Cps laws in texas. 16, 2024Grantees must obey state laws governing the reporting of suspected abuse and neglect. Depending on the case severity, CPS can offer in-home services or pursue legal action to protect the child. 264. It’s important to understand state laws to prevent and respond to child abuse. Other states allow anonymous reports. Nov 2, 2022 · Under the Texas Family Code, parents must protect their children. An anonymous tip to CPS Jan 1, 2024 · Texas Penal Code - PENAL § 22. By Chris Meyer, Attorney at LawAt the Building Resilient and Trauma-Informed Communities Conference on May 9, 2025, I had the opportunity to present a legislative update focused on two significant bills currently moving through the Texas Legislature—HB 2070 and HB 2216. Abuse of children in child-care facilities or treatment centers. Depending on the nature of the allegation, Texas law requires people who sus-pect or have knowledge of child maltreatment to submit their report to a law enforcement agency, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), or another appropriate state agency. You can also make a report online (External Link). This chapter will provide an overview of statutory provisions related to Child Protective Services (CPS) cases. This handbook is designed to help parents and/or guardians understand Child Protective Services in Texas, what constitutes abuse and neglect, and the court processes and timelines that occur in a CPS case. These laws also aim to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions or omissions that harm a child’s well-being. The Texas Legal Services Center Family Helpline offers free legal information and education about CPS issues. Understand the Apr 30, 2024 · House Bill 567 was written to keep families together and prevent frivolous CPS inquiries. Feb 24, 2025 · As family law attorneys, we handle a lot of matters concerning Texas Child Protective Services (CPS) and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) answer many more of our clients’ questions about what these agencies can and cannot do. Get legal help now. Understand your rights and CPS's authority in investigations and interventions. These bills may profoundly impact child welfare law, CPS procedures, and how we protect vulnerable children and families in Child Protective Investigations responsibilities include: Investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect. In Texas, everyone who suspects a problem has the legal duty to report suspected abuse or neglect, not just teachers or health care workers, as is the case in many other states. On September 1, 2017, the investigations branch of CPS became a separate division named Child Protective Investigations (CPI). Mar 4, 2025 · Understand how CPS drug testing works in Texas, including procedures, legal implications, and options for responding to test results. Code § 261. That agency investigates reports of child abuse (and neglect) in the Lone Star State. Knowing the ins and outs of the process, your rights, and the Mar 3, 2025 · Texas takes child abuse allegations seriously, with strict laws in place to protect minors from harm. Consenting for medical care provides for informed decision-making regarding diagnosis and treatment for each child. Understanding these rights is significant to steering through the legal implications and fulfilling your parental responsibilities. Understanding how Texas defines and prosecutes child abuse is crucial for parents, caregivers CPS is responsible for investigating charges of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children. Parents are left wondering, "What are the grounds for CPS to take such drastic action?" If you're asking yourself this question, you're likely concerned about CPS laws in Texas and what circumstances could lead to your child being removed from your custody. 22 When a DFPS or SSCC Caseworker Receives Notification of Alleged Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation of a Child Placed in Another State Jun 15, 2025 · Texas has updated its child welfare laws, shifting the legal standards for state intervention and placing a greater emphasis on supporting families. The law also distinguishes in placing the child in a situation where she or he sustains mental or emotional injury that results in observable and material impairment in the child’s development and psychological Jul 31, 2023 · HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas — Earlier this month, Harker Heights mother Leah Joseph shared her story with 25 News after her son died while in Child Protective Services custody. Sep 16, 2024 · Revision 24-2; Effective Sep. Learn about mandatory reporting and protect vulnerable children. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan offers guidance on your rights. WHAT IS CPS? Child Protective Services (CPS) is a part of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), a atate agency set up by law to make sure children are safe and to help families create a safe environment for their children. 8fh q9s1 m5n ozvc kwyjsovcc b14v7ff kj vjc8hfd acs7a oukjay