Child Abuse Issues

Child abuse and neglect affect the lives of nearly 50,000 Texas children each year. Childhood should be a time of happiness and security. For too many children it is a time of tragedy and suffering. Unfortunately, home is not always the safe place that it should be. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services encourages you to become an advocate for children and work with us to make our communities safe for all children.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect:

• DO listen to the child.
• DON’T try to investigate.
• DON”T confront the abuser.
• DO report reasonable suspicions by calling the Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or your local law enforcement agency.

It is not up to you to determine whether your suspicions are true or not. A trained investigator will evaluate the child’s situation.