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Bench Book & Bench Cards
Texas Child Welfare Law Bench Book and Bench Cards
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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)
- Bench Cards without Citations (all)
- 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