What to Do If a Daycare Refuses to Share Video After Your Child Is Hurt

The short answer: Yes, daycares can refuse to show you video footage. They are not legally required to share the video with you. 

When a Daycare Refuses to Share Footage After a Child Is Hurt

If your child came home with unexplained injuries or told you something alarming about their day, your first instinct was probably to ask the daycare: What happened?

And if you know the facility has cameras, you likely asked the next logical question: Can I see the video?

But you may have been met with resistance instead of answers or a flat-out refusal. Unfortunately, this happens more often than it should. While daycares may have policies around video access, a refusal to be transparent can be a serious red flag, especially when a child has been hurt.

Are Daycares Legally Required to Share Video with Parents?

In most cases, no. Video recordings made by a daycare are generally considered the center’s property. That means they can decide who can and can’t view the footage.

Some of the most common reasons daycare centers give for withholding video include:

• Concerns about the privacy of other children
• Internal policies that limit access to footage
• Claims that the footage no longer exists
• Statements that staff “reviewed the video and didn’t see anything”

Even when these explanations sound legitimate, they can be deeply frustrating, especially when your child was injured or something feels off.

What to Do If a Daycare Refuses to Share Footage

If a daycare won’t let you view video related to your child’s injury or a concerning incident, you’re not out of options. Here are the steps you can take to advocate for your child and begin seeking answers:

1. Follow Up in Writing

If you haven’t already, send a written request, preferably by email, asking for the footage. Be specific about the date, time, and nature of the incident. Keep a copy of all communication for your records.

2. Document Everything

Write down everything you know about the incident. Note when it happened, what your child told you, who you spoke with at the daycare, and what was said. Save all texts, voicemails, and emails in case they’re needed later.

3. Report the Incident to Licensing Authorities

In Texas, you can file a complaint with Child Care Licensing, a Texas Health and Human Services Commission division. If the situation involves a serious injury, neglect, or suspected abuse, they will investigate—and may request to review the video as part of that process.

4. Talk to a Daycare Injury Attorney

If your child was harmed, it’s important to speak with a legal professional who handles daycare cases. An attorney can explain your rights, help you take steps to protect evidence like surveillance footage, and guide your family through the process of holding the daycare accountable.

Why Legal Support Can Make a Difference

When a daycare refuses to share footage after a child is injured, it may be a sign that they’re trying to avoid responsibility. In some cases, we’ve seen daycares delay or withhold video in hopes that it will be deleted or become inaccessible.

Legal professionals can help ensure the appropriate steps are taken to preserve important evidence and get your family closer to the truth. They can also evaluate whether your child’s rights were violated and help you take meaningful action.

The Button Law Firm Can Help You Get Answers

At The Button Law Firm, we work with families across Texas who are dealing with serious daycare injuries. We understand how overwhelming it is when you suspect something went wrong and you can’t get straight answers.

If a daycare is refusing to show you footage after your child was hurt or mistreated, don’t wait. Contact us today at (214) 699-4409 or email us at [email protected].