One of the following closure reasons are applied to the case:

Valid - Based on the standard of preponderance of the evidence, it is more likely than not that the abuse, neglect or financial exploitation occurred.

Valid - Progressed to Services - A valid investigation may be progressed into a service delivery stage. Beginning in FY2015, a valid investigation may be progressed into Intensive Case Services or Maintenance Services, based on risk level.

Services Provided in Investigation - When an alleged victim is experiencing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, APS may provide protective services during the investigation stage. Beginning FY 2015, services provided during the investigation are documented in the investigation stage and not as a separate service stage. If the alleged victim is at low or moderate risk of recidivism and the problem was resolved with services provided during the investigation, Maintenance or Intensive Case Services may not be required.

Invalid - Based on the standard of preponderance of the evidence, it is more likely than not that the abuse, neglect or financial exploitation did not occur.

Valid/No Fault APS uses the allegation disposition of Valid/No Fault only in the following situations:

Abuse: A perpetrator lacked the ability to understand his or her actions at the time of the incident because of an intellectual or developmental disability or cognitive impairment, including mental illness, dementia, and so on. Neglect: Inadequate care provided by an adult: A neglectful caretaker lacks the physical, intellectual, emotional, or financial ability to provide the necessary care. This includes a ward serving in the role of caretaker. Inadequate care provided by a minor: A neglectful caretaker is between the ages of 10 and 17, inclusive. Inadequate care provided by a family guardian: A neglectful family guardian (nonprofessional guardian) lacks the knowledge or understanding of the client's disability or the services available to meet the client’s needs. Inadequate care provided by a professional guardian: A neglectful professional guardian makes good faith efforts but still lacks access to financial or other resources necessary to provide the client with needed goods or services. The APS specialist assesses each situation on a case-by-case basis to determine whether Valid/No Fault is the appropriate finding.

Unable to Determine - A preponderance of the available evidence is insufficient to support a finding of Valid or Invalid.

Other - Refers to those investigations that workers could not complete, e.g. clients died or cases were misclassified.

Visit dfps.state.tx.us for information on all DFPS programs