2000, Reporting Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation

Revision 21-1; Effective April 26, 2021

DFPS Statewide Intake receives and processes all reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. A person with cause to believe that an adult or child with a physical or intellectual disability, or mental illness receiving 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 using the following methods:

For information regarding DFPS SWI, please 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 identity of the reporter to the provider or other state agencies unless the allegation involves sexual exploitation of a person receiving services by a mental health services provider, as defined in 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. See Intake Priority in 3120 and Investigation Completion time frames in 3500.

See related Human Resources Code Section 48.101.