How Do You Recognize and Report Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation in Texas?

In Texas, the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is the state agency responsible for protecting children, elderly adults, and people with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. If you suspect someone is being harmed, you can report it to DFPS through its statewide hotline or online reporting system. The specific path your report takes depends on who is affected: reports involving children go to Child Protective Investigations or Child Protective Services, while reports involving adults 65 or older, or adults with disabilities, go to Adult Protective Services (APS). This guide explains how to recognize the signs, where to report, and what happens after you file.

The Three Types of Harm: Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation

DFPS groups the harm it investigates into three broad categories. Understanding the differences helps you describe what you're seeing when you report.

For children, DFPS also distinguishes between abuse and neglect in its investigations. For adults, APS handles all three categories, with exploitation being a common concern for elderly and disabled Texans.

Signs That May Indicate Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation

You don't need proof to make a report — reasonable suspicion is enough. These are common indicators:

Physical signs

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries, especially in patterns
• Frequent injuries that don't match the explanation given
• Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or untreated medical conditions
• Sudden weight loss or dehydration

Behavioral signs

• Withdrawal, fear, or anxiety around a specific person
• Sudden changes in behavior or personality
• Flinching at touch or movement
• For children: regression, fear of going home, or age-inappropriate sexual knowledge

Financial signs (exploitation)

• Sudden changes in bank accounts or spending patterns
• Missing money or valuables
• Unpaid bills despite available funds
• A new "friend" or caregiver who isolates the person from family

Environmental signs

• Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions
• Lack of food, heat, or running water
• A caregiver who appears overwhelmed, absent, or under the influence

Where to Report: Children vs. Adults

DFPS routes reports based on who is affected.

Reports involving children

• Handled by Child Protective Investigations (CPI) or Child Protective Services (CPS)
• CPI investigates allegations of abuse or neglect
• Some cases may be routed to Alternative Response, a less adversarial approach for lower-risk situations
• Child Care Investigations (CCI) handles reports involving child care facilities

Reports involving adults

• Handled by Adult Protective Services (APS)
• APS serves adults 65 or older and adults 18+ with disabilities
• APS investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation
• APS can also provide services to help adults live safely

How to file a report

• By phone: DFPS operates a statewide abuse hotline available 24/7
• Online: DFPS provides an online reporting option through its website
• In an emergency: Call 911 first if someone is in immediate danger

When you report, try to provide:

• The name and location of the person you're concerned about
• What you observed or were told
• Any information about the alleged perpetrator
• Your contact information (optional — you can report anonymously)

What Happens After You Report

Once a report is filed, DFPS screens it to determine whether it meets the criteria for investigation.

1. Screening — DFPS evaluates whether the situation falls within its jurisdiction and meets the legal definition of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
2. Priority assignment — Reports are prioritized based on the severity of the alleged harm and the vulnerability of the person.
3. Investigation or Alternative Response — For children, this may mean a formal investigation or an Alternative Response. For adults, APS conducts an investigation.
4. Services — If harm is confirmed, DFPS may provide or arrange services such as foster care for children, or protective services and support for adults.
5. Case closure or ongoing involvement — Some cases are resolved quickly; others require ongoing monitoring.

Can You Report Anonymously? Are You Liable?

Texas law allows you to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation anonymously. You are not required to give your name.

If you report in good faith, you are generally protected from civil or criminal liability, even if the investigation doesn't confirm your concerns. The law is designed to encourage reporting without fear of retaliation.

Certain professionals — such as teachers, doctors, nurses, and child care workers — are mandatory reporters in Texas. They are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect and may face penalties for failing to do so.

Key Takeaways

• DFPS protects children, elderly adults, and adults with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Reports involving children go to Child Protective Investigations or CPS; reports involving adults go to Adult Protective Services.
• You can report by phone through the statewide hotline or online through the DFPS website.
• Reasonable suspicion is enough — you don't need proof.
• Reports can be made anonymously, and good-faith reporters are protected from liability.
• If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 first.

For the most current reporting channels and detailed guidance, visit the DFPS website at dfps.texas.gov and navigate to the "Adult Protection" or "Child Protective Investigations" sections.