Reporting Sexual Abuse in Texas

Report Suspected Child Abuse

1-800-252-5400
or 911
or http://www.txabusehotline.org

24 hours a day, seven days a week

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If you live in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, or New Mexico, or anywhere across the United States, call 1-800-252-5400 to report abuse or neglect that has occurred in Texas.

Child Abuse Hotline        1-800 252-5400

In Texas, all suspected cases of child abuse or neglect must be reported to child protective services and/or the local police department. The Texas Family Code 261.101 requires professionals to make a report within 48 hours of first suspecting abuse, neglect or exploitation of children.

If there is any suspicion that a child is being abused, you are mandated by law to report those suspicions to the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services and the police. Anyone “having cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect” must report the case.

Do not investigate your suspicions by yourself. That responsibility lies with the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. A report should NEVER be made to the child’s parents. The investigating agency will contact all parties involved.

Anyone who files a report is immune from civil or criminal liability – if the report is made in “good faith” and “without malice.”

• “Good Faith” means the person took reasonable steps to learn the facts that were readily available and at hand.
• “Without Malice” means the person did not intend to injure or violate the rights of another person.

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Failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect is punishable by imprisonment of up to 180 days and/or a fine of up to 1,000.  (Texas Family Code, Chapter 34)

Have the following information available when you make your report:

• Name of the child
• Age of the child
• Address of the child
• A brief description of the child
• Names of other household members – parents, siblings, etc.
• Physical condition of the child
• Current injuries, medical problems or behavioral problems
• Other contact information
• Any other additional information that you can provide.

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The Human Resources code Chapter 48 (48.051) requires a person having cause to believe that an elderly or disabled person is in the state of abuse, neglect, or exploitation to report the information required immediately.

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Important Telephone Numbers:

Child Abuse Hotline        1-800 252-5400

Texas DFPS Office        512-438-4800
(Department of Family and Protective Services)

Texas Runaway Hotline 1-888-580-HELP (4357)

Texas Youth Hotline    1-800-210-2278

Governor’s Crime Victim Clearinghouse 1-800 252-3423

National Runaway Line 1-800 621-4000

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If you need further assistance with these issues, please contact Kathy Broady LCSW at www.AbuseConsultants.com .