JLF - Mandated Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Policy

File: JLF

It is the policy of the Franklin Public Schools to provide for the safety and well-being of students and to comply with the requirements of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119, § 51A.  Pursuant to this law, any public or private school teacher, educational administrator, guidance or family counselor, nurse social worker, or member of certain other professions who in his/her professional capacity shall have reasonable cause to believe that a child under eighteen years of age is suffering physical or emotional injury resulting from abuse inflicted upon him/her which causes harm or substantial risk of harm to the child’s health or welfare including sexual abuse, or from neglect, including malnutrition, shall immediately report such conditions to the Department of Children and Families. School employees meet their responsibilities for reporting by informing the school Principal (see How to Report below). School employees may also file their own report with DCF. A written report to DCF must then be filed as soon as practicable.

The school staff member informs the Principal or administrator in charge if she/he has

reasonable cause to believe that a child under the age of 18 years is being abused or neglected. 

 

The building Principal, staff member informing the Principal, school nurse and/or counselor, or a school-based child abuse crisis team constituted by the principal, must discuss the case and decide a plan of action which must include an immediate oral report followed by a written report within 48 hours to the Department of Children and Families whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that a child under the age of 18 years is being abused or neglected. Mandated reporters are not permitted to weigh the credibility of witnesses or sift the evidence or determine whether DCF would find reasonable cause to conclude that abuse did in fact occur. Mandated reporters are not investigators and need only have reasonable cause.

Principals shall ensure that all school staff are fully informed of responsibilities to report suspected child abuse and neglect and must ensure that reporting procedures are followed in all cases. The Superintendent shall ensure that annual training is provided to principals and administrators in regard to compliance issues and best practices in regard to the reporting of child abuse and neglect.

Legal Ref.: M.G.L. c. 199 § 51A

Adopted by School Committee: 9/11/12