The caseworker initiating the removal submits Form 2277 Request for Diligent Search to the DFPS FINDRS mailbox [sic, email link] within 24 hours of receiving either of the following:

• A signed court order ordering removal.
• A judge’s verbal order to remove the child.

DFPS uses due diligence to find another parent, adult relative, or fictive kin of a child within 14 calendar days after removal. DFPS must complete this search before the adversary hearing.

Texas Family Code §262.201 (g-1) and (n)

Once the diligent search results are received, the caseworker must do both of the following:

• Forward the results to the assigned secondary CVS caseworker and supervisor within 24 hours.
• Upload the results into OneCase before the case is submitted for closure.

DFPS assesses a person as a potential caregiver for placement if that person is both of the following:

• An adult.
• Listed on Form 2625 Child Caregiver Resource or identified as a relative of a person listed on Form 2277 Request for Diligent Search

Texas Family Code §262.1095

See:

4113 Gather Information and Recommendations to Select a Placement

4114 Required Factors to Consider When Evaluating a Possible Placement