SECTION 377.1. Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Child--An abused or neglected individual who is under the control or supervision of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and who is the subject of a suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed by a governmental entity.

(2) Court--The district court, juvenile court having the same jurisdiction as a district court, or other court expressly given jurisdiction of a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

(3) DFPS--The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or its designee.

(4) HHSC--The Texas Health and Human Services Commission or its designee.

(5) Participating agency or entity/public agency partner--A governmental entity that:

(A) is involved in child abuse investigations or prosecutions and offers services to child abuse victims; and

(B) participates in establishing and operating a local children's advocacy program as provided in Texas Family Code §264.403.

Source Note: The provisions of this §377.1 adopted to be effective July 11, 2017, 42 TexReg 3477