1. House Human Services Committee
Presentation on House Human Services Charge #5 regarding Parental Child Safety Placements
Presented to:
House Human Services Committee
May 13, 2010
Audrey Deckinga, Assistant Commissioner
Child Protective Services

2. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Background
CPS Investigations
Investigate the reported incident.
It may be necessary to develop a plan to ensure the child’s safety. This safety plan could stipulate a temporary placement outside the home called a Parental Child Safety Placement (formerly called Voluntary Placements).
Determine whether child abuse or neglect has occurred.
Assess the risk of occurrence in the future.
Make reasonable efforts to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect without removing the child.
Refer families (when needed) to services in the community, such as individual or family therapy, parenting classes, or programs offering financial assistance for utilities/rent and childcare.

3. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Background
Family Based Safety Services (FBSS)
Provide services designed to reduce the risk of future abuse or neglect while the child remains in the home or in a Parental Child Safety Placement.
Identify services needed to ensure the safety and well-being of the child and family.
Authorize services to be provided through contracts with community agencies.
Services may include essential home repairs, drug treatment, parenting classes, and homemaker services.
Work collaboratively with families on specific goals for 3-9 months.

4. Parental Child Safety Placement (PCSP)
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Parental Child Safety Placement (PCSP)
A PCSP is:
Used during an Investigation or Family-Based Safety Services case
Selected by a parent for their child when child safety issues are a concern in the course of a CPS case
Used as a temporary and short term out of home placement
Used to provide an opportunity or time to find out if a child is at risk
Used while safety measures needed are put in place to avoid a foster care placement

5. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
PCSP Benefits
Children stay with family or others with whom they have an established, significant relationship.
More children remain in their home communities.
More children continue to attend same school.
Child safety is ensured during the investigation or FBSS case.
Children can safely be diverted from foster care.

6. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
A PCSP is not the same as Kinship Care
PCSP
Kinship Care
Parent selects the placement
CPS recommends the placement; Court approves it
DFPS does not have legal conservatorship
DFPS does have legal conservatorship
CPS and criminal background checks are completed
Caregiver’s home is assessed for safety
A written, formal home assessment is completed to determine safety and appropriateness
Time limited
Length of time is determined by the Court
No monetary assistance
Limited monetary assistance

7. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
A PCSP should be used appropriately
Appropriate Use
Inappropriate Use
PCSP should be time limited (short term and temporary)
PCSP is given an open-ended time frame
Alternate Caregiver is able and willing to provide for the child
Alternative Caregiver does not have sufficient resources or is unwilling to provide care for the child
Alternate Caregiver understands the safety issues involved and is able to be protective
Alternative Caregiver is not willing or able to adhere to safety plan elements needed to be protective
PCSP is ended prior to case closure - when safety is addressed, risk decreased
Case is closed with PCSP unresolved
Alternate Caregiver is cooperative with CPS services and plan
Alternate Caregiver and CPS are in an adversarial or uncooperative relationship

8. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Parental Child Safety Placement Workgroup
Recognizing the need to review policies and procedures with regard to PCSP’s, in May 2009 statewide PCSP workgroup was formed, consisting of staff from all levels and all regions. The workgroup has met regularly and was charged with:
Addressing needed improvements to PCSP's,
Developing policy to guide staff in making future PCSP’s, and
Developing a tracking system for these placements in order to obtain needed data regarding their use.

9. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
New Developments for PCSP
The name has been changed from “Voluntary Placement” to “Parental Child Safety Placement”.
Input was obtained from the statewide Parent Collaboration Group to further strengthen practice in the use of PCSPs.
The National Resource Center (NRC) for Child Protection has provided technical assistance to strengthen FBSS and investigation policy and practices.
Regional FBSS and investigation case reviews have been conducted statewide, resulting in more recommendations to strengthen the program.
Statewide training is scheduled for Summer 2010, emphasizing safety assessment and risk assessment, for all CPS direct delivery supervisory and management staff.
Changes to the data collection system have been designed to help track and collect needed data about PCSP usage.

10. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Next Steps for PCSP
Collect and analyze data regarding PCSP use in CPS cases, scheduled to begin June 2010.
Clarify policy to provide guidance for such issues as case closure when a PCSP has been used, length of PCSP use, and more.
Implement plan for CPS managers to train front line caseworkers in PCSP use.
Address the need for improved communication between CPS and PCSP caregiver.

11. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Authorization Agreement for Nonparent Relative
81st Legislature enacted SB 1598 (Watson) which directed DFPS to develop a new notarized agreement called an “Authorization Agreement for Nonparent Relative”.
The agreement allows a parent to designate a child's grandparent, adult sibling, or adult aunt/uncle to make certain decisions regarding the child, including medical, educational, and public benefits decisions.
This agreement is for use by the general public; DFPS was charged with the form.
The authorization agreement form has been developed and posted on the public websites of DFPS and the Texas Education Agency.