The laws in place for mandatory reporting in Texas are clear. Mandated reporters such as teachers, coaches, and other professionals are obligated to report suspected child abuse or neglect. This includes suspicions of child sexual abuse as well.
Once a mandated reporter makes a report, what happens next? In many cases, it leads to an intensive investigation and sometimes criminal charges. Unfortunately, all too often, there is a rush to judgment with lives and reputations in ruins.
Who Is a Mandated Reporter Under Texas Law?
Under Texas Family Code, Section 261.101, several individuals and professionals in a child’s life are required to contact the authorities if they notice any of the following related to child abuse, sexual abuse, or overall neglect:
- Signs
- Suspicions
- Child abuse
- Neglect
Mandated reporters can include:
- Teachers
- Doctors
- Daycare employees
- Other school staff
- Anyone licensed by the state with direct contact with children
Why Would a Mandated Reporter Make a Report?
Reports are made for a wide variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons for a mandated reporter to report suspicions of abuse and child neglect include:
- Signs of visible physical injuries
- Signs of emotional distress
- Signs of neglect (poor hygiene, malnourishment)
- Decline in the child’s grades
- Depression or anxiety
- Acting out in class or with caregivers
Process for Making a Report
In Texas, mandated reporters must make a report within 48 hours of suspecting child abuse or neglect, even without proof. Reports can be made to the Texas Abuse Hotline (1-800-252-5400), the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ online portal, or any local or state law enforcement agency.
Reporters must include details such as the child’s name, age, location, the nature of the suspected abuse, and any known information about the alleged offender. Reports are confidential, and good-faith reporters are protected from retaliation. Failing to report within the required timeframe can lead to criminal charges.
Penalties for Not Reporting Child Abuse
Although committing child abuse is a crime, so is not reporting it as a mandated reporter. Failure to make a report as a mandated reporter is a criminal offense. Mandated reporters could face Class A misdemeanor charges, punishable by a maximum of one year in jail and fines of up to $4,000.
How Are Legal Guardians Accused of Child Abuse?
Under the law, the child’s parents or legal guardians can be accused of child abuse, sexual abuse, and/or neglect if they:
- Caused harm to the child
- Neglected the child
- Allowed someone else to harm the child
- Put the child in a position to suffer harm or neglect
- Failed to remove the child from a situation that caused them to suffer abuse or neglect
What Happens After a Claim Is Made?
Once a mandated reporter has made a report, it will be reviewed by an Intake Specialist. If the Intake Specialist determines the report is warranted, they may forward the report to a local Texas Department of Family and Protected Services for investigation. This is where Child Protective Services becomes involved.
Child Protective Investigation
A Child Protective Investigation will determine the safety and well-being of the child in question. If CPS finds that the report is credible, there are several steps they can take.
The worst-case scenario is that your child is removed from the home, and you are arrested for criminal child sexual abuse-related charges.
Penalties of a Child Sexual Abuse
The penalties for child sexual abuse convictions in Texas are some of the harshest in the country. Once CPS deems that the complaint made by the mandated reporter is credible, police may arrest you. You could be charged with several crimes depending on the details of your case, such as:
- Indecency with a child
- Sexual assault of a child
- Continuous sexual abuse of a child
- Sexual performance of a child
If convicted, you could spend years and up to life in prison.
FAQs about Mandated Reporting in Texas
What Are the Risks of a False or Unsubstantiated Mandated Report in Texas?
Even if an abuse report is later found to be unsubstantiated, the accused may still suffer serious personal, professional, and reputational harm. While good-faith reporters are protected, knowingly making a false report can lead to criminal charges against the reporter.
How Quickly Can a Mandated Reporter’s Claim Lead to a CPS or Police Investigation?
A mandated reporter’s claim can be reviewed within hours. If the Intake Specialist determines the allegations are credible, the report may be forwarded immediately to Child Protective Services or law enforcement for investigation, often starting within days.
Can Someone Face Criminal Charges Even if the Abuse Report Was Based Only on Suspicion?
Yes. Texas law allows authorities to pursue charges based on credible suspicion of abuse or neglect, even before proof is established. Once a report meets the legal threshold, the accused can face arrest and prosecution while the investigation continues.
What Legal Protections Exist Against Retaliation for a Mandated Reporter Who Files in Good Faith?
Texas law protects good-faith reporters from workplace retaliation, harassment, or legal liability. Employers or others who punish a reporter for fulfilling their legal duty may face civil or criminal consequences.
How Can an Accused Parent or Guardian Respond Before CPS Removes a Child From the Home?
If you are notified of an investigation, you have the right to speak with an attorney immediately. Legal counsel can guide you on cooperating with CPS while protecting your rights, challenging the allegations, and presenting evidence to prevent child removal.
Are Mandated Reporters Ever Required to Testify in Court About Their Report?
Yes. In some cases, mandated reporters may be called as witnesses during criminal trials or child custody hearings to testify about their observations and the contents of their report. Their identity may be disclosed in court despite general confidentiality rules.
Contact a Child Sex Abuse Lawyer in Houston
As soon as you become aware that child sex abuse allegations have been made against you by a mandated reporter, you may feel blindsided and unsure of your options. It’s always best to consult a defense attorney with a background in sex crimes cases. In the Houston area, call The Law Offices of Ned Barnett. We can help you understand the gravity of the situation and build a compelling defense.
Schedule a free and confidential consultation today with attorney Ned Barnett at (713) 222-6767.