Resource Letter:
For Judges and Attorneys Handling Child Protective Services Cases
June 2, 2022
Please see the announcements below regarding two new resources available from the Children’s Commission.
ICYMI: “Overview of Qualified Residential Treatment Program Legal Requirements” Recorded Webcast Now Available
On May 17, 2022, the Children’s Commission hosted a virtual presentation designed for judges and attorneys entitled “Overview of Qualified Residential Treatment Program Legal Requirements.”

Children’s Commission Executive Director, Jamie Bernstein, Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) Lead, Texas Flowers-Moffett, and DFPS QRTP Specialist, Tiffani Tillman provided an overview of the QRTP model, the QRTP placement review process, and the required legal findings that must be made in court in relation to QRTP placements. Additionally, a sample case scenario was discussed to provide practical information to participants.

Judges are especially encouraged to view this webcast as it includes specific information about the court review requirements for placement of a child or youth in a QRTP and the related timelines required by the Texas Family Code.

The recorded webcast was approved for 1.0 hour of MCLE credit. The video replay, accompanying PowerPoint presentation, QRTP Referral Example, and responses to the questions posed in the live broadcast are now available at no cost on the Children’s Commission’s On-Demand MCLE webpage.
Now Available on LawBox: 2022 Tool Kit for Attorneys Representing Parents and Children in Child Welfare Cases
Developed by the Children’s Commission Legal Representation Committee, the recently updated 2022 Tool Kit for Attorneys Representing Parents and Children in Child Welfare Cases is now available in an online and interactive format via LawBox. The LawBox version of the 2022 Tool Kit allows readers to link directly to statutes and can be accessed by desktop or on the free LawBox app. The LawBox app is available for download on handheld devices and offers a searchable mobile phone and tablet-friendly version of the tool kit. Users may refer to the set-up instructions linked below for additional information on how to access the tool kit on the app.
The 2022 Tool Kit reflects changes made by the 87th Texas Legislative Session and includes new chapters on children without placement, court ordered services/motions to participate, medical abuse and neglect, and the reinstatement of parental rights. The tool kit covers essential legal basics at a glance, including pleadings, motions, evidentiary issues, hearing checklists, and related federal law issues. The tool kit also contains topical chapters on concurrent and special issues related to child welfare cases including child well-being, normalcy, dual status, incarceration, and trauma-informed advocacy.

The 2022 Tool Kit is also available as a printable PDF, along with additional resources related to legal representation, on the Children’s Commission website.
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For a complete list of Resource Letters, please visit the Children's Commission webpage. Information provided by the Children’s Commission should not be read as a commentary by the Supreme Court of Texas or any other court. The Children’s Commission website is not equipped to facilitate dialogue or conversation about matters related to the information in this communique. For more information about the Children’s Commission, please visit our website.
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