(a) FCO is established by Texas Government Code §531.9912 in accordance with Texas Government Code §531.9931. (b) FCO serves as an impartial party in assisting children and youth in the conservatorship of DFPS with complaints regarding issues within the authority of DFPS or an HHS agency. (c) While individuals aged 18 and older may continue to receive DFPS services, they are not considered part of the population served by FCO because they are no longer "in the conservatorship" of DFPS. However, if FCO receives a complaint from a youth who turns 18 during the course of an FCO investigation, the complaint will be completed. (d) FCO is responsible for receiving and investigating inquiries and complaints from youth in the conservatorship of DFPS, including youth placed by contract as part of the community-based care model established by Texas Family Code, Chapter 264, Subchapter B-1, including single source continuum contractors that provide placement and case management services. For cases involving youth in foster care, or a court-appointed attorney for a youth unable to verbalize their concerns, FCO investigates and maintains communication with either the youth or the attorney. FCO is required to inform complainants of the result of an investigation.(e) FCO may refer youth to any DFPS or HHS program or service that can assist with the youth's inquiry. With permission from the youth, FCO may work with staff in any DFPS or HHS program to resolve a complaint.