Reporting

Reporting Requirements 
Texas law says anyone who thinks a child is being abused, neglected, or exploited must report it to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Reports may be made at any time to DFPS by phone at 1-800-252-5400 or online at the Texas Abuse Hotline (www.txabusehotline.org). The hotline and website are available 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week. A person who reports abuse in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability. DFPS keeps the name of the person making the report confidential. Anyone who does not report suspected abuse can be held liable for a misdemeanor or felony. Reporting suspected abuse makes it possible for a family to get help. 

Mandatory Reporting 
A mandated reporter is a person who is required by law to report reasonable suspicions of abuse. Texas law requires anyone with knowledge of suspected child abuse or neglect to report it to the appropriate authorities. The mandatory reporting requirement applies to all camp directors and designated individuals. 

If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, you are required to report it to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Reports may be made at any time to DFPS by phone at 1-800-252-5400 or online at the Texas Abuse Hotline (www.txabusehotline.org). The hotline and website are available 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week. The University’s policy prohibits retaliation against good faith reporting of suspected abuse or neglect. 

In addition to notifying DFPS and/or law enforcement, the University also requires that designated individuals report any suspected abuse or neglect of minors on University property to the associate vice president and/or the Title IX coordinator. You can also report a crime through the University of Texas at Tyler Police Department, here.

In the event of an emergency or if you witness a crime in progress, immediately call 911. 

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
NCMEC is the nation's largest and most influential child protection organization. They lead the fight to protect children, creating vital resources for them and the people who keep them safe.

NCMEC CyberTipline
NCMEC’s CyberTipline is the nation’s centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. The public and electronic service providers can make reports of suspected online enticement of children for sexual acts, child sexual molestation, child sexual abuse material, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the internet. If you believe you or someone you know is a victim of exploitation, please report here.

NCMEC Resources for Parents, Educators & Communities
NCMEC's resources for educators offer multiple ways to engage students, parents and communities in important lessons in digital citizenship and online safety. Empower your students to be safer online with their free collection of teaching materials for families and students in grades K-12. NetSmartz can help you create a dynamic and engaging Internet saftey curriculm.