Can Failing to Report a Homeless Minor in Texas Get You Arrested?

Anyone who loses their home and is left to fend for themselves on the street is always a sad story. Luckily, Texas has some great resources for the homeless population. The biggest concern shared across the nation is when minors under the age of 18 flee their home from an abusive or harmful situation.

In these cases, Texas law differs a bit. The largest contrast is when it comes to reporting. Did you know that it's against the law to provide shelter for a child who ran away from home and NOT report it? Let's dig deeper.

Report a Runaway Minor, or Else

Under Texas law, an adult can actually be charged with "harboring a child," which is a Class A misdemeanor, if they knowingly allow the minor to stay at their own place of residence without notifying law enforcement or the child's legal guardian.

The law looks a bit different when it's a family member that is providing shelter for the runaway child. In this case, adult siblings or grandparents can prove that they are related by the "degree of consanguinity" (fancy legal term for how close two people are related). This then is used as a defense in a court of law.

Another defense that can be used when accused of harboring a child in Texas is if the person did in fact notify the parents or legal guardians of the child within 24 hours of the minor running away.

Mandatory Reporting in Texas

The State of Texas requires mandatory reporting for anyone who believes a child is being abused or neglected. Reports must be made to either Child Protective Services or by calling 911.

And yes, this also applies to doctors and counselors, superseding any confidentiality agreements.

The Texas Youth Hotline, a free service available 24 hours a day, can be contacted by calling 800-989-6884. Here, minors who have run away from abusive or dangerous situations can receive advice and resources for getting back on their feet.