DSHS Rider 27
[previously Rider 33, 11, 18 and 14]

Reporting Child Abuse by DSHS Contractors/Providers
September 1, 2001;
Revised Effective September 1, 2007

• Title V Maternal and Child Health including Case Management
• Family Planning
• Primary Health Care
• HIV/STD
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
• Texas Health Steps
• Case Management for Children and Pregnant Women (CPW)
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse
  

  When a report to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is indicated and the situation is not an emergency, contractors/providers are encouraged to use the DFPS Statewide Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Reporting System found on the DFPS web site at: https://www.txabusehotline.org/PublicMain.asp.

NOTE to Contractors/Providers: Please consult your own attorney for any legal advice on what constitutes abuse and what your reporting obligations are under the Family Code, Chapter 261. Under Rider 27, DSHS enforces only a "good faith effort" to report child abuse; however the Family Code requires that you not knowingly fail to report any case where a child may be adversely affected by abuse. In particular, there have been some misunderstanding of the criminal laws relating to offenses against children. Sexual abuse, including sexual assault and indecency with a child, can occur even when there is no force, duress, or coercion; in other words when the minor and his or her partner are both willing sexual partners. Your own attorney can explain these criminal laws to you so that you can then report when required by law.

Family & Community Health Services Division
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 458-7321
Fax: (512) 458-7446

Last Updated September 1, 2007