Is there a legal duty to report child abuse to the lawful authorities?
The Texas Family Code expressly requires just about any person having cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been adversely affected by abuse to report it to law enforcement. This includes attorneys, clergy, social workers, medical professionals and the identity of the person reporting the abuse is confidential unless waived in writing. The report may be made to any local or state law enforcement agency as well as other state agencies such as Child Protective Services. Failure to report that a person has good cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect is a Class B Misdemeanor.
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Smith & Garg LLC | 1095 Evergreen Circle, Suite 300 | The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Please call 281-210-0010 | Fax: 281-362-9757
Serving The Woodlands, Spring, Houston, Conroe, Kingwood, Tomball, Cypress, Huntsville,
Cleveland, Stafford, Montgomery County, Harris County, Westchase, West Oaks, Memorial, Sugar Land, River Oaks, Alief, Stafford, Missouri City, and Southwest Houston Texas.
Is there a legal duty to report child abuse to the lawful authorities?