· ANYONE
having cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare
has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect, or has died of
abuse of neglect, should IMMEDIATELY make a report.
· A
PROFESSIONAL that has cause to believe that a child has been abused or
neglected is REQUIRED to make a report not later than 48 hours after the
professional first suspects that a child may be abused or neglected.
· A
PROFESSIONAL may NOT delegate to or rely on another person to make the
report.
· A
PROFESSIONAL is an individual who is licensed or certified by the state or
who is an employee of a facility licensed, certified, or operated by the
state. This term includes: teachers, nurses, doctors, day-care employees, employees of a clinic or health care facility that provides reproductive services, juvenile probation officers, and juvenile detention or correctional officers.
· The
REQUIREMENT to report applies without exception to an individual whose
personal communications may otherwise be privileged, including an attorney,
a member of the clergy, a medical practitioner, a social worker, a mental
health professional, and employee of a clinic or health care facility…
· DO
listen to the child and be aware of your reactions
· DO
report child abuse suspicions to law enforcement
or the Texas Child Abuse
Hotline # 1-800-252-5400
· DO
NOT try to investigate
or obtain information from others
· DO
NOT confront the
accused abuser or notify anyone other than authorities
