If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please contact
the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS)
toll free at 1-800-252-5400, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You may also file a report using the secure web-site of TDFPS: www.txabusehotline.org
When making a report of suspected abuse or neglect:

1. Be specific. Tell exactly what happened and when. Be sure to record all injuries or incidents you have observed, including dates and time of day and keep this information secured.
2. Give agency personnel any information you have about the relationship between the child and the suspected abuser.
3. Be prepared to provide the following information.

• Name, age, and address of the child
• Brief description of the child
• Current injuries, medical problems, or behavioral problems
• Parents names and names of siblings in the home (if you have this information).

Reports should be made as soon as possible — no later than 48 hours before bruises and marks start to fade. It is important for the investigators to be able to see the physical signs of the suspected abuse.
If you have any doubts about whether or not what you have observed stems from abuse or neglect, call the hotline. They can advise you on whether the signs you have noticed are abuse.
Your report is confidential and is not subject to public release under the Open Records Act. Your identity will be kept confidential.