The Teachers Responsibility to Report Abuse and/or Neglect

Vocabulary
Outcry of abuse: The child coming to the adult to discuss what is
occurring.
Witness of outcry:The adult the child first tells.
Reporter of outcry:The adult that calls CPS or reports the outcry.
Household members:The family members that live inside the
home with the person who is being abused or neglected.
Alleged perpetrators:The person/people responsible for the
actions that are suspected to have occurred on the said victim.
They may not live with the victim.
Collaterals:Any other people who might have information about
the situation.
Procedural Information
What is the official legal document that requires anyone suspecting the
abuse or neglect of a child to report the suspected abuse to the Child
Protective Services?
The Texas Family Code
What section specifically applies to teachers?
Section 26 1.101
How long does one have to make a report after suspecting child abuse?
No later than 48 hours
What are two ways that the report can be filed?
The hotline telephone number or the internet
Discuss confidentiality of reporters to CPS.

CPS will receive their name, and contact information but will
not directly be given to the accused person by DFPS
What information is needed when making a report?
Alleged victim's address, and a allegation that indicates abuse
or neglect that is defined by the Texas Family Code.
List four questions that might be asked about the abuse/neglect when
filing a report?
What led you to suspect abuse or neglect?
Do you know who may be abusing or neglecting the child?
Does the person live in the home with the child?
If the parent or guardian is not the perpetrator, is he/she
aware of the concern?
Legal Information
What does it mean to obstruct a report of abuse or neglect?
Someone who discharges, suspends, disciplines, or engages in any
action to prevent or prohibit an employee or volunteer from making
a report of suspected child abuse of neglect.
What penalties exist in Texas for teachers who fail to report?
It is a class A misdemeanor, state jail felony.
What penalties exist in Texas for false reporting?
State jail felony,felony of third degree if previously charged under
same section,if someone is convicted under this section they shall
pay any reasonable attorney fees, be liable to the state for a
penalty of $1,000.