Which state agency administers and enforces licensing standards for LCPAs in Texas?

• A. Texas Education Agency
• B. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
• C. Texas Department of Health and Human Services
• D. Texas Department of Public Safety

Answer: (B)

Licensing and ongoing oversight of child-placing agencies is handled by the state agency responsible for child welfare and protective services. In Texas, that agency is the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. It administers and enforces licensing standards for licensed child-placing agencies, including setting the requirements for agency operations, conducting reviews and inspections, handling renewals, and taking enforcement actions when standards aren’t met. This role ensures that agencies involved in foster care and adoption meet safety, training, and background-check requirements to protect children. The other agencies focus on education (not licensing child-placing agencies) or generic health and safety functions, so they don’t administer LCPA licensing.