Prevention and Awareness of Child Abuse, Neglect, including Trafficking of a Child Toolkit and Resources
Amid the pandemic, reports to the child abuse hotline have dropped significantly. Students are spending more time at home and less time with teachers, coaches, and other adults who most often report concerns of abuse or neglect. Educators are mandatory reporters and are required to report suspicions of child abuse and neglect, including the trafficking of a child (Texas Family Code § 261.101). As districts prepare for a new school year that may include both remote and in-person learning environments, it is critical for teachers and school staff to remain vigilant in their identification and reporting of these concerns.
The Texas Education Agency partnered with the Children's Advocacy Center's (CAC) of Texas to develop a toolkit for educators addressing child abuse identification and reporting responsibilities in-person and remotely. Below is a digital version of the toolkit.
LEAs are encouraged to partner with their local CAC to obtain hardcopies of the toolkit and learn more about the training and prevention resources offered. Visit the CAC Find a Local Center Webpage to learn more about your local children's advocacy centers.
Key Tips and Reminders Remote Learning
- Reporting Suspected Child Abuse, Neglect, or Human Trafficking in a Remote Learning Environment | Reminders and Tips | English Version
- Reporting Suspected Child Abuse, Neglect, or Human Trafficking in a Remote Learning Environment | Reminders and Tips | Spanish Version
Texas School Employee's Guide to Reporting Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect
- A Texas School Employee's Guide to Reporting Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect | English Version
- A Texas School Employee's Guide to Reporting Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect Poster | English
- A Texas School Employee's Guide to Reporting Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect | Spanish Version
- A Texas School Employee's Guide to Reporting Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect | Poster | Spanish Version
Guidance for Texas School Administrators on Addressing Child Abuse, Neglect & Trafficking
- Guidance for Texas School Administrators on Addressing Child Abuse, Neglect & Trafficking| English Version
No, Go, Tell Poster
All campuses are required to:
- Post the Child abuse hotline on 11X17 poster in English and Spanish.
- Post in at least one high-traffic area (hallway, above a water fountain, gym, locker room, counselor's office, etc.) in both English and Spanish.
- Posted at student eye-level.