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The CPS Worker at Your Door

• Record any conversation or interview with a CPS worker, using audio or video recording devices.  (We recommend this to ensure that you can later prove what was said and by whom.)

• When you begin recording, state your name and the date and ask each person involved to give their name and title as well.  

• Stay calm. 

• Be polite and friendly. Smile.

• Get the social worker's business card.

• Do not let him into your home. The only legal ways into your home are with: 

- emergency situation (immediate and obvious danger to life or

  limb),

- your permission, or 

- a search warrant. 

• Do not allow him to interview your children. 

• Tell him you are willing to cooperate if he will tell you what the charges are.

• When he tells you, tell him you will take your child(ren) to your physician and have him write a report to CPS.

• Repeat the above statements as often as necessary. Do not be afraid of silence. 

• After he leaves, 

- write down everything that occurred and

- call THSC Association at (806) 744-4441 and/or your attorney. 

Also, you will find some helpful articles with more information on dealing with Child Protective Services on our website.

THSC continues to sponsor Continuing Legal Education Seminars (CLE) in which attorneys are trained by expert attorneys who extensive experience in defending families from CPS.  We will be glad to make this list of attorneys available to any family who is faced with a CPS investigation.  THSC members are eligible for pro bono representation by an attorney who has received training from THSC CLEs. 

CPS Memorandum: Gates Case - August 22, 2008

The Gates case sets out a new standard that will require DFPS to obtain a court order prior to removal in a much larger proportion of our cases and affects whether we can transport or enter a home.

A Visit From Child Protective Services

Report on a Court Decision Concerning CPS Abuses

The Hidden Agenda

Dawn Irons exposes the true purpose behind a social services agency’s attempts to help “at-risk” families.

CPS Memorandum on Homeschooling

Regarding lack of CPS authority over home schooling

Letter from Commissioner Cockerell of Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

Clarifies that CPS does not consider home schooling as a risk factor in determining the safety of a child

Letter from Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

Confirms that CPS workers have no jurisdiction in home education, truancy or compulsory school attendance matters

If you have trouble claiming benefits from state or federal agencies because of your home school status, you may call the THSC Association at (806) 744-4441.

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