Report Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation

On Thursday, December 8 from 9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the Texas Abuse Hotline website will be under maintenance. During this time, there is a possibility of an outage to the website. You may still report abuse or neglect by calling the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400. If you have an emergency that needs to be dealt with immediately, please call 911. You may still report abuse or neglect online at www.TxAbuseHotline.org. If you have an emergency that needs to be dealt with immediately, please call 911.

Report Abuse to DFPS

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.

We cannot accept email reports of suspected abuse or neglect, including the submission of attachments or media files, such as photos, video files, or audio clips.

Anonymous Reports of Child Abuse and Neglect

Effective September 1, 2023, DFPS cannot accept anonymous reports of abuse and neglect involving children and their families. Professional and non-professional reporters must provide a personal first and last name and home or business phone number to meet new reporting requirements. The law requires both a full name and phone number for the report to be accepted by DFPS. Reporting requirements are not met by providing a business, agency, or organizational name. Anonymous reports of child abuse and neglect may be made to local and state law enforcement agencies. Reporters' names are confidential by law.

Reports of Abuse and Neglect Involving Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Condition (ICF/IID)

Effective March 1, 2024, reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of clients in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Condition (ICF/IID) , including State Supported Living Centers (SSLCs), will transition from DFPS to Health and Human Services (HHS) Complaint and Incident Intake (CII). These concerns will not be investigated by DFPS.

You may make a report to HHS Complaint and Incident Intake (CII):

• Online: Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal (TULIP)
• By phone: 1-800-458-9858

Emergencies

Call your local law enforcement agency or 911 immediately if you have an emergency or life-threatening situation.

Got Questions About Reporting?

• Read our Frequently Asked Questions
• Reporting Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation
• Online Texas Abuse Hotline User Guide
• Guide for Professionals on Reporting Abuse and Neglect of Children
• Guide to Reporting Suspected Abuse, Neglect or Financial Exploitation of Adults

Need Help Reporting Abuse?

Call: 1-800-252-5400. If you can't use the Texas Abuse Hotline you can:

• Report online at www.TxAbuseHotline.org
• Use the relay service of your choice or use Relay Texas at 7-1-1. Tell the relay operator to call the Texas Abuse Hotline at (800) 252-5400.

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 reports may be investigated by HHSC Provider Investigations or another division of HHS, but not by DFPS.

Anyone who has a reasonable cause to believe a child, or person 65 years or older, or an adult with disabilities is being abused, neglected, or exploited must report it to DFPS according to Texas laws.

A person who reports abuse in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability. DFPS keeps the name of the person making the report confidential. 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.

Recognizing Signs of Abuse

• Recognize Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect
• Recognize Signs of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of People Who Are Elderly or Have Disabilities

Legal Definitions of Abuse

• Child Abuse and Neglect
• Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of People Who Are Elderly or Have Disabilities.