Helping Hand Home For Children
3804 AVENUE B, Austin, TX 78751 · Travis County
Program
- Type
- Child-placing agency
- Ages
- -
- Hours
- 09:00 AM-05:00 PM
- Director / administrator
- Kristi Duck
- Phone
- (512) 459-3353
- Regulated since
- Dec 16, 1991
- HHSC IDs
- Operation 111048 · number 255115- 8
- Official record
- HHSC Child Care Search
Violations by category
Year by year
| Year | Violations | Serious | Main categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 1 | Staff background & training (1), Records & paperwork (1), Other (1) |
| 2024 | 9 | 8 | Cleanliness & sanitation (2), Illness & medication (2), Supervision & ratios (1), Records & paperwork (3), Other (1) |
| 2023 | 5 | 3 | Illness & medication (1), Supervision & ratios (1), Discipline & child guidance (1), Records & paperwork (1), Other (1) |
| 2022 | 3 | 1 | Illness & medication (2), Records & paperwork (1) |
| 2021 | 8 | 1 | Illness & medication (2), Discipline & child guidance (1), Staff background & training (1), Records & paperwork (1), Other (3) |
Inspections, investigations & assessments
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Aug 18, 2026 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 29, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 19, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 3, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 2, 2026 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 30, 2026 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 18, 2026 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 10, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 10, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 8, 2026 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 6, 2026 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Other
During a review of service plans, 1 child's service plan review was conducted 1 day late, and another child's service plan review was conducted 8 days late.
HHSC 749.1331(1) — Service Plan Review and Update-Review and update the plan for children receiving child-care services at least 180 days from the date of last plan
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2026-07-24. Correction verified 2026-07-24.
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Records & paperwork
During a review of children's dental appointment documentation, 4 out of 8 appointments did not have information regarding the results of the examination or recommendations for follow-up treatment.
HHSC 749.1409(b)(1) — General dental requirements-Child's record must have a copy of the results of the dental exam
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2026-07-24. Correction verified 2026-07-24.
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Staff background & training Serious
During a review of pre-service training, it was determined that two caregivers did not receive pre-service training regarding recognizing and preventing child abuse, neglect, and exploitation until 163 and 165 days after being verified.
HHSC 749.881(4) — General pre-service training curriculum-Includes measures to prevent, identify, treat, report suspicion of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-07-24. Correction verified 2026-07-24.
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Other
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May 14, 2026 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 28, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 27, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 27, 2026 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 19, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 19, 2026 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 14, 2026 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 12, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 12, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 10, 2026 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 6, 2026 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Dec 10, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 19, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 14, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 13, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 29, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Sep 22, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 27, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 6, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 6, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 4, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 4, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 28, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 15, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 29, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 28, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 16, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 14, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 10, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 17, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 17, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 5, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 3, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 24, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 19, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 24, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 23, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 22, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 21, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 13, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 11, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 1, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Illness & medication Serious
Through documentation, it was determined that 1 child in care was not administered a prescription medication according to the instructions.
HHSC 749.1463(b)(3) — AP Administration of Medication-Administer medications according to label instructions or a prescribing health-care professional's subsequent orders
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2024-10-07. Correction verified 2024-10-07.
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Illness & medication Serious
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Aug 14, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 12, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 29, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 22, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 19, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 21, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 21, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 20, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 20, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 6, 2024 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
It was reported and confirmed by foster parents that they deprived meals from the children in care until they had completed their chores and/or homework.
HHSC 749.1003(b)(4)(A)(iv) — Children's rights-Adhere to the child's rights to be free from being denied food, sleep, toileting facilities, mail, or family visits as punishment
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2024-07-12. Correction verified 2024-07-19.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
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May 24, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 3, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 25, 2024 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Records & paperwork Serious
It was reported and confirmed by foster parent that a child in care was made to perform an inappropriate physical activity as a form of discipline.
HHSC 749.1957(5) — Other Prohibited Discipline-Maintaining an uncomfortable physical position
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-06-06. Correction verified 2024-06-21.
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Records & paperwork Serious
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Apr 24, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 23, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 23, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 19, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 7, 2024 Report · Deficiencies cited (self-report)
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Illness & medication Serious
It was found that a child in care sustained an arm injury on 4/4/24 at approx. 10:00 am while playing at the gym at school, however the child wasn't seen by a doctor until 4/6/24 around noon time in which it was discovered the child had an arm fracture.
