About CPS in Harris County
While County Protective Services in Texas is a state-managed program through the Texas
Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), there has been a
tradition of county-level involvement since 1966 in Harris County.
In a unique governmental collaboration, protective services
for children and adults in Harris County are seamlessly provided by
the state of Texas, acting through DFPS, and Harris County through
Harris County Protective Services for Children and Adults (HCPS).
The Child Protective Services (CPS) program of DFPS investigates reports of suspected abuse and neglect. The aim is
to ensure both the safety of children and to provide services which
promote the integrity and stability of the family.
CPS assists parents and other family members in solving
problems which otherwise could lead to abuse/neglect. When
necessary to ensure a child's safety, CPS provides temporary
out-of-home care. Each child placed into care has a permanency
plan developed in conjunction with the parents and other parties
involved in the case. These plans help determine services
needed, so the family can work toward the return of their child.
Relatives may be chosen for possible placement. In some cases,
HCPS, a county department advocating for Harris County children and
adults, provides direct services to children not served by DFPS through
Youth Services Center, Community Youth Services and the TRIAD Prevention
Program.
HCPS provides support services designed to enhance the
efficiency of the DFPS program through BEAR...BE A Resource for CPS
Kids, Children's Crisis Care Center, Medical and Dental Clinic and
Training Institute.
HCPS began administering the Guardianship Program for the
county on March 8, 2003.
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