TX HHS Form 2960 Attachment A. CCR Application for a License to Operate a Residential Child Care Facility

Form 2960 Attachment A is a detailed checklist used in Texas when applying for a license to operate a General Residential Operation (GRO). These facilities provide 24-hour care for children, including residential treatment centers, emergency shelters, and operations serving children with emotional disorders. This attachment helps applicants ensure they submit all required documents, policies, and supporting materials before the Residential Child Care Regulation (RCCR) division reviews the application.

Although the official form is structured as a list, this guide explains the meaning behind each requirement, common applicant mistakes, and how to prepare a complete submission that minimizes delays.

Purpose of Form 2960 Attachment A

The attachment acts as an official compliance roadmap. Texas law requires residential childcare providers to meet specific health, safety, staffing, and administrative standards outlined in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Human Resources Code (HRC). This document summarizes what evidence you must provide to prove compliance before the state grants you a license.

Applicants use it to gather materials; regulators use it to verify that nothing is missing during the initial review.

Key Required Application Materials

Application for a License (Form 2960)

This is the primary licensing form. It establishes the legal entity, leadership structure, and service type. A common mistake is mismatched details between Form 2960 and supporting documents (for example, listing a different administrator name elsewhere).

Floor Plan of the Facility

Texas requires a complete floor plan showing room dimensions, the purpose of each space, and designated sleeping areas for children and caregivers. Regulators use this to verify compliance with capacity limits and safety standards under 26 TAC §748.101(3).

• Include exterior surroundings and outdoor activity areas.
• Label evacuation routes clearly.
• Avoid hand-drawn sketches that lack scale—these often lead to requests for corrections.

Governing Body / Administrator Designation (Form 2819)

Every GRO must designate an administrator or executive director who oversees operations. This form establishes legal accountability and must match the details in your business registration documents.

Background Checks

Texas requires online submission of background checks for all controlling persons and staff. Only submit these after receiving your operation number.

Pre-Application Training Verification

You must complete mandatory pre-application training within one year before applying. The certificate is frequently missing—one of the top reasons for delays.

Controlling Person Documentation (Form 2760)

This identifies individuals who influence the management or policies of the operation. The state needs this for risk assessment and compliance enforcement.

Personal History Statements (Form 2982)

Required for sole proprietors and partners. It provides background about experience working with children and managing residential operations.

Business Entity Compliance

For corporations and LLCs, Texas requires proof that the entity is not delinquent on franchise tax obligations. Regulators verify your standing through 26 TAC §745.245.

Liability Insurance Verification

You must provide proof of liability insurance or a valid exemption reason. Form 2962 is optional but helps standardize submissions.

Fee Payments

Application fees must be paid through your CCR Online Account. Missing payments halt processing entirely.

Policies, Procedures, and Plans Required

Texas law requires GROs to submit extensive policy documentation that shows how operations ensure child safety, staff competency, emergency readiness, recordkeeping, and more. Below are the categories and what they mean:

Business Plan

Required under 26 TAC §748.101. It must demonstrate that your operation has sustainable funding, staffing, and programming. This is not a simple narrative; include financial projections and service descriptions.

Operational Plan for Children with Emotional Disorders

Needed only for facilities serving emotionally disturbed children. It must outline treatment strategies, staffing qualifications, and therapeutic approaches.

Suicide Prevention and Postvention Policy

Required by HRC §42.0433. Texas expects a detailed crisis response framework, training requirements, and documentation steps.

Fiscal Plan

Shows how the operation will remain financially viable and meet payroll, program expenses, and emergency costs.

Emergency Evacuation and Relocation Plan

Explain how your facility will protect children during fires, storms, or facility-wide emergencies. Include transportation arrangements.

Recordkeeping Requirements

Texas mandates secure, confidential storage of child records, staff files, and incident logs.

Personnel Policies

Outline hiring standards, training requirements, supervision, drug testing policies, and disciplinary procedures for staff.

Admission Policies

Explain how you determine eligibility, conduct intake assessments, and transition children into your program.

Child-Care Policies

Covers daily routines, supervision ratios, discipline methods, healthcare practices, and transportation rules.

Behavior Intervention Policies

Texas strictly regulates restraint and emergency behavior interventions. Documentation must demonstrate compliance with multiple TAC sections.

Program-Specific Policies (As Applicable)

• Discipline policies
• Transitional living program policies
• Volunteer policies
• Abuse and neglect prevention policies
• Vaccine-preventable disease policy
• Tobacco use policies
• Recreational and weapons storage plan

Practical Tips for Completing the Packet

• Double-check that all names match across forms, policies, and organizational documents.
• Submit floor plans and fiscal plans in professional formats—handwritten notes cause delays.
• If a policy does not apply to your operation, state the reason clearly instead of leaving a blank.
• Create a labeled folder for each required item to avoid missing attachments.
• Upload all online components only after you receive your operation number.

Examples of When This Form Is Needed

• A nonprofit organization is opening a residential treatment center for children with emotional disorders.
• A private company plans to convert an existing shelter into a licensed General Residential Operation.
• A faith-based organization wants to expand from emergency foster care into residential childcare services.
• An out-of-state provider is opening its first Texas facility and must meet all licensing requirements.

Documents You May Need to Attach

• Business registration certificates
• Nonprofit IRS determination letter
• Liability insurance policy statements
• Training certificates
• Background check confirmations
• Emergency preparedness plans
• Detailed policy manuals
• Staff qualification records (if available)

FAQ

What is the main purpose of Form 2960 Attachment A?

It provides a checklist of all documents Texas requires before reviewing an application for a General Residential Operation license.

Do I need to submit all policies even if I am not offering certain services?

No. You only provide policies relevant to the services your operation will offer. For non-applicable sections, explain why.

When should background checks be submitted?

Only after Texas CCR assigns an operation number.

What happens if a required item is missing?

Your application will be delayed or considered incomplete, and CCR may return it for corrections.

Can I hand-draw the floor plan?

Texas accepts them, but poorly drawn plans often require revision. Digital plans are strongly preferred.

Who must complete the pre-application training?

The applicant or controlling person responsible for submitting the application.

Micro-FAQ

• Purpose: Checklist for GRO licensing requirements.
• Who files: Anyone applying to operate a General Residential Operation in Texas.
• Deadline: Submitted with the initial license application.
• Attachments: Floor plan, policies, background check confirmations, insurance proof.
• Submit to: Texas Health and Human Services, Residential Child Care Regulation.
• Training required: Yes, pre-application training within one year.
• Insurance: Liability insurance or valid exemption required.
• Legal basis: 26 TAC §§748 and 745; HRC §42.

Related Forms

• Form 2960 – Application for a License to Operate a Residential Child Care Facility
• Form 2819 – Governing Body / Administrator Designation
• Form 2962 – Verification of Liability Insurance
• Form 2982 – Personal History Statement
• Form 2760 – Controlling Person Documentation

Form Details

• Form Name: General Residential Operations Documentation Required at Application
• Form Number: Form 2960 Attachment A
• State: Texas
• Last Updated: January 2023