SECTION 707.485. What are the timeframes within which we must respond to a report of child abuse or neglect assigned for investigation?

(a) The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services assigns priorities for reports of abuse and neglect based on the assessment of the immediacy of the risk and the severity of the possible harm to the child. Prior to initiating an investigation, we will review the intake report to determine if the initial priority and action recommended is appropriate or must be updated.

(1) Priority I reports concern children who appear to face an immediate risk of abuse or neglect that could result in death or serious harm.

(2) Priority II reports are all other reports of abuse or neglect that are not assigned a Priority I.

(b) Subject to the availability of funds, we must:

(1) Immediately respond to a report of abuse or neglect that is assigned a Priority I and involves circumstances in which the death of the child or substantial bodily harm to the child will imminently result unless we immediately intervene;

(2) Within 24 hours respond to a report of abuse or neglect that is assigned a Priority I, other than a report described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, by initiating an investigation; and

(3) Within 72 hours respond to a report of abuse or neglect that is assigned a Priority II by initiating an investigation or, pursuant to Texas Family Code §261.3015, by forwarding the report to specialized screening staff.

Source Note: The provisions of this §707.485 adopted to be effective July 15, 2020, 45 TexReg 4780