About Abuse

What to Expect When Reporting Abuse

When investigating a report, a caseworker usually:

• Talks to and visually examines the child reported to have been abused or neglected. The talk with the child may be audiotaped or videotaped. The interview may be conducted at any reasonable time and place, including at school. CPS will make a reasonable effort to contact the parent of any interviews held with the child and the nature of the allegations within 24 hours after the interview has taken place.
• Discuss with the report with the parent to gain an explanation about the harm or risk of abuse or neglect to the child. It is illegal for the caseworker to tell the parent who made the report.
• Obtain criminal history information about people alleged to have abuse or neglected the child.
• Interview and visually examine all children in the home.
• Interview any other person alleged to have abuse or neglected the child.
• Interview anyone with information about the situation, including those who can verify explanations of the harm to the child.
• Ask for medical, psychological, or psychiatric examination of the child if it is necessary to establish whether abuse or neglect has occurred or if risk of abuse or neglect exists.
• Visit the child’s home.

While some of these actions may seem concerning to a parent, child abuse investigations are conducted to assure that children are safe and protected.

Note: Information taken from A Parent’s Guide to a Child Protective Services Investigation, TX Department of Family and
Protective Services