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Reporting Abuse
EVERYONE has an obligation under the law to
report suspected
child abuse.
If you suspect a child is being abused or has been
abused,
immediately report it to the
24-hour, toll-free hotline:
1-800-252-5400 |
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Reporting
Child Abuse EVERYONE has an
obligation under the law to report suspected child abuse. (7
Types of Abuse and Neglect)
Texas imposes a broad duty to report child abuse or neglect on all
citizens, including professionals. The Texas Family Code clearly
outlines legal responsibilities relating to the reporting of
suspected child abuse or neglect. The following is a general outline
of the statutes:
Persons REQUIRED to report:
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 | ANYONE having cause to believe that a child’s
physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be
adversely affected by abuse or neglect, or has died of abuse of
neglect, should IMMEDIATELY make a report.
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| A PROFESSIONAL that has cause to believe that
a child has been abused or neglected is REQUIRED to make a
report not later than 48 hours after the professional first
suspects that a child may be abused or neglected.
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| A PROFESSIONAL may NOT delegate to or rely on
another person to make the report.
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| A PROFESSIONAL is an individual who is
licensed or certified by the state or who is an employee of a
facility licensed, certified, or operated by the state. This
term includes: teachers, nurses, doctors, day-care employees,
employees of a clinic or health care facility that provides
reproductive services, juvenile probation officers, and juvenile
detention or correctional officers.
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| The REQUIREMENT to report applies without
exception to an individual whose personal communications may
otherwise be privileged, including an attorney, a member of the
clergy, a medical practitioner, a social worker, a mental health
professional, an employee of a clinic or health care facility,
etc. |
Failure to Report
Class B Misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 180 days
and/or fine up to $2,000.00.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect:
| DO listen to the child and be aware of your
reactions. |
| DO report child abuse suspicions to law
enforcement or the Texas Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-252-5400). |
| DO NOT try to investigate or obtain
information from others. |
| DO NOT confront the accused abuser or notify
anyone other than authorities. |
Proud member of:
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, Inc
National Children’s Alliance
United Way of Williamson County
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