Texas Child Protection Law Bench Book

2024 version: As effective October 1, 2024

C. Hearing

1. Ex Parte Orders Prohibited

An order for required participation can be entered only after notice and a hearing. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.203(l).

2. When Must Hearing Be Held

A hearing on a motion for required participation must be held not later than the 14th day after the date the petition is filed unless the court finds good cause for extending that date for not more than 14 days. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.203(f).

3. Burden of Proof

Findings must be based on sufficient evidence to satisfy a person of ordinary prudence and caution. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.203(m).

4. Court Actions Before the Hearing

Before the commencement of the hearing, the court must inform each parent for whom participation in services is being requested of:

•   The right to be represented by an attorney; and

•   If a parent is indigent and appears in opposition to the motion, the right to a court-appointed attorney. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.203(i).

If a parent claims indigence, the court shall require the parent to complete and file an affidavit of indigence. The court may consider additional evidence to determine indigency including evidence relating to the parent's:

•   Income;

•   Source of income;

•   Assets;

•   Property ownership;

•   Benefits paid in accordance with a federal, state, or local public assistance program;

•   Outstanding obligations; and

•   Necessary expenses and the number and ages of the parent's dependents. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.203(j).

If the court determines a parent is indigent, the court-appointed attorney may continue to represent the parent. If the court determines that a parent is not indigent, the court must discharge the attorney ad litem after the hearing and must order the parent to pay the cost of the attorney ad litem's representation. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.203(j). The court may, for good cause shown, postpone any subsequent proceeding for up to seven days after discharge to allow the parent time to hire an attorney or to provide the parent's attorney with time to prepare for the subsequent proceeding. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.203(k).

5. Required Findings for Court Ordered Services

The court must deny the petition unless the court makes the following findings:

•   Abuse or neglect has occurred or there is a substantial risk of abuse or neglect or continuing danger to the physical health or safety of the child caused by an act or failure to act of the parent, managing conservator, guardian, or other member of the child's household; and

•   Services are necessary to ensure the physical health or safety of the child. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.203(m).

6. Court Actions if Required Participation Granted

If a court renders an order granting the Department's petition, the court must:

•   State its findings in the order;

•   Make appropriate temporary orders under Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 105 necessary to ensure the safety of the child, except that the court may not issue a temporary order that places the child outside of the child's home or in the conservatorship of the Department; and

•   Order participation in specific services narrowly tailored to address the findings made by the court. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.203(n).

Tex. Fam. Code § 105.001 provides that a court may make a temporary order, including the modification of a prior temporary order, for the safety and welfare of the child, including an order:

•   For the temporary conservatorship of the child;

•   For the temporary support of the child;

•   Restraining a party from disturbing the peace of the child or another party;

•   Prohibiting a person from removing the child beyond a geographical area identified by the Court; or

•   For payment of reasonable attorney's fees and expenses.

A parent, managing conservator, guardian, or other member of a household ordered to participate in services may obtain those services from a qualified provider selected by the person, but that person is responsible for the cost. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.2031(a)-(b). An individual who successfully completes the services ordered under Tex. Fam. Code § 267.203(a) must obtain verification from the service provider of that completion, and DFPS must accept the provider's verification as proof of completion. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.2031(c).

The court must review the status of each person required to participate in services within 90 days after the date the court renders the order. The court must set subsequent review hearings every 90 days to review the continued need for the order. Tex. Fam. Code § 264.203(p).