Child Protective Services Division - Advocating for the Safety and Welfare of Children in Smith County

The Smith County Criminal District Attorney's Office is dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community - our children. As part of this mission, our office has experienced attorneys assigned specifically to represent the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), formerly known as Child Protective Services (CPS), in child protection matters within Smith County.

These specially trained attorneys handle civil legal proceedings involving allegations of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation. When DFPS determines that a child is at risk and legal intervention is necessary, our attorneys work closely with child protection caseworkers and investigators to assess the situation and determine the most appropriate course of legal action. 

If legal action is warranted, our office files a petition in court seeking to establish DFPS as either temporary or permanent conservator of the child. The primary goal at this stage is to ensure the child's immediate safety while also evaluating long-term solutions that support the child's best interests. Once DFPS is appointed as a conservator, the legal case remains active for 12 to 18 months, during which the court monitors progress toward a permanent and stable resolution. 

These legal proceedings may result in a variety of outcomes depending on the circumstances of each case:

• Family Reunification: If the biological parents demonstrate the ability to provide a safe and stable environment, efforts are made to reunite the family with the support of court-ordered services and supervision. 
• Relative or Kinship Placement: When possible, children may be placed with extended family members or close family friends who can provide a safe and nurturing environment. 
• Termination of Parental Rights: In situations where reunification is not in the child's best interest, and there is clear evidence of ongoing danger or unfitness, the court may terminate parental rights to allow for a permanent solution.
• Permanent Managing Conservatorship: DFPS may be granted permanent custody in cases where no safe family alternatives exist. 

For cases resulting in termination of parental rights or long-term custody to DFPS, our attorneys continue to provide legal representation until the child is adopted or reaches the age of 18. This continued representation ensures that each child remains protected and receives the necessary services and advocacy throughout their time in the foster care system. 

The attorneys in our Child Protective Serv ices Division are passionate about ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable and supportive environment. We recognize the sensitive and emotional nature of these cases and are committed to approaching each one with compassion, diligence, and an unwavering focus on the child's best interests.

Contact Information:

Criminal District Attorney's Office CPS Division
Office: (903) 590-4633
Fax: (903) 590-4630