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SB 939:
Legislative Law Briefing Book
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/Communications/Announcements/2013_Announcements/Legislative_briefing_book_details_new_laws/
What to Do:
Try not to sit behind a desk when talking to the child.
Remain calm. Listen and be empathetic. Show the child you take him
seriously. Support the child.
What to say:
Encourage the child to tell you what happened, but do not press for details.
Do not ask “why” or leading questions. Use the child’s language. Assure the child he did the right thing
in telling you. Tell the child he is not to blame. Realistically reassure the child.
Do NOT try to investigate whether the child was abused
or neglected.
If you suspect abuse, you are required to report it.
You can also call…
The Police:SROPatrolDetectivesCPS
Reporting
For emergency response, call 911. Reporting website:
www.txabusehotline.org First time users must create a user account Reports made via the website take up to 24
hours to process Hotline: 800-252-5400. Use this if you:
believe your situation requires action in less than 24 hours.
prefer to remain anonymous. have insufficient data to complete the required
information on the report. do not want an e-mail to confirm your report.
CONTACTS
IRVING FAMILY ADVOCACY CENTER Domestic Violence Unit :972 721-6562
Sgt. Jim Sears: 972 721-6570
Det. Sam Todd: 972 721-6565
Det. Tim Boren: 972 721-6566
Det. Mona Gutierrez: 972 721-6567
Det. Stephen Lee: 972 721-6568
Det. Kim Vanderveen: 972 721-6571
Det. Rodney Bergeron: 972 721-6569
Det. Jerry Sanderford: 972 721-6575
Det. Richard Chewning: 972 721-6559
All on city email first initial, last [email protected]
(i.e. [email protected])
CONTACTS
Reach ClinicReach [email protected]@childrens.com
214 456-6134214 456-6134
CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES
http://reportabuse.ws
User name: professional
Password: report1
Dallas – 214 951-7902
State – Law Enforcement – 1 800 877-5300
Irving – 972 721-6800
Reporting
Do not delegate reporting to anyone else.
Do not delay reporting to gather more information.
Report as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours after first suspecting maltreatment. Bruises heal, physical evidence disappears Memories fade and people change their
minds about what to say to CPS
What happens next?
CPS Statewide Intake makes a decision whether an investigation should be opened.
Decision is based on whether it appears, from the information provided, that abuse/neglect has occurred or will occur.
If an investigation is not opened, the call is still logged into the computer
Call again if another incident occurs.
Investigation
Do not deny an investigator’s request to interview a child at school in connection with an investigation of child abuse or neglect
Schools cannot require that a parent or school employee be present during an interview
CPS can transport a child from school to a DFPS office for an interview
DFPS must notify parents within 24 hours of interviewing the child
If you obtain new information, make another report or contact the investigator directly
Timeframes
30 days to complete investigation 60 days to be approved by
supervisor Letters mailed to reporter as to
outcome of investigation Client information is restricted and
cannot be disclosed to anyone
