FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


NOTE: Cookies must be enabled to access the FPS Internet reporting forms.


How do I spell check the information entered in the "What happened?" section?

Type the "What happened?" information into a word-processing program and perform the spell check. Cut and paste the information into the "What happened?" section after you have performed the spell check.


Why can't I save report information and complete it at a later time?

To ensure the information you report is confidential, we have designed the web site so the information cannot be saved on your computer.


Why can't I print out the information typed into the report?

To ensure the information you report is confidential, we have designed the web site so the information cannot be saved on your computer. This, in turn, does not allow you to print the entire report.


Who assesses the information I have submitted?

Trained, degreed professionals at Statewide Intake assess the information you submit via the Internet. They are some of the same intake workers you are accustomed to speaking with on the phone.


Why wasn't my report sent to the local office for investigation?

If your report is not sent to a local office for investigation that means the information you provided did not meet the guidelines for assignment according to the Texas Family Code . Be sure you have answered all the questions as thoroughly as possible. Providing detailed and descriptive information about the situation you are reporting helps Statewide Intake more accurately assess the need for an investigation.


Why can't I make an anonymous report via the Internet?

Our policy is not to provide a report identification number to anonymous reporters. The report identification number is our way to document that your obligation to report abuse/neglect has been met. Providing us with your identity also helps if someone in DFPS needs to communicate with you regarding the situation you reported to work together in protecting children.


What is the difference between a sequence number and a report identification number?

The sequence number is a system-generated number that acknowledges the initial receipt of submitted information via the Internet. The report identification number from Statewide Intake is the number associated with the entry of your information on DFPS systems after it has been reviewed and assessed by an intake worker. We recommend you save both numbers.


What exactly do you e-mail back? Are names of persons used? I ask this because we do not have secure e-mail addresses and I am concerned about information being accessed by others.

The e-mail response you receive from SWI includes the identification number associated with the information reported in the DFPS automated system. That number will verify that you have reported the suspected abuse/neglect to our statewide hotline. We reference the child only by their initials in the body of the e-mail to help you match our e-mail response to the particular situation you reported. We do not include any of the information from your report in our response. We also provide a general statement regarding how we have assessed the information you reported. The subject line of the e-mail only includes the identification number and does not contain any language that would mean anything to anyone other than the person who reported it to us.


How secure is this website?

The website's security is sufficient to permit HIPAA-covered entities to file reports of child abuse or neglect, as mandated by state law. The session between the reporter and the server is encrypted, using SSL, Secure Socket Layer technology. The transmission is secure. The data flow is one way, from the reporter to the server. The reporter sees only a blank form. The reporter, cannot access any data submitted, including his/her own.


Does the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) prevent me from reporting suspected abuse/neglect using this website?

No. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was never intended to prohibit, delay or otherwise interfere with reporting or providing information necessary to investigate suspected child abuse or neglect. Texas Family Code Section 261.101 law requires everyone to report suspected child abuse, including medical professionals. The HIPAA Privacy Rules, specifically 45 CFR Section 164.512(b)(1)(ii), authorizes the disclosure of protected health information (PHI) to DFPS, without the need for an authorization from the individual, for purposes of reporting and investigating suspected child abuse or neglect.

Texas Family Code § 261.101. Persons Required to Report; Time to Report (a) A person having cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect by any person shall immediately make a report as provided by this subchapter.
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(c) The requirement to report under this section applies without exception to an individual whose personal communications may otherwise be privileged, including an attorney, a member of the clergy, a medical practitioner, a social worker, a mental health professional, and an employee of a clinic or health care facility that provides reproductive services.
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45 CFR § 164.512 Uses and disclosures for which an authorization or opportunity to agree or object is not required. A covered entity may use or disclose protected health information without the written authorization of the individual, as described in § 164.508, or the opportunity for the individual to agree or object as described in § 164.510, in the situations covered by this section, subject to the applicable requirements of this section.
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(b) Standard: uses and disclosures for public health activities. (1) Permitted disclosures. A covered entity may disclose protected health information for the public health activities and purposes described in this paragraph to:
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(ii) A public health authority or other appropriate government authority authorized by law to receive reports of child abuse or neglect;