept an ICPC Placement
9341 Basis and Criteria for TICO Approval
9342 Sending Notification of a TICO Decision
9342.1 If TICO Denies Placement
9342.2 If a Child Is Placed Despite TICO’s Denial
9350 Placing a Child from Another State in a Licensed Residential Facility in Texas
9361 When a Caregiver Moves During the Supervision of an ICPC Case
9362 Interstate Placement Disruption
9363 Illegal Interstate Placements
9400 DFPS Role in Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) Disaster Planning
-
Section 10000: Services to Older Youth in Care or Young Adults No Longer in Care
10000 Services to Older Youth in Care or Young Adults No Longer in Care
10100 Transition Planning for Older Youth
10120 Transition Centers for Youth
10130 Overview of Healthcare Coverage for Youth and Young Adults Who Age Out of Foster Care
10200 Preparation for Adult Living (PAL)
10210 Targeted Priority Population
10220 Additional Eligible Population
10230 PAL Eligibility for Youth Placed in a Title IV-E Placement by the TJJD or a CJPD
10240 Review of the Texas Foster Care Handbook
10250 Required Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Services
10253 Life Skills Independent Study Guide
10260 Young Adults Residing with a Designated Perpetrator of Abuse or Neglect
10270 Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Transitional Living Allowance (TLA)
10272 Suspending PAL Transitional Living Allowance Payments
10280 Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Aftercare Room and Board
10281 Limitations While Receiving ETV or in Extended Foster Care for PAL Aftercare Room and Board
10282 Assessing the Amount for PAL Aftercare Room and Board Payment
10283 Allowable Expenditures and Payment Limits for PAL Aftercare Room and Board
10284 Payment Limits for PAL Aftercare Room and Board
10290 National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD)
10291.1 Reporting Data Due Dates
10291.2 Outcome Reporting Status
10300 Post-Secondary Education Programs
10310 College Tuition and Fee Exemption Information
10311 Issuing the College Tuition and Fee Exemption Letter
10311.1 DFPS PAL Staff or SSCC Equivalent Responsibilities for College Tuition and Fee Exemption
10320 The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
10330 Employment Preference for Former Foster Youth
10400 Extended Foster Care for Young Adults
10410 Preparation Required When a Youth Plans To Stay in Extended Foster Care
10411 Within 90 Days Before the Youth’s 18th Birthday
10412 Actions Required As Soon as Possible After the 18th Birthday
10420 Qualifying for Extended Foster Care
10421 Transitioning Between Education or Work-Related Activities
10421.1 Enrollment in a Higher Education Program or a Post-Secondary Vocational or Technical School
10422 Monitoring Continued Participation and Annual Eligibility Review
10423 Issues Signing the VEFCA for a Young Adult with a Physical or Intellectual Disability
10423.1 Physically Unable to Sign VEFCA
10423.2 Mental Capacity Issues in Signing the VEFCA
10430 Casework Activity for Young Adults in Extended Foster Care
10432 Medical Consenter Issues and Documentation
10433 Sealed Juvenile Justice Records
10440 If the Young Adult Goes Missing
10450 Supervised Independent Living (SIL)
10451 Overview and Purpose of SIL
10452 Eligibility for Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Placements
10453 Enhanced Case Management Services
10454 Referral, Assessment, and Approval Process for the Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Program
10454.1 Initial Placement Process
10454.2 Subsequent SIL Placement Process
10455 Ongoing Caseworker Duties During SIL Placement
10456 Discharge from the SIL Program
10460 Discharge from Extended Foster Care
10461 Planned Discharge from Extended Foster Care
10462 Emergency Discharge from Extended Foster Care
10463 Discharge to Trial Independence
10500 Trial Independence and Return for Extended Foster Care
10520 Return for Extended Foster Care
10521 Referring the Young Adult to PAL Staff or SSCC Equivalent Staff
10522 Acceptance Criteria for Return to Extended Foster Care
