SUBTITLE E. PROTECTION OF THE CHILD
CHAPTER
261. INVESTIGATION OF REPORT OF CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT
§261.001. DEFINITIONS. In this
chapter:
1. “Abuse includes the
following acts or omissions by a person:
(C) physical injury that results in substantial harm to a child
(E) sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental, emotional, or
physical welfare, including conduct that constitutes the offense of indecency
with a child
§261.101 PERSONS REQUIRED TO REPORT; TIME TO
REPORT.
(a) A person having cause to believe that a
child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been adversely affected by
abuse or neglect by any person shall immediately make a report as provided by
this subchapter.
(c) The requirement to report under this section
applies without exception to an individual whose personal communications may
otherwise be privileged....
§261.102 MATTERS TO BE REPORTED.
A report should reflect the
reporter’s belief that a child has been or may be abused or neglected … .
§ 261.103 REPORT MADE TO APPROPRIATE AGENCY.
(a) A report shall be made to:
(1) any local or state law enforcement agency;
…
(4) the agency designated by the court to be responsible for the
protection
of children.
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
(1-800-252-5400)
Child Protective Services (817-321-8680).
§ 261.104 CONTENTS OF REPORT.
The person making a report
shall identify, if known:
(1) the name and address of the child;
(2) the name and address of the person responsible for the
care,
custody, or welfare of the child; and
(3) any other pertinent information concerning the alleged or
suspected
abuse or neglect.
§ 261.106 IMMUNITIES.
(a) A person acting in good faith who reports … a
report of alleged child
abuse or neglect … is immune
from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed.
261.109 FAILURE TO REPORT; PENALTY.
(a) A person commits an offense if the person has
cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been
or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect and knowingly fails to report
as provided in this chapter.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class B
misdemeanor.