SECTION 87.311. Referrals to Other HHS Offices or Other Entities

(a) If a person other than a youth contacts FCO indicating the person wishes to provide information about a DFPS case, the person is given DFPS OIA's contact information and transferred to that office.

(b) If a youth contacts FCO with a complaint that does not allege a violation of a DFPS or HHS policy or procedure, FCO staff explains to the youth that it is outside the scope of FCO's ability to assist and offers the youth resources for working on the issue.

(c) If an adjudicated youth that is not in foster care contacts FCO, the youth is referred to the Independent Ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice System.

(d) If a person other than a youth contacts FCO seeking information about HHS programs, or indicating the person wishes to complain about an HHS program, the person is transferred to OO staff that handle complaints regarding those programs.

(e) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (d) of this section, if FCO receives a case from the court-appointed attorney of a youth who cannot verbalize the youth's own concern, either due to age or IDD, FCO staff does not refer the case but rather investigates the case and maintains communication with the court-appointed attorney on behalf of the youth.

Source Note: The provisions of this §87.311 adopted to be effective January 10, 2019, 44 TexReg 252; amended to be effective December 21, 2022, 47 TexReg 8273