I run a daycare center in Houston. I have a child who keeps coming in with bruises and marks on her skin. I’ve asked the mother about it several times and she gives a reason for each incident, but it doesn’t add up to me. I’ve thought about making a report to the Department of Family and Protective Services, but I can’t prove anything and I’m worried the parents will sue me for making a false report if I’m wrong. The father works for the government and has a security clearance. When I told my husband about this he told me if I don’t report it and it turns out to be actual abuse, I could face criminal charges. Is that true and if so, what do I need to be able to show to DFPS to prove I was genuinely concerned for the child’s safety?

My stepdaughter is 19 years old and I’ve been in her life since she was 4. Her father did drugs and was in and out of her life. At this point, we have no idea where he even is, could be in jail. My wife and I have talked for years about me adopting my stepdaughter. Because her bio dad always said he’d fight it, we never pursued it. Now that he’s been out of the picture for several years, we are considering it again, and my stepdaughter wants the adoption. Does it matter if we can’t find her father to see if he’ll consent or, if we do locate him, what happens if he objects? Does it make a difference that she’s now over 18?