Policy: 1.11 Child Abuse Reporting and Training

Adoption Date: October 26, 2015

This policy governs the reporting of child abuse and neglect as required by Family Code Chapter 261 for the college and its employees. Each employee is required to report child abuse and neglect in the manner required by Family Code Chapter 261.

Each employee is required to complete annual training through an online training program. Employees will receive an email with a link to the training site. Contact Human Resources if assistance is needed.

An employee having cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect by any person shall immediately make a report as provided by Family Code Chapter 261, Subchapter B.

An employee shall make a report in the manner required by Family Code 261.101 (a) or (b), as applicable, if the employee has cause to believe that an adult was a victim of abuse or neglect as a child and the employee determines in good faith that a disclosure of the information is necessary to protect the health and safety of:

1. Another child; or
2. An elderly or disabled person as defined by Human Resources Code 48.002.

Family code 261.101 (b-1)

Professional Employees

If a professional has cause to believe that a child has been abused or neglected or may be abused or neglected, or that a child is a victim of an offense under Penal Code 21.11 (indecency with a child), and the professional has cause to believe that the child has been abused as defined by Family Code 261.001 or 261.401, the professional shall make a report not later than the 48^th hour after the hour the professional first suspects that the child has been or may be abused or neglected or is a victim of an offense under Penal code 21.11. A professional may not delegate to or rely on another person to make the report.

“Professional” means an individual who is licensed or certified by the state or who is an employee of a facility licensed, certified, or operated by the state and who, in the normal course of official duties or duties for which a license or certification is required, has direct contact with children. The term includes teachers, nurses, doctors, day-care employees, and employees of a clinic or health care facility that provides reproductive services. Family code 261.101 (b)

A report shall be made to:

Any local or state law enforcement agency;
The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS);
The state agency that operates, licenses, certifies, or registers the facility in which the alleged abuse or neglect occurred; or
The agency designated by the court to be responsible for the protection of children.

A report, other than a report under item 3, must be made to DFPS if the alleged or suspected abuse or neglect involves a person responsible for the care, custody, or welfare of the child. Family code 261.103

The text of Senate Bill 939 can be found at:

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83R/billtext/pdf/SB00939F.pdf#navpanes=0

Family Code Chapter 261:

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/FA/htm/FA.261.htm