If the court dismisses DFPS, CPS does the following:

  •  Files any paper documentation in the case record.

  •  Completes a Closing Summary under each IMPACT stage.

  •  Closes each IMPACT stage.

  •  Submits the IMPACT stages and case record for the supervisor’s approval.

  •  Tells contractors who are providing services to the child and family that DFPS is closing the case.

When the case is being closed, the caseworker returns certain documents and items to the child’s parents, as follows (if this was not already done when the child returned home):

  •  CPS gives the following items to the child’s parents:

  •  The child’s clothing and toys.

  •  Photographs.

  •  The child’s medication, if any. (If the prescription is near empty, a current refill is necessary so the family will have time to make an appointment with a physician to get it refilled.)

  •  Two Texas Health Steps brochures:

  •  Don’t Miss a BeatPDF DocumentExternal Link (medical and dental checkups).

  •  Brush up on Healthy HabitsPDF DocumentExternal Link (dental checkups and tips).

  •  The caseworker makes a copy of the following items and gives the originals to the child’s parents:

  •  The child’s birth certificate.

  •  The child’s Social Security card.

  •  A copy of the final court order. (The family’s attorney should give them a copy of the court order, but the caseworker makes sure the family receives one before closing the case.)

  •  The child’s school records, including the most recent report card.

  •  The child’s medical and dental reports, exams, and information in the Health Passport.

  •  The child’s immunization record.

  •  The child’s psychological evaluation (when appropriate).

  •  The child’s Medicaid card (valid until the end of the month in which the child leaves DFPS care).

The caseworker makes sure that the parent knows how to get Medicaid for the child or helps the parent do so, if the child qualifies for Medicaid. The caseworker also gives the family information on local reduced-cost insurance programs for children, such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), if needed.