10530 Roles and Responsibilities of Staff Helping a Young Adult Return for Extended Foster Care
10531 Roles and Responsibilities of PAL Staff
10540 Providing Support After a Young Adult Returns to Extended Foster Care
10541 Contacts and Time Frames
10542 Revising the Transition Plan
10543 Completing the Child Plan of Service
-
Section 11000: Health Care for Youth in Foster Care
11000 Health Care for Youth in Foster Care
11110 Court Authorizes DFPS to Be the Child’s Medical Consenter
11111 Documenting Temporary Medical Consenters
11112 Extending a Temporary Medical Consenter’s Service Beyond 24 Hours
11113 Ensuring Training on Informed Consent and Requirements for Medical Consenters
11114 DFPS-Approved Training for Parents
11115 Documenting Medical Consent
11116 Providing Medical Information to the Medical Consenter
11117 Changing Medical Consenter and Backup Consenter
11118 Notifying the Court of the Designated Medical Consenter or Temporary Medical Consenter
11120 Caseworker Responsibilities in Managing the Medical Consenter
11121 Notifying the Court When the Medical Consenter Fails to Perform Duties
11130 Responsibilities of Medical Consenters and Backup Medical Consenters
11131 Participating in Each Medical Appointment
11131.2 Ongoing Behavioral Health Therapy
11131.3 Allied Health Services
11131.4 Psychotropic Medication Appointments
11131.6 Emergency Medical Care
11140 Medical Consent by Minor Youth
11141 Educating Children and Youth about Their Medical Care
11142 Documenting Court Authorization for Youth Medical Consent
11143 Requesting a Court Order If a Youth Refuses Medical Care
11151 Youth Under HHSC Guardianship in Extended Foster Care
11152 Youth Who Are Parents in DFPS Conservatorship or Extended Foster Care
11160 Notification of Medical Care
11161 Including Medical and Behavioral Health Information in Court Reports
11161.1 Including Information afbout Psychotropic Medications in Court Reports and Testimony
11162 Notifying Parents about Psychotropic Prescriptions and Significant Medical Conditions
11200 Medical and Dental Services
11210 Meeting the Requirements for Medical and Dental Services
11212 Texas Health Steps Medical Checkup
11213 Texas Health Steps Dental Checkup
11215 Hospitalization at a Medical Facility
11230 Using the Health Passport
11310 If DFPS or SSCC Staff Administers Medications
11311 Permissible and Non-Permissible Medication Administration Routes
11320 Psychotropic Medications
11321 Providing Required Information to Medical Consenters
11322 Informed Consent for Psychotropic Medication
11323 Deciding Whether to Consent to a Psychotropic Medication
11323.1 Providing Consent to an Initial Psychotropic Medication in an Inpatient Setting
11323.2 Deciding Not to Consent to a Psychotropic Medication
11324 Documenting Consent to Initial Psychotropic Medications and Changes to Active Prescriptions
11325 Psychotropic Medications Follow-Up Visits
11326 Non-Pharmacological Interventions
11327 Psychotropic Medication Utilization Review (PMUR)
11400 Special Healthcare Needs
11410 Arranging for Disease Management Services for Specialized Healthcare Needs
11411 Referring a Child to Medical Professionals and Health-Related Community Services
11412 Working with Children in DFPS Conservatorship Who Have Special Healthcare Needs
11500 HIV Testing and Care for Children in DFPS Conservatorship
11510 Counseling, Treatment, and Medical Management for a Child with HIV Infection
11520 Maintaining Confidentiality of HIV Status
11521 Required Notification about a Child's HIV Status
11522 Allowable Releases of HIV Status Information
11600 Behavioral Health Services
11610 Admission to a Mental Health Facility
11611 Request to Admit a Child or Youth to an Inpatient Psychiatric Facility
11612 DFPS Representative to Approve Admission of Child or Youth
11612.1 Caseworker Actions during Psychiatric Hospitalizations
11613 Youth Age 16 or Older Who Requests Admission
11614 Consent for Health Care and Medications after Admission
11620 Emergency Detention Order and Order for Protective Custody
