Human trafficking is a form of child abuse. School staff and district personnel are required by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to follow a series of protocols, including mandatory training, mandatory reporting requirements, and educating staff and students on prevention and awareness.

TEA outlined the mandatory reporting requirements, required actions, and required trainings in a To the Administrator Addressed Correspondence titled “Reminders and Requirements Related to Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect; Human Trafficking, Prevention and Awareness; Fingerprinting and Do Not Hire Registry,” on August 15, 2024. In addition to the correspondence, there has been a critical amendment to Texas Family Code 261.101(b) with the 89th legislative session. This change directly impacts the timeline for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect that was originally put out in the To the Administrator Addressed Correspondence. The required reporting timeframe is 24 hours.