HHSC 749.1401(a)(2) — General medical requirements-A child in care must receive medical care as needed for injury, illness, and pain
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2024-05-24. Correction verified 2024-05-24.
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Illness & medication Serious
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Mar 28, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 26, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 26, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 26, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 17, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 16, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 14, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 13, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 12, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 29, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 21, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 13, 2024 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Records & paperwork Serious
It was reported and confirmed by foster parents, that they cursed in the presence of the children in care.
HHSC 749.1957(9) — Other Prohibited Discipline-Subjecting a child to abusive or profane language
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-05-02. Correction verified 2024-05-03.
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Records & paperwork Serious
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Feb 8, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 30, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 24, 2024 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios Serious
Through information gathered, it was determined and confirmed that a foster parent subject children in care to yelling due to anger and frustration.
HHSC 749.1957(8) — Other Prohibited Discipline-Humiliating, shaming, ridiculing, rejecting, or yelling at a child
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-03-06. Correction verified 2024-03-14.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
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Jan 9, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 7, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 7, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 2, 2024 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Records & paperwork
During the review, it was observed that the serious incident report did not include the victim?s age, sex, admission date, current address, and telephone number.
HHSC 749.511(3) — Serious Incident Documentation-Includes name, age, gender, and date of admission of the child or children involved
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2024-02-15. Correction verified 2024-02-15.
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Records & paperwork
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Jan 1, 2024 Report · Deficiencies cited (self-report)
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Other Serious
It was found that the trampoline in the home did not have padding on it.
HHSC 749.3039(e)(2) — Trampolines-must have shock-absorbing pads covering the springs, hooks and frame
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-03-08. Correction verified 2024-03-26.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
It was found that the netting and metal poles had been removed from the trampoline in the home leaving the metal holes with sharp edges exposed. The child in care fell on one of the metal pole holes while on the trampoline and hit their cheek resulting in a cut and received medical care.
HHSC 749.3041(1) — Physical Environment-Foster home must ensure that home is safe for children, kept clean, and in good repair
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-03-08. Correction verified 2024-03-26.
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Other Serious
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Dec 15, 2023 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Discipline & child guidance Serious
Based on the information gathered, it was determined that physical abuse occurred in the foster home.
HHSC 749.1003(b)(1)(B) — Children's rights-Safety & care including right to be free from abuse, neglect and exploitation
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2024-03-06. Correction verified 2024-03-14.
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Records & paperwork Serious
It was determined and confirmed that a foster parent placed a chewed gummy in a child?s mouth by physically opening the child?s mouth. It was also reported by foster parent that they were angry, not calm at the time, and yelled at the child during the course of this incident.
HHSC 749.1957(7) — Other Prohibited Discipline-Putting anything in or on a child's mouth, such as soap or tape
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2024-03-06. Correction verified 2024-03-14.
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Discipline & child guidance Serious
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Dec 1, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 16, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 9, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 6, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other
When doing an investigation, a child was left in the care of a child who was not CPR certfified and under the age of 21, which is against the CPA policy.
HHSC 749.138(b) — All employees and caregivers must be aware of and follow your policies and procedures.
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-11-13. Correction verified 2023-11-09.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
During an unannounced investigation, a 16 year old was babysitting a 1 year old child in care and is not CPR certified.
HHSC 749.2599(3) — Supervision-16-year-old or older may serve as a babysitter if he/she is certified in first aid and CPR
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-11-13. Correction verified 2023-11-09.
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Other
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Nov 5, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 27, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 10, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 2, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Sep 13, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Sep 11, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Sep 8, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Sep 1, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 29, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 24, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 9, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 28, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 25, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 24, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 6, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 26, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 23, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 22, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 12, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 3, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 29, 2023 Report · Deficiencies cited (self-report)
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Illness & medication
During the invesigation investigation, the medication log was observed to be blank. This was corrected at the inspection when the caregiver completed the medication logs for the child in care.
HHSC 749.1541(b) — Medication Record-Must update cumulative medication record within 24 hours of administering medication
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2023-05-12.
