April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and we have been highlighting the 5 Steps to Protecting Our Kids all month long. Those steps are:
As April comes to an end, we want to dive a little deeper into the last step. Part of reacting responsibly to child abuse is knowing why, when, what, & how to report.
Why Report
- Reporting can save a child’s life.
- Reporting can stop more children from being harmed.
- In Texas, everyone is a mandated reporter, which means we’re legally required to make a report if we suspect child abuse or neglect.
When to Report
- A disclosure isn’t necessary — suspected abuse enough to make a report.
- Reports must be made within 48 hours of disclosure or suspicion.
- If you suspect — report. Don’t assume someone else will.
What to Report
- You don’t need proof to make a report.
- If you can, try to provide the following information:
- The child’s name, age, and address
- A brief description of the situation
- A description of the child, including injuries or medical/behavioral needs
- The names of the child’s parents and any siblings in the home
- Your name and contact information
- It is not your duty to investigate the abuse; it is your duty to report the information you have.
How to Report
- The law does not allow the delegation of reporting — you have to do it yourself.
- If you suspect abuse, you can make your report to the Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-800-252-5400 or online at www.txabusehotline.org.
- If you suspect the child is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
As adults, it is our responsibility to keep the children in our life safe.
You can learn more by attending our free webinar, “Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse,” on May 5, 2025, at 4 PM. During this training, you will be given a foundation for understanding, identifying, and reporting suspected child abuse.
