Judge keeps DFPS as temporary managing conservator, urges more in‑person visits in Y. Godina case

The High Plains Child Protection Court continued the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services as temporary managing conservator of two children and ordered that the children remain in their current placement, the judge said at an Aug. 19 virtual review hearing.

The ruling came after DFPS emergency specialist Sean Ryan told the court the children are “thriving” in placement, that Jace had been accepted into special‑education pre‑K and that both children are continuing therapies. DFPS reported the mother had completed several court‑ordered services but remains in supervised placement status.

The court’s decision follows DFPS and other participants’ updates about parental progress, visitation and a denied home study for the children’s grandparents. The judge emphasized reunification as the goal but said stability, completion of services and demonstrated parenting skills will guide any change in placement.

DFPS reported the mother completed a…