Essential Foundation INC
105 E RED OAK RD, Red Oak, TX 75154 · Ellis County
Program
- Type
- Child-placing agency
- Ages
- -
- Hours
- 09:00 AM-02:00 PM
- Director / administrator
- Candice Laura Lewis
- Phone
- (469) 552-6246
- Regulated since
- Apr 11, 2024
- HHSC IDs
- Operation 1442393 · number 1770736- 15911
- Official record
- HHSC Child Care Search
Violations by category
Year by year
| Year | Violations | Serious | Main categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 26 | 10 | Illness & medication (5), Discipline & child guidance (1), Safety & premises (2), Staff background & training (5), Other (13) |
| 2024 | 6 | 2 | Safety & premises (1), Staff background & training (2), Other (3) |
| 2023 | 12 | 1 | Supervision & ratios (1), Discipline & child guidance (2), Records & paperwork (2), Other (7) |
Inspections, investigations & assessments
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Mar 26, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 31, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 9, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 18, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 13, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 6, 2025 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Other Serious
Several agency staff provided inaccurate information during the course of the investigation.
HHSC 745.8411(a) — Responsibilities - Not interfere with an inspection or investigation
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2025-08-11. Correction verified 2025-07-15.
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Other Serious
The agency did not have all board members listed as controlling person.
HHSC 745.903(2) — Controlling Person - Submit Controlling Person Form to Licensing within two days after a person becomes a controlling person. See TAC 745.901
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2025-08-11. Correction verified 2025-07-15.
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Other Serious
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Jun 5, 2025 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
A foster home was verified prior to receiving notification from CBCU that a foster parent's status was eligible. Children are in placement. 1 caregiver's status is provisional.
HHSC 745.641 — AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2025-06-05. Correction verified 2025-06-06.
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Staff background & training Serious
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May 22, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 15, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 2, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 20, 2025 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Other Serious
A child with a history of self-harm and suicidal ideations was not provided a safety contact at placement or with the initial service plan.
HHSC 749.1309(b)(1)(H)(ii) — Initial Service Plan-For children who exhibit high risk behavior, must include safety contract to maintain child's safety
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-05-29.
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Other Serious
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Apr 14, 2025 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Discipline & child guidance Serious
This standard was found deficient as part of a DFPS Investigation.
HHSC 749.1003(b)(1)(B) — Children's rights-Safety & care including right to be free from abuse, neglect and exploitation
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-05-26.
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Discipline & child guidance Serious
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Apr 4, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
A house hold member did not have background check on file.
HHSC 745.621(a)(6) — AP Initial background check submitted - between 90 days before and 90 days after non-client resident becomes 14 years
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2025-04-08. Correction verified 2025-07-29.
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Staff background & training Serious
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Apr 3, 2025 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
A frequent visitor to the home did not have a background check on file at the time of the inspection.
HHSC 745.621(a)(7) — AP Initial background checks submitted - At the time you become aware of anyone requiring a background check under 745.605
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2025-04-08. Correction verified 2025-04-17.
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Other
The agency admitted a child and placed them in a foster home who's has a diagnosis and requires treatment services the agency is not permitted for.
HHSC 749.1101(a) — Admission-Only admit children and young adults who meet admission policy and whose needs can be met by the agency/foster home
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-05-09. Correction verified 2025-07-29.
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Other
The home screen does not address the previous or current relationships of the caregiver.
HHSC 749.2447(4) — Foster Home Screening-Agency documents history of all interpersonal relationships, including marriages and reasons why relationships ended
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-05-09. Correction verified 2025-07-29.
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Other
The home screen did not assess the assets that were mentioned.
HHSC 749.2447(6)(B) — Foster Home Screening-Verify and document that prospective foster parents have sufficient income/other available assets
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-05-16. Correction verified 2025-07-29.
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Other
The home screening did not include a reference from a family member living outside the home.
HHSC 749.2449(a)(7) — Interview For Foster Home Screening- Must include one interview with a family member not living in the home.
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-05-09. Correction verified 2025-05-16.
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Other
The reviewed supervisory visits did not include the stress levels in the home, nor the challenging behaviors or methods for responding to them.
HHSC 749.2815(c)(4) — Supervisory Visits- Document and evaluate any challenging behaviors of the current children in the home, stress levels, and methods for responding
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-05-09. Correction verified 2025-05-22.
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Staff background & training Serious
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Apr 3, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 23, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 23, 2025 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
A foster parent's paramour was frequently present at the operational home without a background check.
HHSC 745.641 — AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-05-14.
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Other
A caregiver admitted to being married for 1 month. The home screening from May 2024 and the home's verification were not updated.
HHSC 749.2655(2) — Notification-Home must notify agency of any major life changes as defined in 749.2805 before change occurs or immediately upon discovery
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-05-13. Correction verified 2025-05-09.
