Which agency oversees licensing and compliance for child-placing agencies in Texas?

• A. Texas Department of Health and Human Services
• B. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
• C. Texas Education Agency
• D. Office of Consumer Protection

Answer: (B)

Licensing and oversight for child-placing agencies in Texas is handled by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). This agency protects children and licenses foster care and adoption providers, conducts background checks, evaluates how programs operate, and enforces compliance with state laws and rules. The Education Agency focuses on schools and education, not child welfare licensing; the Office of Consumer Protection deals with consumer rights rather than child-placing licensing; and while Health and Human Services administers many health-related services, the specific licensing of child-placing agencies falls under DFPS.