Judge names DFPS temporary managing conservator, orders services and paternity testing

Judge Baker on Zoom found sufficient evidence to name the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) as the temporary managing conservator of Jagger Weldon Shep and ordered services aimed at reunification.

The finding came after attorneys for the parties reported a negotiated agreement in which parents would engage in court-ordered services and DFPS would arrange genetic testing for the man identified as the alleged father, Mr. Alvarado. "I will find the evidence is sufficient to name the Department of Family and Protective Services as the temporary managing conservator of the child," Judge Baker said.

The order includes several immediate provisions: parents are expected to participate in services; no child support or medical support will be ordered at this time because the father has not been adjudicated; DFPS is to arrange genetic testing between the child and Mr. Alvarado; and the department must use reasonable efforts to reunify the family. "There won't be any child support or medical support ordered at this time, and we will order genetic testing between the child and Mister Alvarado," Judge Baker said.

Attorneys and participants described the case facts and next steps on the record. Bailey Sapien, counsel for the alleged father, confirmed her client agreed to genetic testing: "Yes, your honor. That's correct. I've spoken with him, and those are his wishes." Mr. Alvarado told the court, "Yes, your honor. I live in Amarillo." DFPS counsel (Jean Graff and Marissa Herrera) and other parties said they had circulated and reviewed the proposed agreement.

Court-appointed special advocate Dana Baucham (CASA) reported no concerns at this time and said the CASA advocate had spoken with the grandmother and the mother. "No concerns. We have spoke with, grandmother. We've spoke with mom," Baucham said, and noted CASA will see the child in the home on Monday and report on the next hearing.

The judge explained logistics for genetic testing and timing: the testing order will be sent to the Attorney General's office, which handles the process, and "it typically takes a while," Judge Baker said, warning that delays in testing could compress the time available if the man is later adjudicated the father. The court set a status hearing for Aug. 12, 2025, at which parties will review service plans developed by Saint Francis, the department's contracted agent.

Court minutes and the judge's order will reflect placement information. Attorneys and DFPS indicated the child is placed with a maternal relative; DFPS will continue to coordinate visitation and services with the goal of reunification.

No formal vote was required; the judge issued the finding and orders from the bench. The court asked DFPS to prepare a revised signed order including both parents and to circulate it for the judge's signature before the parties adjourned.