11630 Involuntary Commitment Order for Mental Health Services
11640 Discharge from Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities
11700 Extraordinary Medical Conditions
11710 Enrollment and Participation in Certain Drug Research Programs
11720 Court-Ordered End-of-Life Medical Decisions
11721 Court Order to Execute a Do-Not-Resuscitate Order
11722 Court Order to Withhold or Withdraw Life-Sustaining Treatment
11732 Informing Parents and Legal Guardians about Pregnancy-Related Information
-
Section 12000: Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
12000 Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
12100 Philosophy and the Role of FBSS Staff
12120 The Role of the FBSS Caseworker
12130 The Role of the FBSS Supervisor
12140 Program Director Involvement in FBSS
12200 Contacts in Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
12210 Constitutional Requirements for Family-Based Safety Services
12211 Consent to Enter and Remain in a Family’s Home
12212 Consent to Visually Examine the Child in the Home
12213 Consent to Transport the Child
12214 Meeting Federal Requirements
12215 Assessing Communication Needs
12220 Receiving a Case in FBSS from Investigations
12221 FBSS Actions When the INV and Family Preservation (FPR) Stages Are Open Concurrently
12230 Ten-Day Tasks When the FBSS Case Is Remaining Open
12250 Notifying a Supervisor When Unable to Meet the Time Frames for Face-to-Face Contact
12260 Locating, Contacting, and Assessing Absent or Noncustodial Parents
12261 Locating Absent or Noncustodial Parents
12262 Contacting and Assessing Absent or Noncustodial Parents
12270 FBSS Actions When a Child or Principal Cannot Be Located
12300 Transferring a Case in Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
12310 Transferring a Case from Alternative Response or Investigation to FBSS
12320 Transferring FBSS Cases between Counties and Regions
12322 Resolving Disagreements Regarding Case Transfers
12400 Documentation and Case Reviews in FBSS
12410 Documentation and Contact Entry
12420 Caseworker Monthly Evaluation of Progress
12430 Submitting Monthly Evaluations
12440 Supervisor Monthly Review
12441 Program Director Six-Month Review
12455 Recommended Action and Planned Action
12460 Children with Medical and Mental Health Issues and Medical Needs Staffings
12500 Providing Services in FBSS
12510 Family Strengths and Needs Assessment (FSNA)
12520 Participation in the Family Plan of Service
12530 Creating the Initial Family Plan of Service
12540 Family Plan of Service Evaluations
12550 Foster Care Candidacy (FCC) Determination for FBSS
12560 Families with Substance Use in FBSS
12570 Referral to Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Services
12580 Family’s Lack of Participation
12581 Documenting Court-Ordered Participation and Other Legal Actions
12620 Ongoing Assessment of Child Safety
12621 Criminal and DFPS Background Checks
12630 Safe Sleep and Other Safety Related Issues
12641 Refusal to Participate in a Safety Plan
12650 Family-Initiated Parental Child Safety Placement (PCSP)
12670 When a Mother in an Open FBSS case is Pregnant
12671 When a Child is Born during an Open FBSS Case
12700 Case Closure in Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS)
12711 Case Closure Conference (Staffing)
12712 Final Risk Reassessment Before Closure
12713 Final Safety Assessment Before Closure
12721 Final Face-to-Face Contact with Parents/Caregivers
12722 Final Child Face-to-Face Contact, Pictures, and Home Visit
12731 Whom to Notify of the Case Closure Decision
12750 Determining Closure Code
12751 Risk is Reduced in the Family
12752 Court Ordered Services Closed
12753 Child Outside of Home/No CVS
12754 Child Removed from Home/CVS
12757 Unable to Locate the Family
12760 Family Refused/Legal Impossible
12800 Special Circumstances in Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS) Cases
12810 New Intake Received during an Open FBSS Case
12811 Child Trafficking (Sex and Labor Trafficking)
-
Section 13000: Education for Children
