Texas Statutes
Subchapter D. Investigations
Section 261.311. Notice of Report

Sec. 261.311. NOTICE OF REPORT. (a) When during an investigation of a report of suspected child abuse or neglect a representative of the department conducts an interview with or an examination of a child, the department shall make a reasonable effort before 24 hours after the time of the interview or examination to notify each parent of the child and the child's legal guardian, if one has been appointed, of the nature of the allegation and of the fact that the interview or examination was conducted.
(b) If a report of suspected child abuse or neglect is administratively closed by the department as a result of a preliminary investigation that did not include an interview or examination of the child, the department shall make a reasonable effort before the expiration of 24 hours after the time the investigation is closed to notify each parent and legal guardian of the child of the disposition of the investigation.
(c) The notice required by Subsection (a) or (b) is not required if the department or agency determines that the notice is likely to endanger the safety of the child who is the subject of the report, the person who made the report, or any other person who participates in the investigation of the report.
(d) The notice required by Subsection (a) or (b) may be delayed at the request of a law enforcement agency if notification during the required time would interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, Sec. 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, Sec. 74, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 1.140, eff. April 2, 2015.

Structure Texas Statutes

Texas Statutes

Family Code

Title 5 - The Parent-Child Relationship and the Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship

Subtitle E - Protection of the Child

Chapter 261 - Investigation of Report of Child Abuse or Neglect

Subchapter D. Investigations

Section 261.301. Investigation of Report

Section 261.3011. Joint Investigation Guidelines and Training

Section 261.3013. Case Closure Agreements Prohibited

Section 261.3015. Alternative Response System

Section 261.3016. Training of Personnel Receiving Reports of Abuse and Neglect

Section 261.3017. Consultation With Physician Networks and Systems Regarding Certain Medical Conditions

Section 261.30171. Forensic Assessment Center Network Evaluation

Section 261.30175. Mitigation of Provider Conflicts in Abuse or Neglect Investigation Consultations

Section 261.3018. Abbreviated Investigation and Administrative Closure of Certain Cases

Section 261.302. Conduct of Investigation

Section 261.3021. Casework Documentation and Management

Section 261.3022. Child Safety Check Alert List

Section 261.3023. Law Enforcement Response to Child Safety Check Alert

Section 261.3024. Removal From Child Safety Check Alert List

Section 261.3027. Notice of Right to Record Interview

Section 261.303. Interference With Investigation; Court Order

Section 261.3031. Failure to Cooperate With Investigation; Department Response

Section 261.3032. Interference With Investigation; Criminal Penalty

Section 261.304. Investigation of Anonymous Report

Section 261.305. Access to Mental Health Records

Section 261.306. Removal of Child From State

Section 261.307. Information Relating to Investigation Procedure and Child Placement Resources

Section 261.3071. Informational Manuals

Section 261.308. Submission of Investigation Report

Section 261.309. Review of Department Investigations

Section 261.3091. Notice of Right to Request Administrative Review

Section 261.310. Investigation Standards

Section 261.311. Notice of Report

Section 261.312. Review Teams; Offense

Section 261.3125. Child Safety Specialists

Section 261.3126. Colocation of Investigators

Section 261.314. Testing

Section 261.315. Removal of Certain Investigation Information From Records

Section 261.316. Exemption From Fees for Medical Records