Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is a state agency dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of children, elderly adults, and individuals with disabilities. Guided by its mission—“We build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive”—DFPS employs a multi‑faceted approach featuring prevention, investigation, intervention, and community partnership.At its core, DFPS examines allegations of neglect, abuse, and exploitation through its Child Protective Investigations unit, determining needs and initiating protective measures when safety concerns are found. The Child Protective Services program supports families through foster care, adoption, and reunification efforts when it’s safe. Adult Protective Services supports vulnerable adults via investigation and services aimed at preventing further maltreatment.A key cornerstone is the Statewide Intake division, which handles abuse and neglect reports via the 24‑hour Texas Abuse Hotline (1‑800‑252‑5400) and online; this ensures that all cries for help are addressed swiftly and equitably. DFPS also leads Prevention and Early Intervention efforts by funding and facilitating community programs to curb systemic risks—such as juvenile delinquency, child abuse, and family instability—using a public-health approach.DFPS values—safety, continuous improvement, transparency, integrity, respect, and collaboration—shape its work culture and daily operations. Staffed by over 12,000 professionals across Texas, the agency commits to not just reactive measures, but proactive, strength-based partnerships. The vision it strives toward is one of safe children and adults, strong families and communities, and, ultimately, a stronger Texas.Through investigations, services, referrals, outreach, licensing initiatives, and community engagement, DFPS functions as a critical safeguard for those most at risk—inspiring hope, supporting recovery, and fostering the resilience necessary for individuals and communities to thrive.