402.2 CHILD ABUSE REPORTING

 

Original Adopted Date: 4-10-95                                          Last Revised Date: 8-27-18                                        Last Reviewed Date: 8-22-22

In compliance with state law and to provide protection to victims of child abuse, incidents of alleged child abuse should be reported to the proper authorities. All employees should report alleged incidents of child abuse they become aware of within the scope of their professional duties to their immediate supervisor. Licensed employees are further required as mandatory reporters to report alleged incidents of child abuse to the Iowa Department of Human Services. The legal definition of child abuse is in the accompanying regulation.

When a mandatory reporter suspects a student is the victim of child abuse, the mandatory reporter shall notify the Iowa Department of Human Services. If the mandatory reporter believes the child is in immediate danger, the local law enforcement agency shall also be notified. Within forty-eight hours of the oral report, the mandatory reporter shall file a written report with the Iowa Department of Human Services.

Within six months of their initial employment, mandatory reporters shall take a two-hour training course involving the identification and reporting of child abuse. The course shall be re- taken at least once every five years.

In addition to the training licensed employees receive through the Mandatory Reporter Training the superintendent shall be responsible for developing a specific training program for all staff members that centers on the detection of sexual abuse in victims who are minors. This training shall be provided to all new employees and shall be conducted as part of the district inservice program every three years.

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 232.67-.77; 232A; 235A; 280.17 

                                    441 I.A.C. 9.2; 155; 175.

                                    1982 Op. Att'y Gen. 390, 417.

                                    1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 275. 

Cross Reference:        402.3   Abuse of Students by School District Employees

                                    502.9   Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies

                                    507      Student Health and Well-Being