Child Abuse & Human Trafficking Reporting
What must you do if you suspect abuse or neglect of a child or that they are involved in human trafficking?
- In an Emergency:
If the child abuse or neglect situation is life-threatening or requires immediate help, CALL 911 or your local police agency right away. (**Please note: School district or local education agency (LEA) police departments are not considered local law enforcement for emergency reporting or abuse reporting.)
- If There is NO Immediate Danger:
If child abuse or neglect is suspected, but the child is NOT in immediate danger, report is to DFPS. (**Please note: School district employees are required to report abuse to DFPS. (TFC §261.103(c)) Report online via the Texas Abuse Hotline link here or call 1-800-252-5400 (recommended for urgent situations). You should also report the matter to local law enforcement.
- If Human Trafficking is Suspected:
Human trafficking of children constitutes child abuse per TFC §261.001(1)(L) and requires reporting. If the suspected abuse involves human trafficking, you must report it to BOTH: DFPS. (**Please note: School district employees are required to report abuse to DFPS. (TFC §261.103(c)) Report online via the Texas Abuse Hotline link here or call 1-800-252-5400 and local law enforcement, the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-643-2251 ,or the iWatchTexas website here or call 844-643-2251.