13100 The Role of DFPS in Ensuring Education Stability and Success
13110 When a Child is in Parental Child Safety Placement (PCSP) or an Emergency Shelter
13200 School Options for Children
13210 Early Childhood Education Programs for Children
13211.1 Referrals to Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
13212 Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
13220 Education in a Home Setting
13221 Regional Education Specialist Review
13230 Exceptions to Standard Schooling Options for Children and Youth Ages 5 Through 21
13231 Private School or Boarding School
13232 General Education Development (GED)
13233 Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) and Virtual Schools
13234 Education Services for Children in Nursing Homes or Hospitals or Who Are Homebound
13235 Education Services for School-Age Children Who Are Placed Out-of-State
13235.1 Paying Out-of-State Tuition
13236 Requesting an Exception to Standard Schooling
13300 Enrollment, Records Transfer, and Withdrawal for Children Changing Schools
13310 Time Frame for Completing the Child's Enrollment
13320 A Child's Temporary Absence From School
13330 Immunization Requirements
13340 Documents Required for Enrollment
13342 Education Decision-Maker Form
13350 Requesting Transfer of School Records
13360 Withdrawing a Student from School
13370 Education Decision Making
13371 Designating an Education Decision-Maker
13371.1 Designating an Education Decision Maker at Initial Placement
13371.2 Designating Changes to the Education Decision Maker
13372 Participating in Special Education Meetings and Decisions
13373 Required Notification of School-Related Information
13381 Creating a Child's Educational Record
13382 Education-Related Documents Required for the Child's Case File
13410 Education-Related Documents Required for the Education Portfolio
13420 The Role of the Caseworker in Creating the Education Portfolio
13430 Time Frames for Delivering the Education Portfolio
13440 The Education Portfolio at Discharge from Conservatorship
13500 Discipline of Children in DFPS Conservatorship in the Schools
13510 Requirement to Opt Out of Corporal Punishment
13600 Role and Responsibilities of the Regional Education Specialist
13700 Referring a Child for a Special Education Assessment and Evaluation
-
Section 14000: Foster Care Assistance, Permanency Care Assistance, and Adoption Assistance
14000 Foster Care Assistance, Permanency Care Assistance, and Adoption Assistance
14110 Eligibility and Benefits for Children in DFPS Conservatorship
14111 Role of the Foster Care Eligibility Specialist
14111.1 Consistency with Income and Resources Information
14111.2 Unknown Family Income on the Foster Care Assistance Application
14113 Annual Review of Eligibility
14114 Notifications to SSA and Use of the Wire Third Party Query System
14120 Obtaining Certified Birth Certificates and Birth Records Screenshots
14131 General Foster Care Assistance Eligibility Requirements
14131.1 General Eligibility Requirements for Title IV-E and State-Paid Foster Care
14131.11 Responsibility for Placement and Care
14131.12 Age 14131.13 Placement Facility
14131.13 Social Security Number
14131.14 Young Adults and Guardianship
14131.2 General Eligibility Requirements for MAO Foster Care
14132 Additional Eligibility Requirements for Title IV-E Foster Care
14132.1 Judicial Determinations
14132.2 Citizenship or Immigration Status
14132.3 Social Security Number
14132.4 Valid Removal from the Home
14132.5 Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) Requirements
14132.6 Child Care Institution (CCI) Placements
14133 Requirements When Title IV-E Children Are in a Non-Title IV-E Placement
14133.1 Trial Home Visits or Monitored Returns
14133.2 Placements Outside the Scope of Foster Care
14134 Additional Eligibility Requirements for State-Paid Foster Care
14135 Medical Coverage for Children in Foster Care
14135.1 Medicaid Eligibility Types
14135.2 Medical Assistance Only (MAO) Auto-Eligibility
14135.3 MAO Coverage for Children Placed in Kinship, Relative, or Own Home Placement
14135.4 MAO Coverage for Children in Adoptive Placements
