Texas Foster Care Abuse and Neglect Attorneys

Many families face challenges that lead to either a temporary or long-term placement for a child or group of siblings in the Texas foster care system. While Child in foster care holding stuffed toy.Texas foster care does a lot of good for the nearly 50,000 children that it serves, there are still cracks in the system that, sadly, put these innocent children in harm’s way. The environmental changes and circumstances beyond their control can make children in the state’s care vulnerable to abuse and neglect.

The State of Texas adopted privatized foster care or community-based care (CBC), to take over the state’s foster care operations in an attempt to resolve the agency’s many issues. However, some of these for-profit companies are still failing the children who are dependent on them. In fact, a shortage of caseworkers and heavy caseloads make it impossible for some caseworkers to properly supervise all the children they are responsible for keeping safe. This means that the children who rely on these organizations to be protected can suffer without anyone noticing until it’s too late.

Children in Texas foster care have the right to live in a safe environment. Our Texas foster care abuse attorneys are committed to advocating for children who are victims of abuse or neglect while living in Texas foster care. We are experienced in handling these delicate issues with compassion to help you get justice and send a message to protect other children in the state’s care.

What to Do If You Suspect Abuse and Neglect in the Texas Foster Care System

If you have experienced abuse while in the Texas foster care system or suspect a child has been abused or neglected under the state’s care, act immediately.

  • First, report it anonymously to the Texas Abuse Hotline by calling 1-800-252-5400
  • Then contact our team of Texas foster care abuse attorneys by calling 214-699-4409 or fill out a contact form. We understand that these are stressful and emotional matters. Our team is experienced in handling these sensitive issues and will advocate on behalf of the child or children involved to hold the State of Texas and affiliated organizations accountable.
  • If it is possible, take the child to a local doctor or hospital for evaluation. Doctors and nurses are trained to spot signs of abuse and neglect and can get the authorities involved if needed.

Types of Abuse and Neglect in Texas Foster Care

Sadly, there are many types of child abuse and neglect in foster care that take place behind closed doors. The most common forms:

  • Physical abuse is the most common type of abuse children in foster care experience. A child can be seriously injured because of pushing, grabbing, hitting, slapping, or throwing objects at a child. Sometimes children can be intentionally burned by cigarettes, which is another type of physical abuse.
  • Psychological or emotional abuse in a foster care placement entails the parent or guardian frequently calling a child names, swearing at them, putting them down, or threatening a child in a way that makes them scared of being physically harmed. 
  • Sexual abuse involves any form of inappropriately touching a child. The evidence of child sexual abuse can be difficult to detect because the young victim may feel shame or responsible for the horrible experience that happened to him or her. In fact, victims can internalize the trauma of this invasive abuse for years before acknowledging it wasn’t their fault or seeking help.
  • Neglect happens when a foster parent or guardian does not provide a child in their care with adequate food, shelter, clothing, or medical care. This also includes a lack of hygiene, including access to clean clothes or bathing. Lack of supervision is another, less obvious form of neglect. 

Common symptoms or signs of abuse and neglect include bruises, burns, depression, malnutrition, and severe injuries, such as brain injuries, a broken collarbone or pelvis, internal bleeding, etc. More signs that a child has been abused or neglected while living in foster care can be found on the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services website

How We Can Help You and Your Family Hold the Texas Foster Care System Accountable

Children in Texas foster care have no control over the situations that they are in. Any experiences of abuse and neglect under the watch of Texas foster care are inexcusable. Our team of Texas foster care abuse attorneys is dedicated to protecting children and young adults who are victims of abuse and neglect while living in foster care. We understand that everyone faces different challenges in life, and we are here to listen without judgement and help you hold Texas foster care accountable. We assist:

  • Parents, Legal Guardians, and Temporary Guardians
  • Current and Former Foster Youth
  • Adoptive Parents

Call us at 214-699-4409 or fill out a contact form

Child in Texas foster care on a playgroundHow We Are Helping Others Hold Texas Foster Care Accountable

We are committed to advocating for children and young adults in Texas who are victims of horrific abuse and neglect while living in foster care. We are currently helping a family hold the Texas foster care system accountable for abuse and neglect that claimed the life of a three-year-old boy while he was in temporary placement.​

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Foster Care Abuse and Neglect

Who do you help represent?

We advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect while living in the Texas foster care system. We work with parents or guardians of the children, adoptive parents who discover a child was abused, and young adults who have transitioned into adult life, but were victims of abuse or neglect while in Texas foster care.

How can I file a claim?

It is easy. Simply contact our team by calling 214-699-4409 or fill out a contact form and we can determine the best way to help you. 

If I make a claim, will my name or information be made public?

We are experienced in working with these delicate matters and can keep your identity confidential.  

Are there time limits on Texas foster care abuse and neglect claims?

We help children and young adults who were victims of abuse or neglect while living in the care of the Texas foster care system at any time within the last two years. This time limit is based on state laws.

Why work with The Button Law Firm?

We have dedicated our practice to protecting children and young adults in Texas who have experienced the unimaginable. Our team is ready to listen to you, advocate for you, and help you hold Texas foster care accountable. See what our past clients said about working with us to handle their legal matters.

Resources to Help Former Foster Youth Transition into Adulthood  

Texas Youth Connection has information to help you with everything from finishing or continuing your education and finding a home to finding a job if you have transitioned out of the Texas foster care system.

Russell Button
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Dallas, Houston, and Midland Texas trial and personal injury lawyer dedicated to securing justice for clients.