Report Child Abuse

IF YOU SUSPECT IT, REPORT IT

If you have any concerns or suspicions of child abuse, call the Texas Child Abuse Hotline. If the child is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

Situations that do not need to be investigated immediately can be submitted online.

Texas law requires anyone who has cause to believe a child has been abused or neglected to report it to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or Law Enforcement. Mandatory reporting applies to all individuals and is not limited to teachers or health care professionals.
The mandatory reporting law even extends to individuals whose personal communications may be otherwise privileged (i.e. attorneys, clergy members, and health care professionals).
Individuals who work for an agency or facility or are themselves licensed or certified by the state and have contact with children per their job requirements (i.e. teachers, nurses, doctors, and childcare employees) must report abuse or neglect within 48 hours.
A person acting in good faith who reports or assists in the investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect is exempt from civil or criminal liability.
A professional may not delegate to, or rely on anyone else to report.