14135.5 MAO Coverage for Children in Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) Placements
14136 Eligibility in Medical Facilities Before Placement
14137 Foster Care Payments during Absences from Foster Care Placements
14138 Medicaid Benefits for Foster Care Children Placed in Texas from Other States
14139 Medicaid Benefits for Foster Care Children Placed Out of State
14141 Extended Foster Care Assistance
14150 Recoupment of Foster Care Maintenance Overpayment and Billing Coordinator Role
14151 Manual Recoupment Process
14152 Notifying Providers of Recoupment that Exceeds 50 Percent of Next Payment
14152.1 Extreme Hardship and Repayment Plans
14153 When Not to Initiate Recoupment Procedures
14160 Managing Children’s Funds
14162 Closing Children’s Income Accounts
14162.1 Children with a Dedicated Account and a Legal Status of Resp Terminated
14163 Checks Payable to Young Adult in DFPS Care
14163.1 New Benefit Award from SSA
14163.2 Income When Child Is in Paid Substitute Care
14164 Annual Reconciliation for Each Child
14165 Distribution of Child Support Funds When the Child Is in DFPS Conservatorship
14170 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Children in Foster Care
14171 Effect of SSI Eligibility on Title IV-E Foster Care
14171.1 Receiving SSI or Title IV-E Benefits
14171.2 Changes that Affect Claiming SSI or Title IV-E Benefits
14172 Effect of SSI Eligibility on State-Paid Foster Care
14173 Effect of SSI Eligibility on MAO Foster Care
14174 SSI Applications for Youth Aging Out of Care
14175 Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) Placement
14175.1 SSI Coordinator and Foster Care Eligibility Specialist Responsibilities
14175.11 If the Child’s SSI Benefits are Active
14175.12 If the Child’s SSI Benefits Are Suspended by SSA
14175.13 Child Never Had SSI Benefits or SSA Denies Benefits after Suspension
14175.2 Medical Assistance Only (MAO) Eligibility in HCS Placements
14176 Child-Specific Contract Placements
14177 Establishing a Dedicated Account Using a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Lump Sum
14178 Third-Party Resources for Medical Care Services
14178.1 Reporting Third-Party Payers
14180 Managing a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or RSDI Lump Sum
14181 Managing SSI and RSDI Lump Sums
14181.1 Approvals for Lump Sum Expenditures
14182 Use and Conservation of SSI and RSDI Lump Sums for Children Receiving SSI
14182.1 Consider the Appropriate Needs of the Child
14182.11 Expenditure Request Form
14182.2 Maintain Funds in a Savings Account
14182.3 Determine If There Will Be Excess Funds
14183 Child Receiving SSI Not in Paid DFPS Care
14184 How Monthly Payments are Distributed
14184.1 Child is in an Adoptive Placement
14184.11 Child is Eligible for Adoption Assistance Payments and Receives SSI
14184.2 Child Returns to Parents
14184.3 Child is No Longer in DFPS Conservatorship
14185 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Reports
14185.2 SSI Report for 17 Year Olds in Foster Care
14200 Permanency Care Assistance (PCA)
14211 Determining PCA Eligibility
14211.1 Steps for the Regional Eligibility Assistance Units
14211.2 Eligibility Units’ Ongoing PCA Responsibilities
14211.3 Determining Which Region Maintains a Case Involving PCA
14212 Negotiating Permanency Care and Deferred Agreements
14212.1 Role of the Negotiator in Determining PCA
14212.2 Other Considerations When Negotiating for PCA
14212.3 Explaining Education Requirements When Negotiating for PCA
14212.4 Explaining PCA Successor Benefits
14212.5 Negotiating Deferred Agreements for PCA
14213 Providing Medical Assistance to PCA Recipients
14213.1 Providing Medical Care to a Child Who Lives in Texas and Receives PCA
14213.2 Providing Medical Care to a Child Who Lives Out of State and Receives PCA
14220 A Change in the Circumstances of a PCA Recipient
14221 Benefits: PCA Recertification and Termination
14221.1 Recertification of PCA Eligibility
14221.2 Terminating PCA 14221.3 Recertification of Eligibility for Extended PCA
14222 Recouping a PCA Overpayment
