Anyone who suspects that an adult who is elderly or with disabilities is being abused, neglected, or financially exploited can report in good faith.
If you believe, that an adult who is elderly or with disabilities is in a state of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation you are required to immediately report this to the DFPS, according to the Human Resources Code Section 48.051.
In Texas, any professional, who suspects that an adult aged 65 or older, or a person with disabilities is being abused, neglected, or financially exploited, has a legal obligation to report it.
- If you are an employer and come to know of this information during the scope of the person’s employment in your company, you should report it.
- If you are a professional, say an attorney, police officer, clergy member, medical practitioner, social worker, or mental health professional and come to know of this confidential information through professional communications, you should report it.