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How to Report Child Abuse
The Texas
Family Code requires any individual suspecting child abuse to report
their suspicions to 1-800-252-5400
(a
state-wide intake located in Austin), or 911.
Though this is a legal responsibility, it is more importantly a morale
responsibility. If we don’t protect our children, who will?
You
may also file a report of suspected abuse using a secure web site:
www.txabusehotline.org
When making a report of suspected abuse, be prepared to provide the
following information:
• Child’s name, age and address
• Brief description of the child
• Current injuries, medical problems or behavioral problems
• Parents’ names and names of siblings in the home
Reports of child abuse or neglect made in “good
faith” and “without malice” are
confidential and immune from civil liability. The law provides for
immunity from civil or criminal liability for innocent persons who
report even unfounded suspicions, as long as the report is made in good
faith.
Failure to
report suspected child abuse is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a
fine up to $1,500 or imprisonment up to 180 days, or both fine and
imprisonment. – Excerpts from Children First: Safe and Secure
Child Abuse Prevention Kit
If you are
concerned about what happens if you suspect abuse, report it and you
are wrong, we implore you to also consider what happens if you suspect
abuse, do not report, and you are right!
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