Family Helpline CPS and Custody Videos
Child Protective Services (CPS)
If Child Protective Services is involved in your family's life, watch the Family Helpline's videos to learn about your rights and duties. The topics include:
- Conservatorship (Custody) Basics
- Child Safety
- Information for Parents
- Information for Non-Parents
- Dealing with CPS: An Overview
Conservatorship (Custody) Basics
In Texas, the legal word for custody is conservatorship. When a judge orders conservatorship, the judge makes a court order. That court order lists the rights and duties of the people caring for the child. Once an order is signed by a judge, it is binding and enforceable, which means you are supposed to follow it, and the other party can take you back to court if you do not.
Child Safety
All children should be safe and cared for in the homes where they live. If you think a child is not safe there are several things you can do.
Information for Parents
Parents have a fundamental right—meaning, it is protected by the U.S. Constitution—to raise their children and make decisions about what is in their child’s best interest.
Information for Non-Parents
When a child is living with someone who isn’t their parent, this person may need to do things that usually only a parent would be able to do.
Dealing with CPS: An Overview
Dealing with CPS in Texas can be scary and stressful—for parents, children, and other family members. But if you understand the process and what your rights are, it can help you make better decisions if CPS gets involved with your family.
Related Guides
I need a custody order. I am the child's parent (SAPCR).
Child Custody & Visitation
I need a custody order. I am not the child's parent (SAPCR).
Child Custody & Visitation
I need to respond to a custody case (SAPCR).
Child Custody & Visitation
Temporary Authorization for Care of Minor Child (Texas Family Code 35)
Grandparents & Other Nonparent Caregivers
Related Articles
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CPS Investigations
This article explains CPS investigations. -
CPS Timeline
An overview of the timeline of Child Protective Services involvement. -
The Parent Attorney: Your Right to a Lawyer When Dealing with Child Protective Services
Learn when and how you can get a lawyer to help you, what to (or not) expect your lawyer to do to help you bring home your child, and ways that you...
Related Forms
Authorization Agreement for Non-Parent Relative
FDC-GNC-2638