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Court continues DFPS custody, orders mother to join child’s therapy sessions and launches expedited grandparent home study
Summary
In a resumed permanency hearing the judge continued DFPS as temporary managing conservator, ordered the mother to participate in her child’s therapy sessions virtually, and directed an expedited home study of maternal grandparents while delaying any placement move.
A High Plains Child Protection Court judge continued the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) as temporary managing conservator in a resumed permanency hearing and ordered steps aimed at assessing reunification readiness for a mother who has made progress on services.
The judge found "a continuing danger to return the child children home today, but I do find mom is in compliance with her family plan of service." She ordered the mother to participate virtually in therapy sessions for her child identified on the record as Jace so the court and service providers can assess how the mother interacts with and supports the child’s therapeutic needs.
Why it matters: The combination of an expedited home study of the maternal grandparents and a requirement that the mother actively participate in Jace’s therapy is intended to balance safety concerns with the goal of keeping siblings together and exploring kinship placement options without prematurely moving the children.
Key orders and findings: The court directed an expedited home study of the maternal grandparents but explicitly ordered "no move to be made at this time." The judge continued the children’s placement with DFPS as temporary managing conservator, found the mother in compliance with her family plan but found the father not in compliance, and scheduled a review hearing for June 12 at 9:00 a.m.
During the hearing attorneys and service providers reported that the mother had completed parenting and drug-education classes, maintained negative drug screens, obtained stable housing and was engaged with local support services and transportation programs. Counsel for the mother and DFPS discussed arranging weekly virtual participation so the mother can learn the therapeutic approaches used with Jace and demonstrate that she can implement them.
The judge emphasized that bringing the children home would require a concrete plan for child care, transportation and therapeutic supports. She told the mother that if the children do return she expects more oversight and weekly contact by the department to ensure the children’s needs are met.
Next steps: DFPS will proceed with the expedited home study of the maternal grandparents; the mother will join Jace’s therapy sessions virtually; and the court and parties will reconvene for a review hearing on June 12 to evaluate progress and decide whether to move forward with reunification planning.
