Her Tomorrow House is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for all children and youth in our care. The safety, dignity, and well-being of the girls we serve is our highest priority.
This policy reflects our commitment to safeguarding children and complying with all applicable laws in the State of Texas, including mandatory reporting requirements.
Our Commitment
Her Tomorrow House is dedicated to:
- Protecting children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
- Providing a safe environment where children feel respected, heard, and supported
- Promoting a culture of accountability, transparency, and child-centered care
- Ensuring all board members, staff, volunteers, and partners understand their safeguarding responsibilities
Scope
This policy applies to all board members, employees, volunteers, interns, contractors, and any individual acting on behalf of Her Tomorrow House who has contact with children or access to sensitive information.
Code of Conduct
All individuals associated with Her Tomorrow House are expected to:
- Treat all children with dignity and respect
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times
- Avoid behavior that could be misinterpreted or place a child at risk
- Never engage in physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Never exploit or endanger a child in any way
- Comply with all organizational policies and safeguarding procedures
Recruitment, Screening, and Training
Her Tomorrow House takes reasonable steps to ensure individuals working with children are suitable to do so, including:
- Application and screening processes
- Background checks in accordance with Texas law
- Safeguarding and mandatory reporting training as required
Mandatory Reporting (Texas Law)
Under Texas law, any person who suspects that a child has been abused or neglected is required to report it immediately.
All staff, volunteers, and representatives of Her Tomorrow House are mandatory reporters and must report suspected abuse or neglect without delay.
Reports must be made to:
- Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), or
- Local law enforcement, or
- The Texas Abuse Hotline
Reports may be made online or by phone as required by Texas law.
Failure to report suspected abuse or neglect is a criminal offense under Texas law and may result in legal consequences and organizational disciplinary action.
Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
If a safeguarding concern arises, Her Tomorrow House will:
- Take all reports seriously and act promptly
- Prioritize the immediate safety of the child
- Comply with all mandatory reporting obligations
- Cooperate fully with DFPS and law enforcement
- Maintain confidentiality to the extent permitted by law
Confidentiality
Information related to safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and shared only with individuals or agencies who need to know in order to protect the child and comply with legal requirements.
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to ensure compliance with Texas law, DFPS guidance, and best practices in child welfare.
Contact
Safeguarding concerns or questions regarding this policy may be reported through Her Tomorrow House’s contact page or directly to appropriate authorities in accordance with Texas law.