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Public access to pleadings, orders and documents filed in suits brought by the Department of Family and Protective Services under Chapters 261, 262 and 264 of the Texas Family Code is restricted; the District Clerks of the six counties may release them only to DFPS, the parties, their attorneys, the attorney ad litem and the guardian ad litem unless the Court specifically permits access for good cause shown.
Applies to DFPS suits under Texas Family Code chapters 261, 262 and 264 in the 24th, 135th and 267th District Courts in Refugio County (and, by the same instrument, the other five counties and the 377th). Procedural information only; not legal advice.
IN THE DISTRICT COURTS OF CALHOUN, DEWITT, GOLIAD, JACKSON, REFUGIO, VICTORIA COUNTY, TEXAS, 24TH, 135TH, 267TH, 377TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT — STANDING ORDER REGARDING PUBLIC ACCESS TO DFPS COURT RECORDS. On the 24th day of May, 2024, the Court considered the following and issues findings and orders related to pleadings, orders, and documents filed in a suit brought by the Department of Family and Protective Services, (hereinafter referred to as "DFPS") pursuant to Chapters 261, 262, and 264 of the Texas Family Code. The Court finds that the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) generally requires that states preserve the confidentiality of all child abuse and neglect reports and records to protect the rights of the child and the child's parents or guardians. 42 U.S.C.A. 5106a(b)(2)(B)(viii). The Court finds that CAPTA provides for the use of discretion regarding public access to court proceedings involving child and abuse cases, provided that the State, "at a minimum, ensure(s) the safety and well-being of the child, parent, and families." 42 U.S.C.A. 5106a(b)(2). The Court finds that the plain language of Texas Family Code 261.201 deems DFPS records of alleged and abuse or neglect to be confidential and not subject to public release absent a court order following an in-camera inspection and a finding of necessity. The Court finds that these pleadings, orders, and documents contain sensitive information regarding children who have been or may have been abused or neglected by parties responsible for their care. The Court finds that these pleadings, orders, and documents contain sensitive information regarding family members, specifically regarding the parents of the children who may be alleged perpetrators of abuse or neglect. The Court finds that because of the sensitive information contained within these pleadings, orders, and documents, it is necessary to restrict public access to these pleadings, orders, and documents. The Court finds that restricting public access to these pleadings, orders, and documents would protect the privacy rights of both children and other family members, including the parents of the children. The Court further finds that it has authority to control access to its own records. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that public access to pleadings, orders, and documents filed in a suit brought by DFPS pursuant to Chapters 261, 262, and 264 of the Texas Family Code are to be restricted and shall be maintained by the District Clerk of Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Jackson, Refugio, Victoria Counties as such. The Clerk of the Court shall not allow public access to these pleadings, orders, and documents other than to DFPS, the parties, their attorneys, the attorney ad litem and the guardian ad litem unless specifically permitted and ordered by this Court, for good cause shown. SIGNED this 24th day of May, 2024. [signature] LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE. Received by the District Clerk, Refugio County, Texas, June 3, 2024 (recorded Vol. 210, Pages 384-385).
IN THE DISTRICT COURTS OF CALHOUN, DEWITT, GOLIAD, JACKSON, REFUGIO, VICTORIA COUNTY, TEXAS, 24TH, 135TH, 267TH, 377TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT — STANDING ORDER REGARDING PUBLIC ACCESS TO DFPS COURT RECORDS. On the 24th day of May, 2024, the Court considered the following and issues findings and orders related to pleadings, orders, and documents filed in a suit brought by the Department of Family and Pro
Reviewer note: Composed 2026-09-07 from the TOPICs custody scan (two image-only pages read in full through the vision lane). Signed by the Local Administrative Judge by signature only (no printed name), so no judge join. Refugio County edition of the shared instrument (Calhoun's is TOPICs 1971).
Standing order of the 109th Judicial District Court for every pending or later-filed case in Andrews, Winkler and Crane Counties: any attorney or self-represented litigant who uses any form of artificial intelligence for legal research or drafting in a case must, before using AI-generated information in a court submission or proceeding, sign and submit the court's certification form stating that all language, quotations, sources, citations, arguments and legal analysis created or contributed to by generative AI were verified as accurate by a human through traditional (non-AI) legal sources, and acknowledging responsibility and potential sanctions for their or their co-counsel's failure to comply. Effective immediately; in effect until rescinded or replaced.
Standing order of the 109th Judicial District Court for every pending or later-filed case in Andrews, Winkler and Crane Counties: any attorney or self-represented litigant who uses any form of artificial intelligence for legal research or drafting in a case must, before using AI-generated information in a court submission or proceeding, sign and submit the court's certification form stating that all language, quotations, sources, citations, arguments and legal analysis created or contributed to by generative AI were verified as accurate by a human through traditional (non-AI) legal sources, and acknowledging responsibility and potential sanctions for their or their co-counsel's failure to comply. Effective immediately; in effect until rescinded or replaced.