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Texas Family Code - Section 261.3015. Flexible Response System

Legal Research Home > Texas Laws > Family Code > Texas Family Code - Section 261.3015. Flexible Response System

§ 261.3015. FLEXIBLE RESPONSE SYSTEM.  (a) In assigning 
priorities and prescribing investigative procedures based on the 
severity and immediacy of the alleged harm to a child under Section 
261.301(d), the department shall establish a flexible response 
system to allow the department to make the most effective use of 
resources by investigating serious cases of abuse and neglect and 
by screening out less serious cases of abuse and neglect if the 
department determines, after contacting a professional or other 
credible source, that the child's safety can be assured without 
further investigation.  The department may administratively close 
the less serious cases without providing services or making a 
referral to another entity for assistance.
	(a-1)  For purposes of Subsection (a), a case is considered 
to be a less serious case of abuse or neglect if the circumstances 
of the case do not indicate an immediate risk of abuse or neglect 
that could result in the death of or serious harm to the child who is 
the subject of the case.
	(b)  The classification under the flexible response system 
of a case may be changed as warranted by the circumstances.
	(c)  The department may implement the flexible response 
system by establishing a pilot program in a single department 
service region.  The department shall study the results of the 
system in the region in determining the method by which to implement 
the system statewide.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, § 71, eff. Sept. 1, 
1997.  Amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 268, § 1.19(a), eff. 
Sept. 1, 2005.

Last modified: August 11, 2007