Report Abuse to DFPS

Call our Abuse Hotline toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, nationwide, or report with our secure website and get a response within 24 hours.

We cannot accept email reports of suspected abuse or neglect, including the submission of attachments or media files, such as photos, video files, or audio clips.

Anonymous Reports of Child Abuse and Neglect

Effective September 1, 2023, DFPS cannot accept anonymous reports of abuse and neglect involving children and their families. Professional and non-professional reporters must provide a personal first and last name and home or business phone number to meet new reporting requirements. The law requires both a full name and phone number for the report to be accepted by DFPS. Reporting requirements are not met by providing a business, agency, or organizational name. Anonymous reports of child abuse and neglect may be made to local and state law enforcement agencies. Reporters' names are confidential by law.

Reports of Abuse and Neglect Involving Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Condition (ICF/IID)

Effective March 1, 2024, reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of clients in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Condition (ICF/IID) , including State Supported Living Centers (SSLCs), will transition from DFPS to Health and Human Services (HHS) Complaint and Incident Intake (CII). These concerns will not be investigated by DFPS.

You may make a report to HHS Complaint and Incident Intake (CII):

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has a central place to report:

  • Child abuse and neglect.
  • Abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation of the elderly or adults with disabilities living at home.
  • Abuse of children in child-care facilities or treatment centers.
  • Abuse of adults and children who live in state facilities or are being helped by programs for people with mental illness or intellectual disabilities. These reports may be investigated by HHSC Provider Investigations or another division of HHS, but not by DFPS.

Anyone who has a reasonable cause to believe a child, or person 65 years or older, or an adult with disabilities is being abused, neglected, or exploited must report it to DFPS according to Texas laws.

A person who reports abuse in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability. DFPS keeps the name of the person making the report confidential. Anyone who does not report suspected abuse can be held liable for a misdemeanor or felony.

Time frames for investigating reports are based on the severity of the allegations. Reporting suspected abuse makes it possible for a family to get help.

Recognizing Signs of Abuse

Legal Definitions of Abuse