Texas Child Protection Law Bench Book

August 2015 edition

D. Permanency Progress Report After Final Order

1. Filing the Permanency Progress Report After Final Order

Not later than the 10th day before the date set for a Permanency Hearing After Final Order, DFPS shall file a permanency progress report with the court. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.502(a). For good cause shown, the court may order a different time for filing the report or that a report is not required for a specific hearing. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.502(a-2).

2. Copies of Report Provided

DFPS shall provide a copy to each person entitled to notice of the hearing under Tex. Fam. Code § 263.0021. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.502(a).

Special Issue: If all necessary persons entitled to notice were properly notified and are before the court but did not receive the Permanency Progress Report, a court should consider allowing the persons the opportunity to review the report during a recess.

3. Permanency Progress Report Contents

The permanency progress report must contain:

•   Information necessary for the court to conduct the Permanency Hearing and make its findings and determinations under Tex. Fam. Code § 263.5031;

•   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§ 263.5031. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.502(a-1).