New Statewide Hotline Offers Legal Help to Texas Families Facing CPS Investigations

“A new statewide program is offering free legal guidance and crisis support to Texas families when Child Protective Services begins an investigation.

A new statewide resource aims to help Texas parents navigate investigations by Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and Child Protective Services.

The Family Early Defense Network, launched this month, provides free legal guidance and crisis support to families as soon as CPS first makes contact.

The program is being run by legal aid offices across the state, including Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, which serves the San Antonio area.

Advocates say the program is needed because many CPS investigations do not result in findings of abuse or neglect.”