Emergency Situations are those where a child, adult with disabilities, or person who is elderly faces an immediate risk of abuse or neglect that could result in death or serious harm. The internet reporting system http://www.txabusehotline.org should NOT be used in urgent or emergency situations, including but not limited to the following:
Serious Injuries
Injuries to a child 5 years or younger
Immediate need for medical care (including a suicidal child)
Sexual abuse where the perpetrator has access, or will have access, to the child within the next 24 hours
Chidren age five and under are alone or are likely to be left alone within the next 24 hours
Any other situation which requires a response in less than 24 hours.
Reports to the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (CPS) can be made 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All reports are kept confidential and may be anonymous.
It is the Child Protective Services' (CPS) position that school personnel should not investigate allegations or suspicions of abuse or neglect. This is a Department of Family and Protective Services's responsibility. As soon as the school employee has pertinent information concerning the alleged or suspected abuse or neglect, a report must be made.
