• texas attorney general, what we can do about child abuse part 2

How do I report child abuse in Texas?

Apr 24, 2019 · Attor­ney Gen­er­al Pax­ton Encour­ages Tex­ans to Rec­og­nize April as Nation­al Child Abuse Pre­ven­tion Month. “Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment free from fear, abuse and neglect. When we make meaningful connections with children, youth and families in our communities, we can help parents build the knowledge and resources …

What are the laws for child abuse and neglect in Texas?

you permit your child to be in a situation where he or she may be injured, then you may be prosecuted for child abuse. If you are frightened for your own safety or that of your child, call 911 or (800) 252-5400. If you are uneasy about your own behavior toward your child, you can call the Parents Anonymous toll-free hot-line at: (800) 554-2323.

When to call the Texas Department of family and Protective Services?

Each day, we go to work on behalf of Texas children and families. Whether you are a mom, a dad, a grandparent or a guardian—we are here to help. Committed to Excellence Each year, we collect more child support than any state in the U.S.—but our work won’t be done until every child receives the support they need and deserve.

What to do if you suspect child abuse or neglect?

Feb 22, 2022 · Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in an opinion Monday that providing gender-affirming medical care to minors is considered child abuse under state law.. Medical care such as puberty blockers, which temporarily pause puberty, hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries “must be halted,” he said in a statement Monday. He added that the Texas …

HEROES for MILITARY CHILDREN

Military and veteran families have unique needs when it comes to paternity establishment and child support. The HEROES program is here to help.

Family Violence

If you are a victim or survivor of family violence, we have information to help you pursue child support safely.

Incarcerated Parents

Help is available for parents and family members supporting children during and after a parent's incarceration.

What is the National Fatherhood Initiative?

National Fatherhood Initiative. With a mission to improve the well-being of children in America, the National Fatherhood Initiative aims to increase the number of children being raised by a caring, responsible father. Get the support you need as a dad. Visit the National Fatherhood Initiative.

How to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline?

Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233). The TTY line is (800) 787-3224. Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline on the web.

Does WorkinTexas.com offer unemployment?

The official state resource for helping job seekers find work, WorkInTexas.com also lets users apply for unemployment benefits and plan their careers. Create a profile on the website to join the largest job-matching network in Texas.

What is a WIC?

Short for "Women Infants and Children," WIC is a Health & Human Services program that helps families with young children (up to age 5). They can connect you with other families, teach you about healthy eating, and give you access to special food packages.

Does Texas have health insurance for uninsured children?

Texas families with uninsured children may be eligible for health insurance through Children's Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Both programs provide a wide range of benefits, including regular check-ups and dental care to keep kids healthy.

What is LASSA law?

LASSA provides attorneys to sexual assault survivors—providing them with free legal information and advice. Callers can remain anonymous (if they wish) and receive info about victim rights, housing, employment, immigration, and child support.

What We Can Do: Enforce Child Support Orders

By law, the Office of the Attorney General has several child support enforcement remedies available — up to and including contempt, probation and possibly incarceration.

What We Cannot Do: Enforce Visitation Orders

We often get asked to enforce visitation orders. We cannot — and do not — enforce visitation orders.

Is elder abuse legal in Texas?

Elder Abuse. You have a right to be safe and protected from abuse. The Office of the Attorney General and the State of Texas are committed to protecting you from verbal, emotional and physical abuse, as well as financial exploitation, whether you are living in your own home, with family or in a long-term care facility.

What is the meaning of "neglect" in nursing?

Neglect means the failure of a caretaker to provide the goods or services, including medical services, which are necessary to avoid physical or emotional harm or pain. Exploitation includes a caretaker's illegal use of a senior's resources for monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain.

What is the law in Texas for a child?

Texas has both civil and criminal laws to protect children from abuse and neglect. If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, the law requires that you report it. [Texas Family Code Section 261.101 (a)]

How to investigate a report from CPS?

To investigate a report, CPS must be able to locate the child or family. Please provide the worker taking your report with names of the children, parents, caregivers or others involved. At a minimum, please provide a description of the child and the home address, day-care center or the school the child attends.

