Child Abuse Reporting Requirements for DSHS Contractors/Providers

DSHS Rider 23
[previously Rider 33, 11, 18, 14 and 27]

September 1, 2001;
Revised Effective January 1, 2009

• Title V Maternal and Child Health including Case Management
• Family Planning
• Primary Health Care
• HIV/STD
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
• 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/Default.aspx

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 23, 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.

Contact Information:

HIV/STD Contractor Contact: Ellen Fontana
HIV Nurse Consultant - HIV/STD Services Program
ph. 512-533-3070

Mental Health Services Contractor Contact: Mike Hastie
Community Mental Health Lead Program Services Unit
ph. 512-419-2254

Substance Abuse Services Contractor Contact: Calvin Holloway
DSHS/MHSA Community MH and SA Services
ph. 512-206-5877

Community Health Services Contractor Contact:
Quality Management Branch (QMB) (Family Planning, Primary Care, WIC, Title V MCH)
ph. 512-458-7111 Ext. 6250