(a) Initial time frame. Within 45 days after the case is opened for family reunification services, as defined in §700.703 of this title (relating to Family Reunification Services), the Department of Family and Protective Services' (DFPS's) Child Protective Services (CPS) Division must establish a detailed written plan of service for the family.
(b) Purposes. The purposes of the family service plan for families receiving family reunification services are to:
  (1) establish a structured, time-limited process for providing services; and
  (2) ensure that services progress as quickly as possible towards enabling the family to:
    (A) reduce the risk of abuse or neglect; and
    (B) function effectively without CPS assistance.
(c) Required content. The family service plan must:
  (1) include the reasons CPS is involved with the family;
  (2) include an assessment, developed with the family, of family problems and strengths and resources that can be utilized to help the family reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect;
  (3) identify the goals or changes needed to reduce the level of risk;
  (4) specify the tasks the family must complete during the effective period of the plan in order to make the needed changes;
  (5) describe the services CPS must provide to help the family complete those tasks;
  (6) indicate how CPS will evaluate the family's progress in completing each task and individual goal;
  (7) indicate the period of time and frequency of the tasks and services; and
  (8) meet federal and state laws.
(d) Parents' participation. The worker must attempt to work with the parents to develop the family service plan. After completing the plan, the worker must ask the parents to sign it, and give them a copy of it. If either parent will not sign the plan, the worker must document on the plan the reasons why a parent will not sign and must give the parent a copy of the plan.
(e) Plan review. After completing the initial service plan, the worker must review the plan with the family and update it when significant changes occur within the family. At a minimum, the worker must review and update the plan every six months.

Source Note: The provisions of this §700.704 adopted to be effective March 1, 2007, 32 TexReg 551; amended to be effective September 15, 2021, 46 TexReg 5901