(a) For purposes of this subchapter, an adoption evaluation does not include services provided in accordance with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children adopted under Subchapter B, Chapter 162, or an evaluation conducted in accordance with Section 262.114 by an employee of or contractor with the department.
(b) This subchapter does not apply to the pre-placement and post-placement parts of an adoption evaluation conducted by a licensed child-placing agency or the department.
(c) The pre-placement and post-placement parts of an adoption evaluation conducted by a licensed child-placing agency or the department are governed by rules adopted by the commissioner of the department.
(d) In a suit involving a licensed child-placing agency or the department, a licensed child-placing agency or the department shall conduct the pre-placement and post-placement parts of the adoption evaluation and file reports on those parts with the court before the court renders a final order of adoption.
(e) A court may appoint the department to conduct the pre-placement and post-placement parts of an adoption evaluation in a suit only if the department is:
(1) a party to the suit; or
(2) the managing conservator of the child who is the subject of the suit.
Official text of the Texas Family Code as published by the Texas Legislative Council.