Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

Department of Family and Protective Services
Agency overview
Preceding agencies
  • Department of Protective and Regulatory Services
  • Department of Human Services
JurisdictionStatewide
HeadquartersAustin, Texas
Employees12,740 (2018)
Annual budget$2,026,476,529 USD (2018)
Agency executive
  • Stephanie Muth, Commissioner
Child agencies
  • Child Protective Services
  • Adult Protective Services
  • Statewide Intake
Websitehttps://www.dfps.texas.gov

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for investigating charges of abuse, neglect or exploitation of children, the elderly, and adults with disabilities. Prior to its creation in 2004, the agency had been called the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (DPRS).

According to federal judge Janis Graham Jack, the Texas DFPS is "a system where rape, abuse, psychotropic medication, and instability are the norm". According to the Texas Attorney General, DFPS is neither a juvenile nor an adult criminal justice agency. The Texas Juvenile Justice Department is the state juvenile justice agency, while the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is the adult justice agency.

The agency is headquartered at the John H. Winters Human Services Center at 701 West 51st Street in Austin.