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DFPS Accountability

Strengthening Families, Protecting Life and Promoting Health > Assisting Families to Self Sufficiency > DFPS Accountability
Children must only be removed from parent custody due to immediate danger to the child's physical health or safety or pursuant to a court order. No child may be interviewed by the state without video or audio recording of the interview, and the recording shall become evidence. No child may be removed from parental custody solely on the basis of an anonymous tip.We support the appointment of local elected officials to review charges of abuse of discretion by the Department of Family and Protective Services with respect to intervention into the family unit. It is imperative that this local board have the authority to recommend appropriate corrective and disciplinary action as needed. We believe that only law enforcement officers may remove a child from his or her home or school when there is an immediate danger to the child's physical health or safety. All other removals of a child shall be pursuant to a court order. No child may be interviewed by the state without video or audio recording of the interview, and the recording shall become evidence. DFPS/CPS will require the tipster to identify themself by name and contact information to the agency. This information will be kept confidential, and the tipster will be notified by the agency that false information will be prosecuted and that false tips will be subject to a fine. A family shall have the right to learn of their accuser with a judicial order. Only findings determined in open court and by trial may be retained by the State.

The core problem is when unsubstantiated, anonymous tips are used as justification for child removal.

Local board of elected officials are just additional layers of bureaucracy. Our elected legislative representatives, the governor, and the court system are the appropriate venues for handling unresolvable greviances.

It is not clear why law enforcement officers are the only ones who should remove children.

Fault:

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Random plank

Preserving American Freedom > Limiting the Expanse of Government Power > Property Forfeiture
All proceeds from civil forfeiture must be deposited into Texas's general revenue fund. When a forfeiture is found invalid, the property's owner must be reimbursed for damage and all other costs associated with the loss of property.We support strengthening present restrictions on use of civil forfeiture laws and assessing penalties to reimburse injured parties for costs accrued if property is returned to its original owner.
Reason:

Make it specific, and eliminate corrupt incentives for civil forfeiture: all proceeds must go to Texas's general fund. This removes temptation from marginally ethical jurisdictions.

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