TMPPM 2008 > Appendices > Texas Health Steps Statutory State Requirements > Abuse and Neglect

K.7.1.1 Procedures for Reporting Abuse or Neglect

Professionals, as defined in TFC §261.101 (b), are required to report abuse or neglect no later than the 48th hour after the hour in which the professional first has cause to believe the child has been or may be abused or is the victim of the offense of indecency with a child.

Nonprofessionals shall immediately make a report when the nonprofessional has cause to believe that the child's physical or mental health or welfare has been adversely affected by abuse.

A report must be made regardless of whether the provider staff suspects that a report may have previously been made. Reports of abuse or indecency with a child should be made to one of the following:

•Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), if the alleged or suspected abuse involves a person responsible for the care, custody, or welfare of the child (DFPS Texas Abuse Hotline, 1-800-252-5400, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

•Any local or state law enforcement agency or the state agency that operates, licenses, certifies, or registers the facility in which the alleged abuse or neglect occurred.

•The agency designated by the court to be responsible for the protection of children.

The law requires that the report include the following:

•Name and address of the minor, if known.

•Name and address of the minor's parent or the person responsible for the care, custody, or welfare of the child if not the parent, if known.

•Any other pertinent information concerning the alleged or suspected abuse and if known.

Reports can be made anonymously.

Providers can also report nonemergency abuse online at www.txabusehotline.org.

A provider may not reveal whether the child has been tested or diagnosed with HIV or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). If the minor's identity is unknown (e.g., the minor is at the provider's office to receive testing for HIV or an STD anonymously), no report is required.