| (a) FCO is established by Subchapter Y of Chapter 531
of the Government Code as enacted by Senate Bill 830 (84th Legislature,
Regular Session, 2015) and is administratively attached to OO.
(b) FCO serves as a neutral party in assisting children
and youth in the conservatorship of DFPS with complaints regarding
issues within the authority of DFPS or an HHS agency.
(c) While individuals age 18 and older may continue
to receive DFPS services, they are not considered part of the population
served by FCO because they are no longer "in the conservatorship"
of DFPS. However, if FCO receives a complaint from a youth who turns
18 during the course of FCO's investigation, the complaint will be
completed.
(d) FCO is responsible for receiving and investigating
inquiries and complaints from youth in the conservatorship of DFPS,
including youth placed by vendors contracted to provide services on
behalf of DFPS.
(e) FCO may refer youth to any DFPS or HHS program
or service that can assist with the youth's inquiry. With permission
from the youth, FCO may work with staff in any DFPS or HHS program
to resolve a complaint.
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