You’ve likely heard the terms DFPS and CPS before, but you may not know exactly what they mean or what these entities do. While they are an essential part of the Texas government infrastructure that protects vulnerable populations in the state, they can sometimes get things wrong, which requires the services of a seasoned family law attorney. Suppose you are facing an investigation by one or both departments. In that case, it’s imperative that you seek the services of one immediately. Your children could be removed from your custody, or you may face other consequences.
What is the Difference Between CPS and DSPS?
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is also sometimes known as Child Protective Services (CPS). However, CPS is a specific division of DFPS. Among other things, this department handles a variety of cases involving child abuse and neglect throughout the entire state. The Texas Family Code § 261.001 defines the types of abuse and neglect cases that DFPS handles.
About DFPS
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) serves to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This department oversees other departments, including:
- Adult Protective Services: Protects older people and individuals with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation via investigations and other services.
- Child Protective Services: Uses services like foster care and adoption to help protects children from abuse and neglect.
- Child Protective Investigations: Investigates any reports of child abuse or neglect to determine if a child has been abused or neglected. If the investigation reveals that the child isn’t safe, the investigator starts protective services.
- Prevention and Early Intervention: Relies on community prevention programs to prevent juvenile delinquency, child neglect, and abuse.
- Statewide Intake: Documents reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation from across the entire state via the Texas Abuse Hotline (1-800-252-5400) and website TxAbuseHotline.org, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
What Does CPS Do?
The responsibilities of Texas Child Protective Services (CPS) include:
- Adult Protective Services: Protects older people and individuals with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation via investigations and other services.
- Child Protective Services: Uses services like foster care and adoption to help protects children from abuse and neglect.
- Child Protective Investigations: Investigates any child abuse or neglect reports to determine if a child has been abused or neglected. If the investigation reveals that the child isn’t safe, the investigator starts protective services.
- Prevention and Early Intervention: Relies on community prevention programs to prevent juvenile delinquency, child abuse, and neglect.
- Statewide Intake: Documents reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation from across the entire state via the Texas Abuse Hotline (1-800-252-5400) and website TxAbuseHotline.org, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
The Texas Family Code § 261.001 defines the types of child abuse and neglect cases handled by the DFPS/CPS, and these include:
- Child physical abuse
- Child emotional abuse
- Child sexual abuse
- Child medical neglect
- Child abandonment
- Child physical neglect
- Neglectful supervision
Call the Skilled Texas Family Attorneys at Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda PLLC for Help Today
Allegations of any type of child abuse or neglect are very serious in Texas. DFPS/CPS cases can result in a child or multiple children being removed from the home and criminal charges. It’s imperative that you seek legal counsel if you are facing allegations of child abuse.
An experienced attorney from Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda PLLC can help build your CPS defense and achieve the best possible outcome in your case. We have knowledgeable family law attorneys who are here to help with your CPS defense. Contact us to get your no-obligation consultation and let us help fight for you. Contact us online or call (210) 222-9132.