14222.1 Standard Cases—Recouping PCA Overpayments in 30 Days
14222.2 Hardship Cases—Recouping PCA Payments in Any Dollar Amount
14223 Fair Hearings Regarding Decisions about PCA
14223.1 Duties of the Adoption Assistance Eligibility Specialist
14224 Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
14224.1 Eligibility Specialist Approval Process
14224.2 DFPS State Office Approval Process
14224.3 Timing of Negotiation for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance and Placement
14224.4 Authorization of Payments for Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
14224.5 Denials of Enhanced Permanency Care Assistance
14300 Adoption Assistance Program
14311.1 General Eligibility Requirements
14311.2 Determining Whether a Child Has Special Needs
14311.4 Additional Eligibility Requirements for Monthly Payments and Medicaid Coverage
14311.5 Eligibility Requirements for State-Paid Adoption Assistance
14311.6 Determining Who Is an Applicable Child
14311.7 Eligibility Requirements for Extended Adoption Assistance
14311.8 Permanent Managing Conservatorship When Adoption Assistance Is Not Available
14312.1 Eligibility Requirements
14312.2 Case Record for Adoption Assistance
14312.3 International Adoptions
14313 Jurisdiction and Responsibility for Determining Eligibility and Activating Benefits
14313.1 Determining Which Children Are within DFPS Jurisdiction
14313.2 Determining Which Region Has Responsibility for a Case
14314 Program Notification, Application Process, and Responsibility for Cases
14314.1 Informing Families of the Adoption Assistance Program
14314.2 Application Process for Adoption Assistance
14314.3 Determination of Eligibility
14314.5 Commencement of Benefits
14314.6 Ongoing Responsibilities of Adoption Assistance Eligibility Units
14314.7 Reimbursement of Nonrecurring Adoption Expenses
14315 Negotiation of Adoption Assistance Agreements and Deferred Adoption Assistance Agreements
14315.1 Responsibilities of Negotiators for Adoption Assistance Agreement
14315.2 Ongoing Responsibilities of Negotiators
14315.3 Considerations during Negotiations
14315.4 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Payments and Adoption Assistance Payments
14315.5 Determining the Payment Ceiling for Adoption Assistance
14315.6 Education Requirements
14316 Deferred Adoption Assistance Agreements
14317 Changes in Circumstances and Periodic Certification of Continued Eligibility
14317.1 Recertification of Eligibility
14317.2 Adoptive Parents Die or Their Parental Rights Are Terminated
14318 Termination of Adoption Assistance and Recoupment of Overpayments
14318.1 Termination of Adoption Assistance Benefits
14318.2 Recoupment of Overpayments of Adoption Assistance
14318.21 Standard Cases—Recouping an Adoption Assistance Payment in 30 Days
14319 Fair Hearings about Adoption Assistance Determinations
14319.1 Appealing Determinations about Adoption Assistance
14319.2 Adoption Assistance Agreement Was Not Signed before the Adoption’s Consummation
14319.3 Responsibilities of the Adoption Assistance Eligibility Specialist and Negotiator
14320 Enhanced Adoption Assistance
14321 Proceeding with Adoptive Placements in a Timely Manner
14322 Approval Process for Enhanced Adoption Assistance
14322.1 Regional Approval Process
14322.2 State Office Approval Process
14322.3 Approvals and Notification to Family
14323 Timing of Negotiation for Enhanced Adoption Assistance and Placement
14324 Authorization of Payments for Enhanced Adoption Assistance
14325 Denials of Enhanced Adoption Assistance
14326 Deferred Agreements for Enhanced Adoption Assistance
14327 Appeals and Fair Hearings for Enhanced Adoption Assistance
14332 Procedures of the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance
14333 Procedures for Children Eligible for Adoption Assistance Who Are Placed or Moved Out of Texas
-
Appendices
Appendix 1000-1: Records Production for ARIF of a CPS Investigation
Appendix 1000-2: Additional Acceptable U.S. Citizenship Verification Documents
Appendix 1100-1: Roles and Responsibilities of Family Group Decision-Making (FGDM) Staff
