1. Elneita Hutchins-Taylor, General Counsel Catosha L. Woods, Assistant General Counsel HISD Legal Services Telephone: 713-556-7245

2. Professionals Must Report: -A professional is an individual licensed or certified by the state; an individual who works for a facility licensed or a certified by the state and has direct contact with children. -This includes:  Principals  Teachers  Nurses  School Counselors and Psychologists - You Have an Independent Obligation To Report! Who Must Report

3. What to Report Your Report Must Include: 1.Name and address of the child 2.Name and address of the person responsible for the child 3.Any other pertinent information concerning the alleged or suspected abuse or neglect 4.Belief that a child has been or may be abused or neglected or has died of abuse or neglect

4.  Once you have cause to believe a child has been abused, neglected or victim of the offense of Indecency with a child. When do I Report

5. Definition of Abuse: Family Code § 261.001  Mental or emotional injury to a child that results in an observable and material impairment in the child’s growth, development, or psychological functioning.  Physical injury that results in substantial harm to the child or a genuine threat of substantial harm from physical injury to a child.  Sexual Abuse: sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental, emotional or physical welfare When do I Report

6. Definition of Neglect: Family Code § 261.001  The leaving of a child in a situation where the child would be exposed to a substantial risk of physical or mental harm without arranging for necessary care for the child and the demonstration of intent not to return by a parent or other care giver When do I Report

7. Where Do I Report Any Local or State law Enforcement Agency The Department of Family and Child Protective Services State Agency that Operates, Licenses, Certifies or Registers the facility Agency designated by Court to be Responsible for the Protection of Children

8. Where do I Report If the alleged or suspected abuse involves a person responsible for the care, custody, or welfare of the child the report must be made to the department. HOTLINE: 1-800-252-5400 INTERNET REPORTING: www.txabusehotline.org

9. When do I Report  Abuse is NOT a parent’s refusal to consent to administration of a psychotropic drug or to any other psychiatric or psychological testing or treatment, unless you have cause to believe that the refusal:  Presents a substantial risk of death, disfigurement, or bodily injury to the child; or  Has resulted in an observable and material impairment to the growth, development, or functioning of the child.

10. How Long Do I Have to Report ? No later than 48 hours after you first suspect the child:  has been abused or neglected  MAY be abused or neglected  has been a victim of indecency with a child

11. Class A Misdemeanor for knowingly failing to report abuse or neglect Sanctions against Certificate Consequences of Not Reporting

12. A person commits a felony if with intent to deceive, the person knowingly makes a report of abuse and neglect that is false. BUT, the statute provides immunity if you report in good faith even if it turns out that you were wrong. Consequences of False Reporting

13. Where to Go For Assistance  Board Policy -- FFG  Legal Services  Employee Relations – Felecia German

14. When You Call Legal Services  What we Will Do:  Walk you through the statute  Be prepared to provide factual basis for your suspicion of abuse or neglect  Be Prepared to answer questions regarding child’s demeanor, prior reports of abuse, etc.  Your Certificate Your Decision  Help you make a decision regarding whether to report  Err on the Side of Reporting!

15. HISD Legal Services 713-556-7245 EElneita Hutchins-Taylor – General Counsel HHans Graff – Deputy General Counsel DDavid Galbraith – Assistant General Counsel MMiles LeBlanc – Assistant General Counsel EErica Graham – Assistant General Counsel KKatheryn Mardock - Assistant General Counsel CCatosha L. Woods – Assistant General Counsel IIzzy Anderson - Assistant General Counsel

16. Questions?