Caseworkers must not seek relinquishment of a parent’s rights through fraud, duress, or coercion. The parent must be free of pressure to relinquish parental rights.

Texas Family Code §161.211(cExternal Link)

Prohibited actions include:

  •   agreeing to a placement preferred by the parent in exchange for the parent’s relinquishment of parental rights;

  •   returning one child to the parent in exchange for relinquishing parental rights to another child;

  •   asking the parent to sign a relinquishment of parental rights to be held for future termination, dependent on the parent performing certain acts;

  •   implying or making statements to the parents about potential criminal consequences. Such consequences are speculative and outside the scope of DFPS.

DFPS may agree in good faith to make efforts to achieve an identified goal (such as placing a child with a relative), but must not make a binding commitment.