Texas Child Protection Law Bench Book

2024 version: As effective October 1, 2024

F. Review of Placement of a Child in Qualified Residential Treatment Program

As long as a child remains in a QRTP, DFPS must provide the court with information at the Status Hearing and at each Permanency Hearing demonstrating that:

•   The ongoing assessment of the child's strengths and needs shows the needs of the child cannot be met through placement in a foster home;

•   Placement in a QRTP provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment, and;

•   The placement is consistent with the short-term and long-term goals for the child specified in the permanency plan.

DFPS must provide information documenting the specific treatment or service needs that will be met for the child in the placement, the length of time the child is expected to need the treatment or services, and the efforts made by DFPS to prepare the child to be placed in a home, with a foster home, relative, legal guardian, or adoptive parent. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.00201(d).

The review of a child's placement in a QRTP may be conducted through a remote proceeding. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.00201(f).