Department of Family and Protective Services Investigations Jim Sylvester, Associate Commissioner for Investigations Kristene Blackstone, Associate Commissioner for CPS

Investigations Division: Background DFPS became a stand-alone agency apart from HHS on September 1, 2017. DFPS Commissioner reports directly to the Governor rather than to the HHS Executive Commissioner. Created several new divisions within DFPS, including an Investigations Division. Reinstated the DFPS Council.

Investigations Division: Structure Investigative functions of CPS, CCL, RCCL, and Special Investigations joined the new DFPS Investigations Division. Regulatory functions of Child Care Licensing and Residential Child Care Licensing moved to HHS. The DFPS Investigations Division will continue to implement and support Alternative Response. DFPS Investigations also will assist with the Governor’s Human Sex Trafficking Prevention program.  

Investigations Division: State Office Leadership Jim Sylvester – Associate Commissioner Sherry Gomez – Director of Field (CPS Investigations) Ashland Batiste – Director of Field (Child Care Licensing) Vacant – Director of Special Investigations Marsha Stone – Division Administrator for Child Safety (CPS Investigations) Gwen Gray – Division Administrator for Investigations and Alternative Response (CPS Investigations) Kimberley Dominguez – Division Administrator for Complex Investigations Division (CCL Investigations)

Investigations Division: What does it mean for CPS? Despite organizational structure changes, the mission of CPS remains the same. Consolidated Investigations Division allows DFPS to continue ensuring safety, permanency and well-being of children and their families but in a more focused manner. CPS Investigators will continue to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect in the same manner.

Investigations Division: What does it mean for CCL? DFPS CCL Investigators will: Investigate allegations of abuse/neglect in child care settings (daycare and residential care) Remain trained on Minimum Standards Make determinations if abuse/neglect occurred in child care settings Send information to HHSC CCL Regulatory on any possible deficiencies DFPS will conduct Administrative Reviews of Investigative Findings if Reason to Believe findings are made.

Investigations Division: What does it mean for CCL? Coordination and collaboration between HHSC CCL Regulatory Inspectors and DFPS CCL Investigators will continue. HHSC CCL Regulatory will conduct and assessment based on information gathered and shared by the DFPS CCL Investigator and cite any deficiencies relating to the abuse/neglect investigation. HHSC CCL will conduct non-abuse/neglect investigations and cite any deficiencies relating to the investigation. HHSC CCL Regulatory will conduct Administrative Reviews of deficiencies cited.

Investigations Division: What does it mean for Special Investigators? Increased collaboration with staff across DFPS. Utilization of their experience to enhance training opportunities for DFPS staff in all stages of service. Special Investigators will continue to investigate and consult on DFPS investigations involving child abuse and/or neglect.

Fiscal Year 2017 Accomplishments: CPS Investigations Enhanced the skillset of investigators Focused on collaboration Continued to implement and embed Alternative Response practice Enhanced agency practice involving the Child Safety Check Alert List (CSCAL)

Fiscal Year 2017 Accomplishments: CPS Investigations Turnover for CPS Investigators decreased Average daily caseloads for CPS Investigators decreased Investigations were initiated in a more timely manner

Fiscal Year 2017 Accomplishments: CCL Investigations Focused on collaboration Strengthened the Complex Investigations Division Enhanced skillset of daycare investigators in illegal operation investigations

Fiscal Year 2017 Accomplishments: Special Investigations Restructured the SI division and job duties Provided training to DFPS staff Collaboration with regional stakeholders Increased involvement with Human Trafficking Complex investigations

Goal 1: Maximize Child Safety Increase the percent of timely initial contacts Improve Safety and Risk Assessments/Reduce recidivism Human Trafficking prevention efforts Collaboration between SIs and CCL Investigators

Goal 2: Partnership and Collaboration Internal Partnerships: Maintain partnership with CPS Increase teamwork across DFPS Enhanced training opportunities for DFPS External Partnerships: Maintain partnership with HHSC CCL Regulatory Communication and education for child care providers Collaboration with stakeholders

Goal 3: Ensure a Professional and Stable Workforce Assess workforce and training needs for CCL Ensure staff are properly screened and trained Technology supports Promote retention

Thank you! Questions?