JCBE/POLICY FILE: 475.11

Approved: 3/23/78

Revised: 3/26/92

CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT

All employees are mandated to respond when a student is known or suspected to be a victim of child abuse or neglect. ABUSE is defined as harm or threatened harm to a child's health or welfare. NEGLECT is defined as negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child, including the failure to provide adequate food, medical treatment, clothing, or shelter.

Any employee shall be required to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Human Resources or the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, and the principal or department head orally, by telephone or direct communication, followed by a written report, a copy of which must be submitted to the Department of Student Services.

Employees should not attempt to determine whether abuse or neglect has occurred and shall not contact the student's family to determine the cause of suspected abuse or neglect.

Reporting parties are immune from legal liability when acting in good faith.

All records concerning reports of suspected abuse or neglect shall remain confidential and subject to the privacy limitations as established by law and board policy.