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Safety & premises
During HHSC review, it was noted that caregiver vehicle was Infinity QX60 during the time of the incident with the pictures in one case, Per Manufacture instruction, the vehicle can only seat 7 individuals. During the time of the incident according to the police report there were eight individuals in the home.
HHSC 749.3103 — Driver & passengers must follow all laws when driving, including laws on use of child passenger safety seat systems, seat belts & liability insurance
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-05-14. Correction verified 2025-05-09.
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Safety & premises Serious
A caregiver's paramour brandished a gun while the caregiver and children in care were in the vehicle. The foster parent did not ensure that the paramour was safe to be around children prior to allowing access.
HHSC 749.607(1) — Employee and caregiver responsibilities-Competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2025-05-14. Correction verified 2025-05-09.
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Staff background & training Serious
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Mar 13, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 7, 2025 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Other
A medical assessment recommended specific mental health, substance use, and psychiatric evaluations. The specific plan was not documented.
HHSC 749.1309(a) — Initial Service Plan-Base initial service plan on needs identified in admission assessment and integrate trauma informed care
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-04-08.
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Other
1 child's service plan did not document an education plan.
HHSC 749.1309(b)(1)(A)(v) — Initial Service Plan-Must include educational needs and plans for follow-up
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-04-08.
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Other
One service plan did not document input from the caregiver's interactions with the child.
HHSC 749.1309(b)(1)(C) — Initial Service Plan-Must include recent info from current caregiver's evaluation of child's behavior and functioning
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-04-08.
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Other
A child's placement documentation indicates destruction of property is a high-risk factor. Mitigating that risk was not addressed on the service plan.
HHSC 749.1309(b)(1)(H) — Initial Service Plan-For children who exhibit high risk behavior, must include specific information
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-04-08.
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Staff background & training
2 of 9 child files reviewed did not support that the CANS assessment requirement for MH Case Management, Skills Training, and Drug and Alcohol assessments were obtained.
HHSC 749.1403 — Frequency of medical care-A health-care professional determines the need and frequency for ongoing maintenance of medical care and treatment
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-04-08.
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Illness & medication Serious
3 child files from November through January did not document why psychotropic medications were stopped or skipped.
HHSC 749.1463(b)(5) — Administration of Medication-Ensure the child has taken the medication as prescribed
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-04-08.
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Illness & medication
A medication to decrease depression and anxiety is being given to a child in care. For certain days it is unknown who provided the medication.
HHSC 749.1541(c)(6) — Medication Record-Must include name & signature of person who administered each medication
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-04-08.
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Illness & medication
The benefit of giving medication to manage mood disorders and allergies was not documented in 1 child's file.
HHSC 749.1541(c)(8) — Medication Record-Must include reasons for administering PRN psychotropic medication, or nonprescription medication for a child under 5 years old
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-04-08.
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Illness & medication
1 of 2 case files did not record that a sleep aid supplement was provided to a child in care.
HHSC 749.1541(d) — Medication Record-Must document any non-prescription medication or supplement given and how often the child receives it
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-04-04.
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Illness & medication
2 out of 11 medication logs reviewed included information that was not accurately presented. This included errors in regard to documentation of the medication given
HHSC 749.579(1) — Active child record-Ensure record is kept accurate and current
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-04-08. Correction verified 2025-04-03.
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Other
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Dec 18, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Dec 16, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 25, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 23, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 13, 2024 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Other
Initial service plans are not signed or noted of why not signed by child
HHSC 749.1321(b)(2) — Sharing Initial Service Plan-Child sign plan or document child's refusal to sign if copy or summary provided
HHSC risk weight: Low. Corrected 2024-12-17. Correction verified 2024-12-11.
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Other
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Sep 24, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 25, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
1 case record lists a person as an employee. The background check is run as a volunteer.
HHSC 745.641 — AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2024-08-08. Correction verified 2024-08-06.
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Other
1 of 2 home screenings reviewed did not document an evaluation of how the determination was made to place children with the family.
HHSC 749.2447(22)(A) — Foster Home Screening-Agency documents prospective foster parent's ability to work with specific kinds of behaviors, backgrounds, special needs
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-08-08. Correction verified 2024-08-06.
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Staff background & training
2 of 2 case files reviewed did not contain information to support how the employees met the education and the work experience requirements.
HHSC 749.553(2) — Personnel records-Include documentation showing that the person meets minimum age and qualifications for the position
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2024-08-08. Correction verified 2024-08-06.
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Staff background & training Serious
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Jul 23, 2024 Assessment · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 12, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 14, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 22, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises
The foster home file reviewed did not have a fire drill completed. There were tornado drills completed but no fire drill.
