Resource Letter:
For Judges and Attorneys Handling Child Protective Services Cases
December 10, 2021
New Publication: Dual Status Task Force Final Report
In 2018, the Texas Judicial Council adopted a Juvenile Justice Committee recommendation for the Children’s Commission to convene a task force to study and report on issues relating to youth with involvement in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The recommendation directed the task force to establish a common, statewide definition(s) for the population, identify resources needed to meet the needs of youth who are dually involved, and make other recommendations as may be necessary to improve outcomes for youth who are dually involved. The task force was also charged with addressing training needs for judges and other necessary parties on handling cases with youth involved in both systems.
The Dual Status Task Force (DSTF) convened from July 2019 to December 2020. The Task Force created six workgroups: Agency Coordination, Data, Definitions, Judicial Practices, Legal Representation & Advocacy, and Training. Approximately 80 subject matter experts from throughout Texas participated in the Task Force and workgroup discussions over the 18-month duration of the Task Force.

Each of the six DSTF workgroups developed recommendations specific to their assigned topic. There was significant overlap as many of the issues are interrelated.
The Dual Status Task Force Final Report captures recommendations from the Task Force about what data, training, tools, resources, and practices may be necessary to better understand and improve outcomes for youth involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The report represents an important first step to identify strengths and opportunities for continued coordination and collaboration to better serve children, youth, and families who experience these systems in Texas.

You can access the Dual Status Task Force Final Report here.
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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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