Texas Child Protection Law Bench Book

2024 version: As effective October 1, 2024

Introduction

Under Tex. Fam. Code § 264.203(a), at a hearing on a petition requesting an order for the required participation of a parent or caregiver in services provided by DFPS, the court must determine whether the family is in need of services to address allegations of abuse and neglect and if those services aim to alleviate a continuing danger to the child. Required Participation cases are also referred to as Court Ordered Services (COS) cases or a Motion to Participate (MTP).

Please see the Checklist Section for the Required Participation Checklist.