40 TAC § 700.308. Right to Refuse Services and Consequences of Refusal

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Texas Administrative Code › Title 40 SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE › Part 19 DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES › Chapter 700 CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES › 40 TAC § 700.308

This text was captured on Aug 14, 2026. It is a snapshot, not a live feed, so check the official code before relying on it.

Text

(a) A parent's absence or refusal to accept services offered by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) does not change DFPS's legal responsibility to protect children. Parents must not be coerced or defrauded into accepting services but must be notified of the steps DFPS may take to protect the children if the parents refuse services.

(b) Parents have the right to refuse services offered by DFPS unless a court has ordered the services.

(c) If parents refuse to allow DFPS to investigate, DFPS may request the county or district attorney to petition the court for an order that requires the parents to allow the investigation. If the allegation of abuse or neglect or other information available to DFPS indicates immediate danger to the child, DFPS may also seek a court order to remove the child from the home.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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