- Understanding Child Protective Services (CPS)
What is CPS?
Child Protective Services (CPS) is a state agency that investigates reports of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment. CPS is tasked with ensuring the safety and well-being of children while offering support services to families in crisis.
Why Does CPS Get Involved?
- Reports of neglect (e.g., lack of food, shelter, supervision)
- Reports of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional)
- Substance use in the home
- Domestic violence
- Incarceration of a parent
- Mental health concerns impacting parenting
Understanding their role helps families better prepare and respond.
- Know Your Rights
As a Parent or Guardian:
- You have the right to be informed of the allegations.
- You have the right to a court-appointed attorney if you cannot afford one.
- You have the right to participate in all court hearings.
- You have the right to receive services to work toward reunification.
- You have the right to a case plan that outlines what’s needed to regain custody.
For Children:
- Children have the right to be heard in court.
- They may have a guardian ad litem or CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate).
- They have a right to services, therapy, and a safe placement.
- The CPS Process
Step-by-Step:
- Report Made – Anyone can make a report; it's often anonymous.
- Investigation – CPS investigates the home situation.
- Findings – They determine if abuse/neglect occurred.
- Safety Plan – Temporary agreement to keep the child safe.
- Removal (if necessary) – CPS may place the child in foster care.
- Court Hearings – Legal process begins; reunification is the goal.
- Service Plan – Parents are required to complete a plan.
- Permanency Planning – Includes reunification, kinship care, adoption, etc.
- Creating a Strong Case Plan
What’s Typically Required:
- Parenting classes
- Substance abuse treatment or counseling
- Mental health evaluations
- Safe and stable housing
- Employment or financial stability
- Supervised visitation and consistent contact
Tips for Success:
- Document everything (appointments, progress, efforts)
- Stay in regular contact with your CPS caseworker
- Attend all hearings and meetings
- Follow through with court orders and treatment plans
- Advocate for your needs and support
- Visitation and Reunification
Visitation Guidelines:
- May be supervised or unsupervised, depending on case
- Regular, meaningful contact is essential
- Be punctual, prepared, and positive
Reunification Factors:
- Completion of service plan
- Demonstrated change and stability
- Support from legal representation and service providers
- Willingness to co-parent and maintain safe boundaries
- How NexStep Can Help
At NexStep, we are committed to walking alongside families in the CPS system by offering:
- Court-approved parenting classes (including trauma-informed and neurodiversity-aware options)
- Substance use recovery support (harm reduction, abstinence-based, and MAT-friendly)
- Family and individual counseling
- CPS case plan assistance and advocacy
- Documentation and progress reports for court
- Peer support groups for parents and caregivers
We work to reduce recidivism, promote healing, and keep families together.
- Advocating for Yourself
Practical Tips:
- Be respectful and cooperative but assertive
- Ask questions if you don’t understand something
- Get everything in writing
- Keep a folder of important documents, court dates, and contacts
- Request a family team meeting if progress stalls
- If needed, file for a change in caseworker or court-appointed attorney
- Additional Resources
Hotlines and Support:
- Texas Abuse Hotline: 1-800-252-5400
- Texas Legal Services Center: www.tlsc.org
- Parent Helpline (National Parent Helpline): 1-855-427-2736
- Local CASA programs for child advocacy
Tools:
- MyCPSCase (track case updates and communications)
- Parenting apps and co-parenting calendars
- Local food, housing, and recovery assistance through 2-1-1 Texas
Final Words
Navigating the CPS system is overwhelming, but you are not alone. The journey to reunification is possible when you have the right support, information, and tools. At NexStep, we believe in second chances, strong families, and systems that work for—not against—healing and change.
Your next step starts here. Let’s take it together.