If you suspect child abuse or neglect in Texas, it’s crucial to report it to the Family and Protective Services Department (DFPS). Your call can be the first step in protecting a child and ensuring their safety and well-being. DFPS provides a dedicated hotline and online reporting system to make this process accessible and efficient for everyone.
How to Report Abuse:
There are two primary ways to report abuse or neglect to the Texas Family and Protective Services Department:
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By Phone: 1-800-252-5400
You can call the Abuse Hotline toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from anywhere in the nation. Trained professionals are available to take your report and guide you through the process.
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Online: Texas Abuse Hotline Website
For those who prefer online reporting, the Texas Abuse Hotline website offers a secure platform to submit your concerns. You can file a report at your convenience and expect a response from DFPS within 24 hours. It’s important to note that while online reporting is efficient, DFPS cannot accept reports via email, especially those containing attachments like photos or videos. Use the designated online portal or phone hotline for making a formal report.
Important Changes to Anonymous Reporting:
Please be aware of a significant change in reporting policies that went into effect on September 1, 2023. The Texas Family and Protective Services Department is no longer able to accept anonymous reports of child abuse and neglect from the general public. To comply with new legal requirements, all reporters, whether they are professionals or concerned citizens, must provide their first and last name and a home or business phone number when making a report. Providing only a business, agency, or organizational name is not sufficient to meet these requirements. This change ensures accountability and allows DFPS investigators to follow up for more information if needed.
While DFPS cannot accept anonymous reports for child abuse and neglect cases, it’s important to know that reporters’ names are legally protected and kept confidential. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may consider reporting to your local or state law enforcement agencies, as they may have different policies regarding anonymous reporting.
Reporting Abuse and Neglect in Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF/IID):
Another important update concerns reports related to individuals with intellectual disabilities or related conditions residing in Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF/IID), including State Supported Living Centers (SSLCs). As of March 1, 2024, the responsibility for investigating abuse, neglect, and exploitation in these facilities has transitioned from DFPS to the Health and Human Services (HHS) Complaint and Incident Intake (CII) division. Therefore, reports concerning ICF/IID facilities should no longer be directed to DFPS.
To report such incidents in ICF/IID facilities, you should contact HHS Complaint and Incident Intake (CII) through the following channels:
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Online: Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal (TULIP)
The TULIP portal provides a dedicated online system for reporting complaints and incidents related to healthcare facilities, including ICF/IID facilities.
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By Phone: 1-800-458-9858
You can also report by calling the HHS Complaint and Incident Intake hotline toll-free. Trained personnel will assist you with filing your report and ensure it is directed to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
Conclusion:
Reporting suspected abuse or neglect to the Family and Protective Services Department, or the appropriate agency like HHS for ICF/IID facilities, is a vital civic duty. By understanding the reporting procedures and recent policy changes, individuals can effectively contribute to the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations in Texas. If you have reason to believe a child or an individual in an ICF/IID facility is being harmed, do not hesitate to use the provided hotlines or online resources to make a report. Your vigilance and action can make a significant difference.
