Suspected Child Abuse Or Neglect Report Form - Catholic Schools Office, Texas (Page 2 of 3) in pdf

The Investigation

Texas law allows investigation of alleged child abuse by CPS to include an interview and

examination of the child who is the subject of the report. That interview may be conducted at

any reasonable time and place, including the child’s school. Accordingly, when visited or

otherwise contacted by authorities stating their intention to investigate child abuse, the principal

or an adult designated by the principal will examine the credentials and record the investigator’s

name, agency and contact information and, thereafter, facilitate the interview with the alleged

victim of child abuse. If CPS wishes to speak to any other children, the school will usually

require the consent of other children’s parents. If the investigator has any questions about this

requirement, contact the Archdiocesan Legal Department. Likewise, if CPS investigators

request copies of any records, their request should be discussed, if possible, with the

Archdiocesan Legal Department.

Remember we want to fully cooperate with a CPS

investigation.

State Law provides that the interview of the alleged victim of child abuse shall include “the

presence of persons the department or designated agency determines are necessary.”

Frequently, investigators will conclude that parents and other family members are not

“necessary” to the interview and should not even be advised that the interview is occurring. The

parents and school personnel do not have the right to be present at the interview of the alleged

victim. Do not notify the victim’s parents unless you are requested to do so by the CPS

investigators.

The rights of CPS to investigate include the right to transport the child; therefore, the child may

be taken from the school without the school’s consent. State Law provides that a person

commits an offense if a person attempts to interfere with the lawful transport of the alleged

victim for purposes relating to the interview or investigation. Should investigators decide to

transport the child from the school; the investigators ordinarily attempt to advise the victim’s

parents in advance. Irrespective of the investigators’ attempt to do so, the school should not

contact the parents until after the child has been safely removed from the school premises.

Important Phone Numbers:

CPS Abuse Hotline 1-800-252-5400

Catholic Schools Office 713-741-8704

Archdiocesan Legal Department 713-652-5461

REMEMBER YOU REPORT FIRST TO CPS THEN TO YOUR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL. YOU DO

NOT NEED SOMONE’S PERMISSION TO REPORT SUSPECTED ABUSE OR NEGLECT.

A CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT INTERNAL REPORT FORM IS ATTACHED FOR YOUR

CONVENIENCE.

2015

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Catholic Schools Office

Suspected Child Abuse Or Neglect Report Form - Catholic Schools Office, Texas Page 2