2000, Reporting Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation

Revision 24-2; Effective Dec. 2, 2024

Note: A person receiving services in this handbook refers to an individual receiving services as defined in 26 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Section 711.3.

DFPS Statewide Intake (SWI) receives and processes all reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. A person with cause to believe an adult or child with a physical or intellectual disability, or mental illness who receives services from a provider is in a state of abuse, neglect, or exploitation must report the information immediately to DFPS SWI.

To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a person receiving services, contact DFPS SWI:

For information regarding DFPS SWI, refer to the Statewide Intake Handbook.

A person who reports abuse in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability. Anyone who does not report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation can be held liable for a misdemeanor or felony.

PI keeps the name of the person making the report confidential.

PI does not reveal the reporter's identity to the provider or other state agencies unless the allegation involves sexual exploitation of a person who receives services from a mental health services provider, as per Chapter 81 of the Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code.

Time frames for investigating reports are based on the location of the incident and the intake priority. Refer to Intake Priority in 3120 and Investigation Completion time frames in 3500.

Refer to Human Resources Code Section 48.101.