DFPS always attempts to pursue a preferred permanency option for the child or youth, such as reunification, adoption, or granting permanent managing conservatorship (PMC) to a relative, fictive kin (such as close family friends), or other suitable individual (also referred to as positive permanency).

However, there may be circumstances when naming DFPS as the permanent managing conservator (PMC) is a necessary step to support a child’s ultimate permanency goal.

When reunification, adoption, or other permanent placement is not possible within the 12-month time frame established by the Texas Family Code, the caseworker must continue to work with the child, family, and potential caregivers to achieve a preferred permanency option.

If the court decides to name DFPS as PMC, the caseworker must continue to plan for permanency and seek a permanent legal family for the child. Permanency planning is an ongoing process that continues until a child leaves DFPS conservatorship.

The caseworker must continue efforts to:

  •   identify a lifelong legal family for a child; and

  •   develop lifelong connections for youth who will age out of DFPS conservatorship when they become adults.