The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is the state agency dedicated to protecting children, elderly adults, and people with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Reporting suspected abuse is crucial for their safety and well-being. If you need to make a report, here’s how to contact the Texas Department Of Family Services.
Reporting Suspected Abuse: Phone and Online Options
To report abuse or neglect, the Texas Department of Family Services offers accessible methods for reporting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- By Phone: Call the toll-free Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400. This hotline is available nationwide for reporting abuse within Texas.
- Online: Use the secure Texas Abuse Hotline Website to submit your report online. You can expect a response within 24 hours when reporting through the website. Please note that the Texas Department of Family Services does not accept reports of suspected abuse or neglect via email, including any attachments like photos or videos.
Important Changes to Anonymous Reporting and ICF/IID Reports
It’s important to be aware of recent changes regarding anonymous reporting and reports related to specific care facilities:
No More Anonymous Reports for Child Abuse (Effective September 1, 2023)
As of September 1, 2023, the Texas Department of Family Services no longer accepts anonymous reports of abuse and neglect involving children. To comply with new reporting requirements, individuals, whether professional or non-professional reporters, must provide their first and last name and a home or business phone number for the report to be accepted. Providing only a business, agency, or organizational name is insufficient. If you wish to remain anonymous when reporting child abuse or neglect, you may contact local or state law enforcement agencies. It is important to remember that reporter names are kept confidential by law.
Reports for ICF/IID Facilities Transition to HHS (Effective March 1, 2024)
Effective March 1, 2024, reporting abuse, neglect, or exploitation within Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Condition (ICF/IID), including State Supported Living Centers (SSLCs), has transitioned from the Texas Department of Family Services to Health and Human Services (HHS) Complaint and Incident Intake (CII). The Texas Department of Family Services will no longer investigate these types of reports.
To report concerns related to ICF/IID facilities, contact HHS Complaint and Incident Intake (CII):
- Online: Through the Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal (TULIP)
- By Phone: Call 1-800-458-9858
By understanding these guidelines, you can effectively report abuse to the appropriate Texas agency, ensuring the safety and protection of vulnerable individuals.
