Report Abuse, Neglect, and Misconduct
Overview
Texas law requires concerns related to child abuse, neglect, human trafficking, or educator misconduct to be reported through appropriate channels. How and where a concern must be reported depends on the type of issue and the role of the person reporting. School professionals have specific legal reporting duties, and parents, students, and community members also play an important role in raising concerns and filing complaints. This page explains the reporting options available and outlines what to expect when a report or complaint is made to 7m视频.
Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect
Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect should make a report. Reporting helps ensure student safety and allows appropriate agencies to respond quickly.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 if a child is in immediate danger.
Non-Emergency Situations
Suspected abuse or neglect should be reported to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS):
- Online:
- By phone: 1鈥800鈥252鈥5400
(Recommended when the situation is urgent or details are unclear)
Suspected Human Trafficking
If you suspect human trafficking:
- Report the concern to DFPS, and
- Contact one or more of the following:
- Local law enforcement
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1鈥888鈥373鈥7888
Additional Requirements for School Professionals (Mandated Reporters)
School professionals and other mandated reporters have a legal obligation to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
- Reports must be made directly to DFPS or law enforcement
- A supervisor鈥檚 review, approval, or internal notification does not satisfy the law
- For reporting purposes, 鈥渓aw enforcement鈥 refers to state鈥憆ecognized agencies and does not include school district or charter school police departments
Failing to report as required by law may result in criminal or professional consequences.
Reporting Educator Misconduct
Concerns about educator misconduct may be reported by school staff or by members of the public.
Responsibilities of School Staff
Educators who become aware of possible misconduct have legal reporting responsibilities. As part of those responsibilities:
- School staff are expected to notify appropriate campus and district leadership.
- Internal notification alone does not satisfy state law and does not replace required reporting to external authorities.
- Depending on the situation, required reports may need to be made to 7m视频, DFPS, or law enforcement.
Examples of Reportable Misconduct
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Boundary violations or grooming behaviors
- Inappropriate communication with students
- Romantic or sexual conduct
- Physical abuse, threats, or intimidation
- Illegal drug activity
- Fraud, cheating, or testing irregularities
Filing a Misconduct Complaint with 7m视频
Parents, students, school staff, and community members may file a complaint with 7m视频 to raise concerns about educator conduct or other education鈥憆elated issues. Filing a complaint with 7m视频 does not replace any required report to DFPS or law enforcement.
Before You File
- Use to answer a short set of multiple鈥慶hoice questions that help identify the appropriate next steps for your specific concern.
- Review 7m视频鈥檚 guidance to understand what information is required before submitting a complaint.
Who May File
Anyone may file a complaint, including:
- Parents or guardians
- Students
- School staff
- Community members
Complaint Requirements
A complaint must include:
- A written statement
- Facts describing the alleged conduct
- The complainant鈥檚 contact information
- An indication of a potential violation of law or rule
How to File
Complaints must be submitted through the .
After a Complaint is Submitted
7m视频 reviews the information to determine appropriate next steps, which may include one or more of the following actions:
- Referring the matter to DFPS
- Coordinating with law enforcement
- Initiating an educator certification investigation
- Notifying district officials