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.

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.

Professional Training and Support

Mandatory Reporter Training

All Kids on the Yard staff receive comprehensive training including:

• Identification of Abuse Signs: Training to recognize physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators
• Reporting Procedures: Step-by-step guidance on proper reporting protocols
• Legal Requirements: Understanding state and federal mandatory reporting laws
• Documentation Standards: Proper record-keeping for suspected abuse cases
• Follow-up Procedures: Understanding the process after reports are filed

Ongoing Professional Development

• Annual refresher training on child protection protocols
• Updates on changing laws and reporting requirements
• Access to professional consultation for difficult cases
• Collaboration with local child protective services for training
• Regular review of Kids on the Yard's internal procedures

Legal Framework and Protections

Mandatory Reporting Laws

Kids on the Yard operates under strict compliance with:

• Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)
• State-specific mandatory reporting statutes
• Professional licensing requirements for educators
• Organizational policies exceeding minimum legal requirements

Reporter Protections

Mandatory reporters are protected by:

• Legal immunity for good-faith reports
• Confidentiality protections in most jurisdictions
• Employment protections against retaliation
• Professional support throughout the reporting process

Documentation and Record Keeping

• Detailed incident documentation requirements
• Secure storage of sensitive information
• Limited access to confidential records
• Retention policies compliant with legal requirements
• Coordination with law enforcement and child protective services

Emergency Procedures

Immediate Danger Situations

When a child is in immediate danger:

1. Call 911 immediately
2. Ensure child's immediate safety if possible
3. Contact Kids on the Yard emergency protocols
4. Document all actions taken
5. Follow up with appropriate authorities

Non-Emergency Reporting Process

For suspected abuse requiring investigation:

1. Contact local child protective services
2. Follow state-specific reporting timeline requirements
3. Submit written reports as required by law
4. Notify Kids on the Yard supervisory staff
5. Maintain confidentiality while cooperating with investigations

Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL KIDS ON THE YARD, ITS AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OR LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH MANDATORY REPORTING OBLIGATIONS, CHILD PROTECTION PROCEDURES, OR SAFETY MEASURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, GOODWILL, USE, DATA, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES.

Governing Law

This child abuse reporting policy and any disputes arising from mandatory reporting matters shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, United States, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any legal action or proceeding arising under this policy shall be brought exclusively in the federal or state courts located in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

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.

Contact Information

For child abuse reporting support and questions:

Child Protection Team Kids on the Yard Limitless Virtue LLC 9701 NE 2nd Ave, Suite #1069 Miami Shores, Florida 33138 U.S.A Email: [email protected] Emergency: [email protected] General: [email protected] Phone: International: +1 786-382-2000

24-Hour Crisis Lines:

• National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)