If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
To report suspected abuse or neglect that is not an emergency, call the Texas Abuse Hotline — available 24/7.
Every adult in Texas is a mandated reporter — if you suspect a child is being abused, neglected, or exploited, the law requires you to report it. But we also know that many families struggling with hunger, housing, or substance use aren't abusive — they're overwhelmed and need support before things reach a crisis point.
Texas Health Help is a community nonprofit, not DFPS or law enforcement. We help explain how reporting works, and we connect struggling families to the food, housing, childcare, and parenting support that can prevent a crisis in the first place — for free.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you are ever unsure whether to report, call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 — staff there can help you decide. When a child is in immediate danger, always call 911 first.
How to Report Suspected Abuse or Neglect
- Call the Texas Abuse Hotline: 1-800-252-5400 (24/7, free, confidential)
- Report online anytime at txabusehotline.org
- If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first
- You do not need proof — if you suspect abuse or neglect, that's enough to make a report
Texas law protects people who report in good faith from civil or criminal liability, and DFPS keeps the identity of the reporter confidential.
Support for Families Before a Crisis
If your family is struggling, asking for help is not a report — it's a step toward keeping your family safely together. We can help connect you to:
- Food assistance (SNAP, WIC, local pantries) so hunger isn't a daily worry
- Emergency housing and utility assistance resources
- Parenting support, respite care, and counseling referrals
- Substance use treatment resources for a parent or family member
- Childcare assistance to help you work or attend appointments
Who Can Use These Resources?
- Anyone who suspects a child is being abused, neglected, or exploited
- Parents or caregivers who are struggling and want help before things escalate
- Teachers, coaches, neighbors, and other community members — everyone in Texas is a mandated reporter
- Family members trying to support a relative caring for children while dealing with substance use
How to Get Started
- 1
If there's immediate danger, call 911
Safety comes first. Emergency responders can act immediately when a child is at risk right now.
- 2
To report suspected abuse or neglect, call 1-800-252-5400
The Texas Abuse Hotline is free, confidential, and available 24/7, or file online at txabusehotline.org.
- 3
If your family needs support, call us instead
If you're a parent or caregiver who's overwhelmed and needs food, housing, or parenting support, call 346-699-7222 — this is not a report, it's help.
- 4
We'll connect you to the right local resource
Our navigators — human or Jessica, our 24/7 AI assistant — will help you find prevention and family support resources in your county.
Family Support Resources in Your County
Live in one of the counties we serve directly? Here's what's available near you.
San Jacinto County
- Care Share Mission food pantry — 21 N. Butler St, Coldspring — (936) 653-2001.
- SNAP and WIC enrollment help for families and pregnant moms.
- 2-1-1 Texas — free referrals to local aid programs (dial 211).
- CEAP and LIHEAP utility assistance, plus emergency rent and housing help.
Brazoria County
- SNAP enrollment — apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or ask us for free help.
- WIC (Women, Infants & Children) — food and nutrition for families and pregnant moms.
- Brazosport Cares Food Pantry — (979) 239-1225, serving Freeport and Sweeny.
- Brazoria County Dream Center pantry — (979) 388-0280, 794 Brazosport Blvd S, Clute.
- United Way Brazoria County — text 737-209-6861 for rapid referrals.
- CEAP and LIHEAP utility assistance, plus emergency rent and housing help.
Not sure where to start? Call 346-699-7222 or ask Jessica, our 24/7 AI assistant. It's free and confidential.
Helpful Texas & National Resources
Texas Abuse Hotline
Report suspected child abuse or neglect. 24/7, free, confidential. Call 1-800-252-5400.
2-1-1 Texas
Free statewide helpline for food, housing, childcare, and family support services.
Texas HHSC — Mental Health & Substance Use
State resources for families affected by a parent or caregiver's substance use.
Related Guides
If substance use is part of what your family is facing, our Substance Abuse Support in Texas guide covers treatment options, the 988 Crisis Lifeline, and how to get help for yourself or a loved one.
Need help keeping your family together? Reach out — free
Whether you need to understand how to report a concern, or your own family needs support before a crisis, a navigator is ready to help. Free, confidential, no judgment.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected abuse or neglect, call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400.
Frequently Asked Questions
What number do I call to report suspected child abuse or neglect in Texas?+
Call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400, available 24/7, or file a report online at txabusehotline.org. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
Am I required to report suspected abuse even if I'm not a teacher or doctor?+
Yes. Under Texas Family Code, every adult in Texas is a mandated reporter. If you suspect a child is being abused, neglected, or exploited, you are legally required to report it to DFPS — not just professionals like teachers or healthcare workers.
Will I get in trouble if I report and I'm wrong?+
No. Texas law protects people who report abuse in good faith from civil or criminal liability, even if the report turns out to be unfounded. DFPS also keeps the identity of the reporter confidential.
What's the difference between abuse and neglect?+
Abuse involves physical, emotional, or sexual harm to a child. Neglect means a child's basic needs — food, shelter, supervision, medical care — aren't being met. Both are reportable, and both often overlap with family stress, poverty, or substance use that can be addressed with support before a crisis.
My family is struggling and I'm afraid CPS will take my kids. Can I still ask for help?+
Yes. Asking for help with food, housing, childcare, or parenting support is not the same as a report, and getting support early is one of the best ways to keep your family safely together. Texas Health Help can connect you to resources confidentially.
Does Texas Health Help investigate abuse reports or provide CPS services?+
No. We are a community nonprofit, not DFPS or a law enforcement agency. We don't investigate or determine findings. We help families find prevention resources and explain how and where to make a report.
Disclaimer: Texas Health Help (Community Health Access Hub Texas) is a community nonprofit, not DFPS, law enforcement, or a government agency. We do not investigate reports or determine findings. This page is general educational information and is not a substitute for calling 911 in an emergency or the Texas Abuse Hotline to make a report.
Looking for more help? Browse all Texas Health Help resources.
Related guides & resources
All Texas Benefits Guides
Our full hub of healthcare, food, and transportation guides.
Substance Abuse Support in Texas
Treatment options, the 988 Crisis Lifeline, and family support.
Food Assistance
SNAP, pantries, and nutrition programs for families.
Respite Care in Texas
Short-term relief for family caregivers.