SECTION 87.301. Definitions

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

(1) DFPS--Department of Family and Protective Services. The state agency established by Chapter 40 of the Human Resources Code and responsible for administration of Child Protective Services.

(2) DFPS OIA--DFPS Office of Internal Affairs. A neutral party that reviews complaints regarding case-specific activities of DFPS program areas to determine if policies and procedures were followed in compliance with DFPS administrative rules at Title 40, Part 19, Chapter 702, Subchapter I.

(3) FCO--Foster Care Ombudsman. The Ombudsman for Children and Youth in Foster Care established by Texas Government Code Chapter 531, Subchapter Y, as enacted by Senate Bill 830 (84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015).

(4) Retaliation--A harmful action taken because of, or substantially motivated by, reprisal or revenge in response to a legally protected activity, such as making a good faith complaint.

(5) Vendor contracted to provide services on behalf of DFPS--A vendor contracted as part of the community-based care model established by Texas Family Code Chapter 264, Subchapter B-1, Community-Based Care, including single source continuum contractors that provide placement and case management services.

(6) Youth-- Children and youth in the conservatorship of DFPS, which ends at age 18.

Source Note: The provisions of this §87.301 adopted to be effective January 10, 2019, 44 TexReg 252; amended to be effective December 21, 2022, 47 TexReg 8273