Reporting Child Abuse
General Information
As a teacher, you are used to seeing students at school. Your gut tells you when something might be wrong – a student isn’t safe at home, or a parent is struggling. Virtual teaching has changed the school environment, but your instincts are still the same.
Whether paid or volunteer, anyone who works with minors, dependent students, elders, or dependent adults, is considered a mandated reporter and must report abuse to the appropriate authorities, including information gleaned from otherwise confidential therapy sessions.
Abuse includes, but is not limited to, physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, deprivation, abduction, or any other treatment resulting in physical harm, pain, and/or mental suffering. Abuse of clients, students, parents, guardians, employees, or any other person of any kind will not be tolerated based on: Zero Tolerance Policy.
How To Report Child Abuse
Your gut tells you when something might be wrong – a student isn’t safe at home, or a parent is struggling. Virtual teaching has changed the school environment, but your instincts are still the same. If you’re concerned about possible child abuse and neglect, trust your gut and call child protective services in your area. Dial 9-1-1 if there is an immediate threat.
Links to State child welfare agency websites in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
https://legalhub.kidsontheyard.com/child-protect/state-child-welfare-agency-websites
Am I required to tell my coworkers or supervisor(s) that I reported possible child abuse and neglect?
Depending on the state, most State law does not specify that mandatory reporters notify their supervisors before or after making a report. School or district policy may vary.
As a mandatory reporter, can I remain anonymous?
Child protective services and its employees are required by law not to disclose the name of the mandatory reporter to the family. However, this confidentiality does not apply to reports made to law enforcement.
Am I liable if my concerns are not confirmed?
It is better to be safe than sorry – make the call. Based on the information you provide and information other callers may have provided in the past about the same family, a group of professionals review, evaluate, and direct the actions that should be taken to help the family. If your call is screened out, you or the family in need may still be connected with local family support resources.
Modifications:
We may add, change or eliminate part of this policy and other aspects and make other changes at any time without sending a personal notification about the change.
We reserve the right at any time and from time to time to modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, the site or the Services (or any part thereof) with or without notice.
You agree that we will not be liable to you or any third party for any such modification, suspension, or discontinuance of the site or the Services.
Company Details:
Kids on the Yard,
Limitless Virtue LLC
9701 NE 2nd Ave, Suite #1069
Miami Shores,
Florida 33138 U.S.A
International: +1 786-382-2000