Week 1 - Topic 1 DQ 3
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Mandated Reporter Guidelines in Texas
In the state of Texas, there exists a group of professionals, who are bestowed with the responsibility of reporting certain incidents as mandated by law. These professionals, encompassing various vocations such as educators, healthcare practitioners, social workers, and providers of childcare services, are obligated to fulfill this duty. As per the legal mandate, individuals are obligated to duly notify the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) if they harbor suspicions regarding potential instances of child abuse or neglect (DFPS, 2023; RAINN, 2023; SMU, 2019). The purpose of the reporting is to guarantee the security and welfare of juveniles.
Steps in Reporting as a Mandated Reporter in Texas
Recognize and Identify: Acquaint oneself with the indicators of child maltreatment or disregard, as delineated in the statutes of the state of Texas. If one possesses a rational basis to surmise that a minor is subjected to maltreatment or insufficient care, one is duty-bound to promptly notify the appropriate authorities.
Report Immediately: Ensure expeditious submission of the report after the emergence of any indications or apprehensions about the occurrence of abuse or neglect (DFPS, 2023). In the state of Texas, it is mandated by law that an individual must promptly submit a report within a time frame of 48 hours after acquiring knowledge of the matter at hand.
Contact DFPS: To make a report, you can call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or submit a report online through the Texas DFPS website.
Provide Information: When compiling the report, it is imperative to ensure that an extensive array of information is furnished, encompassing the child's appellation, chronological age, residential location, any discernible particulars about the purported maltreatment, and the identities of all implicated parties.
Cooperation with Authorities: Demonstrate a willingness to collaborate with any inquiries that may be undertaken by the DFPS or other pertinent entities to safeguard the well-being of the child.
Mandated Reporter Scenario
You are a school counselor, and during a counseling session with a 10-year-old student, they disclose that they have been experiencing physical abuse at home. The child shows you bruises on their arms and legs as evidence of the abuse.
References
DFPS. (2023). DFPS - When and How to Report Child Abuse. Www.dfps.texas.gov. https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Child_Protection/Child_Safety/report_abuse.asp#:~:text=Texas%20law%20requires%20that%20any
RAINN. (2023). Mandatory Reporting Requirements: Children Texas. https://apps.rainn.org/policy/policy-state-laws-export.cfm?state=Texas&group=4
SMU. (2019). Duty to Report Suspected Child Abuse in the State of Texas - SMU. Smu.edu. https://www.smu.edu/ola/BriefingPapers/DutytoReportSuspectedChildAbuseintheStateofTexas