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Illness & medication
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Jan 3, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 24, 2022 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 20, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Illness & medication Serious
One of the children in care is not taking their prescription medication as prescribed by the doctor.
HHSC 749.1463(b)(5) — Administration of Medication-Ensure the child has taken the medication as prescribed
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-11-04. Correction verified 2022-10-24.
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Records & paperwork
Of the 18 serious incidents reviewed four were related to restraints. None of the four reports had all of the required documentation.
HHSC 749.2305(a) — EBI Documentation-Caregiver must document EBI in child's record as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after initiation of the intervention
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-11-04. Correction verified 2022-11-04.
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Illness & medication Serious
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Oct 14, 2022 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 18, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 10, 2022 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 4, 2022 Report · Deficiencies cited (self-report)
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Illness & medication
Documentation reports that a child in care as well as an adult were diagnosed with Covid-19 and were not reported to the Hotline timely.
HHSC 749.503(a)(10)(A) — Serious Incident-Report to Licensing no later than 24 hours after awareness that a child contracts reportable communicable disease
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-02-17. Correction verified 2022-02-23.
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Illness & medication
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Nov 23, 2021 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other
One of the four adoption/ foster child files did not have an admissions assessment in the child file.
HHSC 749.1133(a) — Admission Assessment-Must provide an initial evaluation of appropriate placement for a child, and obtain information to facilitate service planning
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2021-11-30. Correction verified 2021-12-08.
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Other
One of the two foster home did not have a discharge summery for a child who was discharge then came back into care.
HHSC 749.1371(1) — Discharge or Transfer Summary-Must include date and circumstances of the discharge or transfer
HHSC risk weight: Low. Corrected 2021-11-30. Correction verified 2021-12-08.
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Illness & medication Serious
One of the four adoption / foster child files evaluated did not have a current immunization records on file.
HHSC 749.1421(b) — Immunization requirements-Maintain current immunizations records for each child in care including any exemptions or exceptions
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2021-11-30. Correction verified 2021-12-08.
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Illness & medication
One of the four child files reviewed had a medication record that did not include the reason why the medication was prescribed.
HHSC 749.1541(c)(3) — Medication Record-Must include reason medication was prescribed, for prescription medication
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2021-11-30. Correction verified 2021-12-08.
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Records & paperwork
Several of the serious incident reports had missing information.
HHSC 749.511 — Serious Incident Documentation-Documented in written report
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2021-11-30. Correction verified 2021-12-08.
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Staff background & training
Several trainings evaluated in all four staff training files did not have the trainings qualifications listed on the certificate.
HHSC 749.949(b)(4) — Annual Training Documentation-Includes the trainer's name and qualifications, or the source of the training for self-instructional training
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2021-11-30. Correction verified 2021-12-08.
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Other
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Nov 4, 2021 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 1, 2021 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 23, 2021 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 19, 2021 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 13, 2021 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Discipline & child guidance
One of the 8 files evaluated did not list the health status of the children in the home.
HHSC 749.2447(9) — Foster Home Screening-Agency documents and discuss h ealth status of all persons living in the home (physical, mental, substance abuse)
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2021-10-22. Correction verified 2021-11-01.
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Other
One of the 8 home filed evaluated had a home that did not have a family reference listed. The other required references were in the file but not a part of the home screening.
HHSC 749.2449(a)(7) — Interview For Foster Home Screening- Must include one interview with a family member not living in the home.
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2021-10-22. Correction verified 2021-11-01.
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Discipline & child guidance
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Sep 23, 2021 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Sep 17, 2021 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
Get the full file
HHSC publishes inspections, investigations and assessments from October 2017 onward, with each cited deficiency and its risk weight. Investigation narratives, complaint files and older history require a public information request. The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552) gives anyone the right to ask. You don't have to say why.
Email the request Printable letter (fax or mail)
- Send to
- HHSC Open Records Coordinator, MC-1070 · OpenRecordsRequest@hhs.texas.gov · fax 512-424-6586 · 4601 W. Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas 78751-3146 · agency instructions
Show the letter text
If something is happening now, report a concern to HHSC Child Care Regulation. For suspected abuse, contact your county child protective services or law enforcement.
Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission, via Child Care Regulation datasets on data.texas.gov. Last read Oct 1, 2026. Violation text is HHSC's own wording. The categories are ours, added to help you scan. About this data.