| Gonzales Regional Children's Advocacy Center |
| Serving Gonzales & Lavaca Counties |
| Reporting Child Abuse |
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. WHAT TO REPORT: Child's name and age Parent's name and address Physical Indicators observed Person suspected of abuse or neglect Address and/or school of child Any statements made by child Behavioral Indicators observed Relationship to child |
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| Changing Lives ~ Giving Hope |
| To Report Suspected Abuse, call 1-800-252-5400 OR 911 |
| Texas Family Code (261.101) states that a person having cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by the abuse or neglect must report immediately. Failure to report is punishable by imprisonment for up to 180 days and/or a fine up to $2,000. |
| Proud members of: |
It's the law...
| It is not up to you to determine whether your suspicions are true or not. A trained investigator will evaluate the child's situation. |
Any person having cause to believe a child's physical or mental health or welfare
has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect must report
IMMEDIATELY! A professional may not delegate or rely on another person to
make the report. This includes: Teachers, Counselors, Clergy, Attorneys, Doctors,
Individuals whose personal communications would otherwise be considered
privileged.
has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect must report
IMMEDIATELY! A professional may not delegate or rely on another person to
make the report. This includes: Teachers, Counselors, Clergy, Attorneys, Doctors,
Individuals whose personal communications would otherwise be considered
privileged.
Legal Protection
The identity of an individual making a report under this chapter is confidential and
may be disclosed only on the order of a court or to a law enforcement officer for the
civil or criminal liability as long as the report is made in "good faith" (meaning that
you took reasonable steps to learn the facts.) And "without malice" (meaning that
The identity of an individual making a report under this chapter is confidential and
may be disclosed only on the order of a court or to a law enforcement officer for the
civil or criminal liability as long as the report is made in "good faith" (meaning that
you took reasonable steps to learn the facts.) And "without malice" (meaning that
| 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 for tragedy and suffering. Unfortunately, home is not always the safe place that it should be. The Gonzales Regional Children's Advocacy Center encourages you to become an advocate for children and work with us to make our communities safe for all children. |