HHSC 749.2908(a)(2) — Disaster and Emergency-must conduct a fire drill each year, so children are able to exit home within 3 minutes
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-02-29. Correction verified 2024-02-28.
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Safety & premises
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Jan 18, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other Serious
The CPA did not have a pre-screening drug test for an employee with the date of hire 1/3/2024. The deficiency was corrected at inspection the facility provided a copy of the prescreening drug test dated 1/8/2024.
HHSC 745.4151(c)(8)(A) — Documentation-Applicants and employees must be provided a copy of drug testing policy and sign a consent to these terms of employment
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2024-01-18.
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Other Serious
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Dec 6, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Dec 4, 2023 Assessment · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Sep 15, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 22, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other
A child in care receiving services for emotional disorder did not have two professional signatures on the initial service plans.
HHSC 749.1311(a)(3) — Initial Service Planning Team-If child receiving treatment services include at least two professionals
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-15.
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Other
A child recieving treatment services for Emotional disorders did not have a 90 day service review.
HHSC 749.1331(2) — Service Plan Review and Update-Review and update plan for children receiving treatment services for ED, ASD or PMN 90 days from date of last plan
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-15.
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Other
One of the two homes reviewed did not have the documents from 4 of the 5 previous agencies.
HHSC 749.2447(23)(A) — Foster Home Screening-Agency must request and assess home study and related documentation from CPA that previously studied the family
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-15.
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Records & paperwork
The foster home budget did not address the child support income and the itemized expense provided by the foster parent did not match the home study income/bills listed.
HHSC 749.2447(6)(B)(iii) — Foster Home Screening-Document and assess for prospective foster parents a monthly itemized household expense report
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-15.
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Other Serious
One of the two foster home screening reviewed did not document the law enforcement calls with the foster parent.
HHSC 749.2447(7)(B)(ii) — Foster Home Screening- Ask prospective foster parents regarding any service calls law enforcement responded to in past two years
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-15.
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Discipline & child guidance
One of the home files reviewed did not have the mental health history for the biological son.
HHSC 749.2447(9) — Foster Home Screening-Agency documents and discuss h ealth status of all persons living in the home (physical, mental, substance abuse)
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-15.
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Other
Both home files reviewed did not have pictures of the outside of the home. One file did not have any outside pictures and the other file only had pictures of the front yard.
HHSC 749.2470(3)(B) — Verification-Includes obtaining pictures of outside of foster home showing buildings, fences, storage areas, recreation areas, bodies of water, etc
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-15.
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Other
One of the two home files reviewed had a permit that did not match the verification in CLASS. The permit in the file stated ages 0-13 and CLASS verification has 0-17
HHSC 749.2470(9)(A) — Verification Certificate- Specifies the name of the foster home
HHSC risk weight: Low. Corrected 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-15.
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Supervision & ratios
One of the two home files reviewed listed Pervasive Development Disability as a treatment service provided but the operation's permit does not include PDD as a treatment service provided by the agency.
HHSC 749.2470(9)(F) — Verification Certificate- Specifies the types of services the foster home will provide
HHSC risk weight: Low. Corrected 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-15.
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Other
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Jul 5, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other
The child file reviewed indicates that the child has high risk behaviors including suicidal ideation and self-harm.
HHSC 749.137(d)(4)(B)(i) — Suicide Screening- Must be conducted at admission for children under 10 yrs if info. given at admission shows a history of suicide attempts/thoughts.
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-07-12. Correction verified 2023-07-07.
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Discipline & child guidance
The employee file reviewed did not have the affidavit for application, report suspected abuse, or statement of operation policies in the file. The employee's date of hire is listed as January 18, 2023
HHSC 749.535(a)(1) — Active records-All documentation in the record no later than 30 days after the occurrence or event
HHSC risk weight: Low. Corrected 2023-07-26. Correction verified 2023-07-06.
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Other
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Jun 1, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Records & paperwork
The serious incident report did not have the resolution listed on the file
HHSC 749.511(10) — Serious Incident Documentation-Includes resolution of the incident
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-06-08. Correction verified 2023-06-08.
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Records & paperwork
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May 19, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 13, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 31, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
Get the full file
HHSC publishes inspections, investigations and assessments from October 2017 onward, with each cited deficiency and its risk weight. Investigation narratives, complaint files and older history require a public information request. The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552) gives anyone the right to ask. You don't have to say why.
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- HHSC Open Records Coordinator, MC-1070 · OpenRecordsRequest@hhs.texas.gov · fax 512-424-6586 · 4601 W. Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas 78751-3146 · agency instructions
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If something is happening now, report a concern to HHSC Child Care Regulation. For suspected abuse, contact your county child protective services or law enforcement.
Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation datasets on data.texas.gov. Last read Oct 1, 2026. Violation text is HHSC's own wording. The categories are ours, added to help you scan. About this data.