The Penn State Abuse Scandal: Texas Child Abuse Reporting Laws

In the wake of the Penn State child abuse scandal, people from around the country are asking whether college football coach Joe Paterno and other school officials should have done more after an assistant coach saw Jerry Sandusky sexually assaulting a young boy on school grounds.

 

While it is possible that Paterno and Penn State officials did not break any laws by not reporting the alleged child sex abuse to police, it is important to understand that different states have different laws regarding reporting child abuse and sexual assault.

 

In Texas, the law requires any person - no matter who they are or what their position is - to report suspected child abuse to Child Protective Services or local police. It is illegal to only report Texas child abuse internally, such as to a school or supervisor, which is what took place in the Penn State scandal.

 

What is the best way to legally report suspected child sex abuse in Texas? Call the abuse hotline at 1-800-252-5400, call local police, or dial 911.

 

Has your child been the victim of physical or sexual abuse in Texas that should have been reported to the police? Speak to a Dallas child abuse attorney immediately about your case. Call the Rasansky Law Firm at (877) 405-4313 to schedule an appointment.