Appendix 1100-2: Roles and Responsibilities of the CPI Family Group Decision-Making Specialist
Appendix 1121: Documentation Requirements for Models of Family Group Decision Making (FGDM)
Appendix 1132: Federal and State Agencies
Appendix 1132.2(a): Steps in Developing a Protective Services Contract
Appendix 1132.2(b): Contract Outline
Appendix 1132.2(c): Responsibilities of DFPS, Child Welfare Board, and County
Appendix 1226-B: Checklist for Compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act
Appendix 1510: Procedures for Issuing HHSC Form 1027-A
Appendix 1511: Information Needed for the Foster Care Application
Appendix 1514: Requesting Wire Third Party Query (WTPY) System Access
Appendix 1515: Foster Care Eligibility Case Record
Appendix 1530: Foster Care Eligibility
Appendix 1530 A: AFDC Income Determination Worksheet
Appendix 1530 B: Stepparent or Disqualified Parent Budgetary Needs Allowance Deduction
Appendix 1530 C: AFDC Needs Standard Income Limits
Appendix 1530 D: Income Guidelines for Underemployed Parent for Parental Deprivation
Appendix 1530 E: Title IV-E Eligibility Checklist
Appendix 1530 F: Categorical Requirements for AFDC
Appendix 1530 G: Underemployed Parent Checklist for Parental Deprivation
Appendix 1530-H: Data Broker Verification Procedures
Appendix 1533.2: MAO Auto-Eligibility
Appendix 1563: Setting Up Savings Accounts
Appendix 1564.1: Manual Receipt of Funds
Appendix 1565.6: Outstanding Items Procedures
Appendix 1581.1: Appropriate Needs
Appendix 1583.1: Guide to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Tracking Report
Appendix 1618.3: Discussion Guide - Negotiating Permanency Care Assistance
Appendix 1715.3: Negotiation of Adoption Assistance Discussion Guide
Appendix 1922.1: Detection Periods for Abused Substances
Appendix 1931.1 Physical Signs and Symptoms of Drug or Alcohol Use
Appendix 1931.2: Criteria for Diagnosing Substance Abuse
Appendix 1960: Treatment Options for Substance Abuse
Appendix 1961: Family Drug Treatment Courts (FDTC)
Appendix 1971: Protocol for Working With Drug-Endangered Children
2000
Appendix 2000-1: Summary of Consent Requirements
Appendix 2140: Guidelines for Decision Making at Intake
Appendix 2251: Time Frames for Investigations
Appendix 2310: Structure of the Risk Assessment Tool
Appendix 2411: Dispositions and Risk Findings Appropriate to the Types of Investigations
Appendix 2414: "Seriousness" Indicators for Thorough Investigations
Appendix 2471: Prior Disposition Categories
Appendix 2472.1-A: Determining Overall Disposition and Overall Role
Appendix 2472.1-B: Definitions of Roles
Appendix 2472.1-C: Examples in Which the Overall Role Will Be "Unknown (Unable to Determine)"
Appendix 2813-A: Adding, Deleting, and Changing Allegations in the Investigation Stage
Appendix 2813-B: Correcting Information in Intake Allegations
Appendix 2813-C: Alleged Perpetrator Incorrectly Named in Intake Allegation (Case Scenario)
Appendix 2813-D: No Alleged Perpetrator Named in Intake Allegation (Case Scenario)
Appendix 2813-F: Incorrect Type of Abuse or Neglect Alleged in Intake Allegation
Appendix 2840: Persons to be Notified at the End of the Investigation
3000
Appendix 3412: Community Resources
Appendix 3473: Guidelines for Case Closure or Legal Intervention
Appendix 3620: Services to Abused or Neglected, Unmarried, School-Age Parents (Practice Suggestions)
4000
Appendix 4000-2: ICF-ID/RC Levels of Care
Appendix 4320: DFPS Guidelines for Service Authorizations
Appendix 4525: Offenses from the Texas Penal Code and Other Codes
Appendix 4531: DFPS Kinship Homes Discipline Policy
5000
Appendix 5000-1: When a Suit to Terminate Must Be Filed
6000
Appendix 6000-1: Discharging Children from Substitute Care
Appendix 6000-2: DFPS Discipline Policy
Appendix 6241.25: Definitions of Person Characteristics for CPS
7000
Appendix 7000-2: Procedure for Requesting a Level 1 Policy Variance
8000
Appendix 8160: CPS Service Codes and Descriptions as Identified in IMPACT
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