Child Protective Services (CPS) in Texas will investigate claims of abuse or neglect. If a caseworker thinks they found evidence substantiating those claims, they may arrange for the emergency removal of your children from your house.
What happens after CPS removes your children?
Temporary removal often comes with requirements for parents to complete counseling, go to special courses or pass random drug screenings. Once you have fulfilled all of the obligations created by CPS, you probably feel eager to have your children home with you.
Before that can occur, you will need to complete a reunification plan. Why does CPS require extra steps in order for your children to come back home where they belong?
Reunification is important but is also disruptive
The goal of most Texas CPS cases is to provide parents with the resources they need to care for their children. Intervening for the health and safety of the children may be necessary, but the state will usually try to help parents improve so that the children can come home.
Although reunification is the goal of many CPS cases, moving from one house to another is disruptive and difficult for children. No matter how eager your child is to be back home with you, they need to get used to being around you and to being in your home again. Transitional services during reunification will reduce the strain on your child during this difficult time.
Those dealing with CPS often need legal help defending themselves. They also need to focus on the big picture in order to avoid making mistakes that could delay their reunification with their children.
