Handbook Revision, September 1, 2020

This revision of the Child Protective Services Handbook was published on September 1, 2020.

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

See:

Child Protective Services Revisions

Child Protective Investigations Revisions

Child Protective Services Revisions

Runaway, Missing, and Trafficking (PATS 11907)

The policies below are revised to update the following:

  • Human trafficking (HT) protocols are added to policy.
  • Policy is revised to reflect changes from IMPACT Modernization Release II for youth in DFPS conservatorship, who are missing or are on runaway status.
  • Flowcharts have been updated to describe procedure to follow when a child or youth runs away or is missing and is later recovered.
  • Time frames have been updated for completion of notifications and documentation when a child or youth runs away or goes missing.
  • Time frames have been added for notifications and documentation when a child or youth is recovered.
  • Policy has been added to cover special circumstances for encountering a child or youth who has been trafficked.
  • The roles and responsibilities of the primary caseworker, special investigator, special investigation program director, and regional director’s assistant are clarified.

See:

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

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6151.3 Notification Requirements and Schedule

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6461.2 Other Initial Actions

6461.3 Ongoing Efforts to Recover Locate

6461.31 Documentation and Review

6461.4 When a Child Who Is Missing Is Recovered Located

6461.5 Caseworker Actions When a Missing Child Returns to Care

6461.51 Documentation and Review

6462 Confirmed or Suspected Victims of Human Trafficking

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12912 12580 Child Trafficking (Sex and Labor Trafficking)

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12580 12590 Family’s Lack of Participation

12581 12591 Documenting Court-Ordered Participation

Runaway Prevention (PATS 12802)

This policy revision is required by Senate Bill 781, 86th Texas Legislature. SB 781 charged DFPS with establishing strategies to reduce the number of incidents in which a child or youth in DFPS conservatorship runs away from a placement.

This update includes information on when and how to develop and implement a runway prevention plan for children in DFPS conservatorship. It also includes direction on completing the Child’s Plan of Service (CPOS). The caseworker must ensure that the CPOS includes efforts to prevent the child from running away when the child has a history of running away or has indicated a desire to run away. The caseworker must include strategies for working with the child to prevent runaway behaviors. These strategies must be trauma-informed and support normalcy.

See:

6241.1 Basic Description and Content of the Child’s Plan of Service

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6460 When a Child or Youth Is Missing from DFPS CPS Conservatorship

6461 Child or Youth Missing from Substitute Care Placement

6461.1 Notification Requirements When a Child Runs Away or Is Missing

6461.11 Runaway Prevention

Child Protective Investigations Revision

No revisions.