Who investigates child abuse?

Reports of child abuse or neglect occurring outside the child’s family or home are generally investigated by agencies other than CPS. However, CPS usually investigates reports of abuse or neglect by school personnel or volunteers.

What is the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is the agency to call if the suspected abuse or neglect involves a person responsible for the care, custody, or welfare of the child or someone who lives in the home with the child. Child Protective Services (CPS), a division of DFPS, is responsible for conducting civil investigations ...

What is CPS in the US?

Child Protective Services (CPS), a division of DFPS, is responsible for conducting civil investigations of alleged abuse or neglect by caregivers or household members. You may also report suspected abuse or neglect to any local or state law enforcement agency.

What is child abuse in Texas?

In Texas, the definitions of child abuse and neglect include specific acts or omissions by a person responsible for a child’s care, custody or welfare. Here are important legal definitions from Section 261.001 of the Texas Family Code.

What is the criminal code for sexual assault?

Sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental, emotional, or physical welfare including conduct that constitutes the offense of indecency with a child under Section 21.11, Penal Code, sexual assault under Section 22.011, Penal Code, or aggravated sexual assault under Section 22.021, Penal Code.

I am a victim of violent crime. What programs might I be eligible for?

As a crime victim, you may be eligible for certain payments and reimbursements of crime-related costs. The Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program can help you cover costs related to the crime — including medical, child care, lost wages, relocation, etc.

A victim of violent crime is requesting my services. What should I know about Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC)?

For CVC purposes, organizations or individuals providing billed services to victims or claimants are considered victim service providers. These include a medical, mental health or dental provider, funeral home director, child care provider, landlord, crime scene clean-up provider, or an attorney.

I conduct sexual assault exams. What should I know about the Crime Victim Services Division (CVSD)?

CVC reimburses health care facilities, sexual assault nurse examiners, and sexual assault examiners (medical providers) for the forensic costs of sexual assault exams conducted after 8/31/2019. The forensic costs of sexual assault exams conducted before 9/1/19 are reimbursed to law enforcement agencies.

I have been a victim of identity theft. Can the Crime Victim Services Division (CVSD) help me?

The CVC program helps victims of violent crime. The Consumer Protection Division provides steps to help protect your identity and what to do if it's stolen .

Sexual Assault Exam Reimbursement Applications

Medical providers can now use the Crime Victims’ Compensation Portal to request reimbursement of the forensic costs of sexual assault exams conducted after 8/31/2019.

What percentage of SBS victims die?

Approximately 25 percent of all SBS victims die and 41 percent are under age one.

What is genital discharge?

Genital discharge or infection. Physical trauma or irritations to the anal/genital area (pain, itching, swelling, bruising, bleeding, lacerations, abrasions, especially if unexplained or inconsistent). Pain upon urination/defecation. Difficulty in walking or sitting due to genital or anal pain.

Why is it bad for a child to be emotionally hurt?

A child may suffer emotional harm when subjected to extremely unpredictable or inconsistent responses from caregivers. Unreasonable expectations and demands can also be harmful. A child may suffer serious psychological harm from being rejected, terrorized, ignored, or isolated emotionally.

What is the number to call for child abuse in Texas?

And always document all the information about a call. If you suspect abuse, call Texas Child. Protective Services at 800/252-5400.

How to identify a child who has been sexually abused?

Children who have been sexually abused may be identified by their frequent expressions (verbal references, pictures, pretend games) of sexual activity between adults and children or by knowledge about sexual relations beyond what is probable for their age.

What is a special child?

Are isolated with few or no outside sources for support. Have a “special child” – one who is mentally, physically or developmentally disabled.

How do you know if you are emotionally abused?

Signs of emotional injury include many general symptoms that could result from causes other than emotional abuse. They include withdrawal, depression or apathy; behavior problems or “acting out;” or a child who is overly rigid in conforming to instructions from teachers, doctors, and other adults. An emotionally abused child may refuse verbal or physical communication with others, or express feelings of being bad or worthless. Symptoms such as these can be produced by emotional abuse, but because they may arise from other causes, they must always be considered in context.