Get Help
If you suspect or know of an instance of child abuse or neglect, please contact local law enforcement and the Texas Abuse Hotline.
Contact Local Law Enforcement
Call hotline
Report online
Report Abuse
Texas has both civil and criminal laws to protect children from abuse and neglect. If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, the law requires that you report it.
Signs and symptoms of child abuse tend to be subtle, but you can spot symptoms of abuse and neglect if you know what to look for. Some children can’t or won’t cry or ask for help when they need it - even if their lives may be in danger. If you think someone is hurting or mistreating a child, you must act.
The earlier abused children get help, the greater chance they have to heal from their abuse and not perpetuate the cycle.
Resources
Resources for Families
Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas strives to educate our community and equip them with the resources they need to recognize, report and respond to child abuse.
Resources for Professionals
As part of our mission, we offer multiple education opportunities to child-serving organizations and community members.
FAQs
How do I report abuse?
If someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. To report suspected abuse, call the 24-hour, toll-free abuse hotline at 1-800-252-5400 from anywhere in the United States to report abuse or neglect that happened in Texas. The important thing is to call and report what you suspect.
Failure to report suspected child abuse and neglect is a criminal offense (Texas Family Code, Section 261.109).
What happens when I report abuse?
You will be given a call ID number to prove that you made the call. You can call back and use the call ID number to give additional information about the same case.
Please be prepared to provide as much information as possible, including the name, date of birth, and address of the victim, and information regarding the alleged abuse and perpetrator.
Can I report anonymously?
Anonymous callers are welcome, but they will not be given a call ID number. The identity of the reporter is confidential and is not revealed to anyone but law enforcement, unless disclosure is ordered by a court (Texas Family Code Section 261.201).