Texas Child Protection Law Bench Book

August 2015 edition

D. Permanency Progress Report is Required; Contents

1. Filing the Permanency Progress Report

Not later than the 10^th day before the date set for each Permanency Hearing Before a Final Order is rendered, DFPS shall file with the court a permanency progress report and provide a copy at least 10 days prior to the hearing, unless the court orders a different period for providing the report, to:

•   Each party;

•   The child’s attorney ad litem;

•   The child’s guardian ad litem; and

•   The child’s volunteer advocate. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.303(a).

2. Contents of the Permanency Progress Report

The report must contain:

•   Information necessary for the court to conduct the Permanency Hearing and make its findings and determinations under Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306;

•   Information on significant events, as defined by Tex. Fam. Code § 264.018; and

•   Any additional information DFPS determines is appropriate or that is requested by the court and relevant to the court’s findings and determinations under Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.303(b).

3. Filing a Response

A parent whose parental rights are the subject of a suit affecting the parent-child relationship, the attorney for that parent, or the child’s attorney ad litem or guardian ad litem may file a response to the DFPS report filed under Tex. Fam. Code § 263.303. A response to the report may be filed up to three days prior to hearing. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.303(c).