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First-hand knowledge - report made to you by an adult with a disability
Texas law requires any individual who has cause to believe a person who is an adult with a disability is being abused to report the information regarding possible abuse to:
- Any local or state law enforcement agency; or
- The Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS) by calling the 24-hour abuse hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or filing a report as instructed on the website at www.txabusehotline.org.
Additional Diocese of Austin reporting requirements for individuals who are required to be EIM compliant and have cause to believe an adult with a disability is being abused:- File a Notice of Concern with the Diocese of Austin; and
- Report the information to the pastor, principal, or supervisor.
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Second-hand knowledge - report made to you by another adult about an adult with a disability
Reporting requirements for individuals who are required to be EIM compliant and receive a report from another regarding possible abuse of an adult with a disability:
- Refer the reporter to the reporting requirements noted above and offer to assist the reporter to report the allegation to law enforcement or DFPS;
- If you have cause to question whether the allegation has been reported, report the allegation to law enforcement or DFPS;
- File a Notice of Concern with the Diocese of Austin; and
- Report the information to the pastor, principal, or supervisor.
Reporting requirements for pastors, principals, and supervisors who receive a report from another
regarding possible abuse of an adult with a disability:- Refer the reporter to the reporting requirements noted above and offer to assist the reporter to report the allegation to law enforcement or DFPS;
- If you have cause to question whether the allegation has been reported, report the allegation to law enforcement or DFPS;
- File a Notice of Concern with the Diocese of Austin if a question exists as to whether the allegation has been reported; and
- Contact the diocesan legal staff for consultation regarding further steps (for example, placing an employee on administrative leave, removing a volunteer from ministry, notifying the parent, legal guardian, or caregiver, etc.).