texas Child Protective Services Pleased With Court Decision

That means the children will begin to be reunited with their families and caretakers and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services has began the process of discharging the children to their parents (or managing conservators/legal guardians/authorized representatives as appropriate) at all of our facilities.

DFPS is pleased with the plan approved by the Court today because it accomplishes two important goals:

* It allows the children to be returned safely to their families and caregivers in an orderly manner.

* The court's order ensures that the state's investigation of abuse and neglect continues with strong provisions in place to prevent interference and ensure compliance by the parents. The safety of these children remains our only goal in this case.

To ensure the security of the children and that the process remains as confidential as possible, DFPS requested an additional Department of Public Safety trooper at each facility while children are being discharged.

Also, per the court order, parents will have to fill out three forms:

* The Child Residence Information Form (one per family)

* The Authorization Form acknowledging receipt of the child (one per child)
* The Release of Child into the Custody of Authorized Individual Form, for which the parent will provide a thumbprint.

The signing of the Authorization Form must be notarized.

CPS will verify the completion of the three forms as well as verify the parent’s identity and parentage of the child using photo ID, records, and/or staff visual confirmation. After the parent’s identity is verified, the parent will receive the child’s medical records, and the facility will retrieve the child and his/her belongings. Per the court order, before the parent and child depart, CPS will take a photograph of them and clearly identify everyone in the picture.

If there are questions and uncertainty in the verification process, CPS will refer to case documentation and consult with our attorneys. DFPS must confirm the parents’ or caregivers’ identity before any children can be released.

Though the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services was ordered to return these children to their parents and caregivers, the department will also follow the court’s direction to ensure the safety and welfare of the children as our investigation continues.

Source: By