State Resources

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND REPORTING

Child Abuse and Neglect
Recognizing and Preventing Child Abuse
Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. Other types of abuse, such as sexual
abuse, emotional abuse or child neglect, also leave deep, long-lasting scars. By learning
common types of abuse and where to get help, you can make a huge difference in a
childs life.
Child abuse prevention means understanding and using the best strategies and techniques
to recognize the symptoms and patterns of abuse before they occur. This can be achieved
by providing families and communities with education, support and resources. If you
would like more information, feel free to visit your school nurse, counselor or social
worker, or browse through the websites listed below.
To learn more, click here:
US Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/signs.cfm
Texas Department of Protective and Family Services, A Parent's Guide To CPS
http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/child_protection/about_child_protective_services/parentguide
.asp
Helpguide.org
http://helpguide.org/mental/child_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm
Kidscape Child Abuse Signs and Symptoms
http://www.kidscape.org.uk/professionals/childabuse.shtml
If you have cause to believe that a child has been sexually, physically or emotionally
abused or neglected in any way, please report. All employees of public, charter or private
schools as well as day care facilities are required by law to report any known or suspected
abuse.
Child Abuse Hotlines

To report abuse or neglect in Texas, call 1-800-252-5400 or 1-800-458-9858

To get help or report abuse anywhere in the US or Canada, call the National Child Abuse
Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).

https://www.txabusehotline.org/Login/Default.aspx

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

In Texas, anyone who suspects that a child is being abused or neglected has a legal
obligation to report it. Professional reporters are required to report suspicion of abuse or
neglect within 48 hours.
A Professional Reporter is anyone licensed or certified by the state or works for an
agency or facility licensed or certified by the state and has contact with children as a
result of their normal duties. By law, professionals may not delegate their duty to report
to another person such as a coworker or family member.
Professional reporters include, but are not limited to:

Teachers
Nurses
Doctors
Daycare employee
s

Employees of a clinic or health care facility that provides

reproductive services
Juvenile probation, detention or correctional officers

It is the responsibility of professionals to report and the responsibility of the Texas

Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate allegations or suspicions of
abuse or neglect.