Texas Family Code 261.304 – Investigation of Anonymous Report
(a) If an individual makes an anonymous report of child abuse or neglect by a person responsible for a child’s care, custody, or welfare to a local or state law enforcement agency and the agency refers the report to the department, the department shall conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether there is any evidence to corroborate the report.
(b) An investigation under this section may include a visit to the child’s home, unless the alleged abuse or neglect can be confirmed or clearly ruled out without a home visit, an interview with and examination of the child, and an interview with the child’s parents. In addition, the department may interview any other person the department believes may have relevant information.
Terms Used In Texas Family Code 261.304
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
(c) Unless the department determines that there is some evidence to corroborate the report of abuse, the department may not conduct the thorough investigation required by this chapter or take any action against the person accused of abuse.