CPS Safety Plans and Parental Child Safety Placements in Texas
A CPS caseworker may ask you to sign a safety plan before any court case exists. It can feel like a simple form. It isn’t. A safety plan can control where your children live and who can be with them.
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What a Safety Plan Is
A safety plan is a written agreement between a family and CPS. It lists steps meant to keep a child safe while CPS investigates, such as supervision rules, keeping a certain person out of the home, or services like drug testing or counseling.
Parental Child Safety Placements
Sometimes CPS asks a parent to agree to place a child with a relative or family friend for a time. This is called a parental child safety placement. The child is not in CPS custody, but the agreement can limit your time with your child, and it can last weeks or months.
Your Right to Talk to a Lawyer First
Texas law requires CPS to tell you that you may consult a lawyer before agreeing to a voluntary safety plan. Use that right. A lawyer can review the terms, ask for changes and suggest the right caregiver.
What If I Don’t Agree?
Safety plans are voluntary. If you say no, CPS may close the case, propose a different plan or ask a court for an order. A lawyer can help you weigh those options before you decide.
How a Safety Plan Ends
A safety plan should end when CPS closes the investigation or the concerns are resolved. Ask for the end date, and ask in writing what you must do for it to end. Keep copies of everything you sign.
How We Help
- Review the plan before you sign
- Negotiate terms that keep your family together where it is safe
- Propose a caregiver you trust
- Push for the plan to end on time
- Prepare you if CPS goes to court; see removal hearings
Our Child Welfare practice is led by Bobbie Young, R.N., J.D., who is Board Certified in Child Welfare Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Meet Bobbie Young.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a CPS safety plan voluntary?
Yes. A safety plan is an agreement, not a court order. CPS can still ask a court for an order if it believes a child is in danger, so talk with a lawyer before you decide.
Can I choose who my child stays with?
You can suggest a relative or family friend. CPS will usually check the caregiver’s home and background before agreeing. See kinship placement.
Does signing a safety plan mean I admitted something?
Signing is not an admission. Still, what the plan says, and whether you follow it, can come up later if the case goes to court.
Call Before You Sign
Call 713-225-6200 or fill out the form to talk with our Child Welfare team.
Asked to Sign a CPS Safety Plan? Talk to Us First
You have the right to talk with a lawyer before you agree. Call us today at 713-225-6200 to schedule a confidential consultation./p>