Child Abuse and Neglect

  • Report Abuse

    For urgent or emergency situations, call 911.

    The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has a central place to report:

    • Child abuse and neglect.
    • Abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation of the elderly or adults with disabilities living at home.
    • Abuse of children in child-care facilities or treatment centers
    • Abuse of adults and children who live in state facilities or are being helped by programs for people with mental illness or intellectual disabilities. These are run by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS).

    Texas law says anyone who thinks a child, or person 65 years or older, or an adult with disabilities is being abused, neglected, or exploited must report it to DFPS. A person who reports abuse in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability. The identity of the individual making a report is confidential, and may only be disclosed under court order, to a law enforcement officer conducting a criminal investigation, or as otherwise permitted by law. Anyone who does not report suspected abuse can be held liable for a misdemeanor or felony. Time frames for investigating reports are based on the severity of the allegations. Reporting suspected abuse makes it possible for a family to get help.

    Call our Abuse Hotline toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, nationwide, or report with our secure website and get a response within 24 hours.

    *Information from Texas DFPS