Texas Child Welfare Law Bench Book and Bench Cards

The Texas Child Welfare Law Bench Book is a comprehensive resource that assists judges, attorneys, and other child welfare professionals in navigating Texas child protection cases. Updated yearly, the Bench Book combines statutory and case law guidance, hearing-specific checklists, and practical information on key topics affecting children and families involved in the child welfare system.
Bench Book
The 2025 Texas Child Welfare Law Bench Book (updated October 2025) is available in the following formats:

- Online and Interactive provided by LawBox

- Available for mobile or tablet device by downloading the LawBox App
Bench Cards
Bench Cards are abbreviated reference cards on specific hearing types and relevant topical matters for quick reference. Many Bench Cards are available in two formats: as one-page checklists without citations (listed as "short" below) which are intended for easy use at hearings, and as extended versions with Texas Family Code citations.
- Bench Cards with Citations (all)
- Short Bench Cards
- At a Glance: short
- Required Participation in Services Hearing: short / with citations
- Adversary Hearing: short / with citations
- Status Hearing: short / with citations
- Permanency Hearing Before Final Order: short / with citations
- Final Hearing for Non-Jury Trial: short / with citations
- Permanency Hearing After Final Order: short / with citations
- Reasonable Efforts: with citations
- De Novo Hearing: with citations
- Termination Grounds: with citations
- Foster Care and Education: with citations
- Medical and Mental Health Care: with citations
- Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA): with citations
- Human Trafficking: with citations
- Required Court Admonishments: with citations
- American Bar Association Judicial Bench Cards for Engaging Youth in the Courtroom
- Bench Cards for Engaging Young Children (ages 0-12 Months)
- Toddlers (1-3 years) and Preschoolers (3-5 years)
- School-Age Children (5-11 years)
- Adolescents (12-15 years)
- Older Adolescents (16+ years)