9620

SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE BY DISTRICT PERSONNEL

Child abuse by school personnel violates the right of all children to an environment which does not threaten their physical and emotional health and development. Such abuse is strictly prohibited.

The Superintendent of Schools is directed to ensure that all employees:

� are informed of this policy.
� who have contact with students attend a training program concerning child abuse.
� immediately report any suspected incident of child abuse by district personnel to the principal or Superintendent of Schools.

The principal with the assistance of the Superintendent of Schools shall immediately and thoroughly investigate any suspected incident of child abuse in his/her school.

The Superintendent of Schools is required to take the following actions upon being notified of suspected child abuse by a district employee:

� notify parents or guardian promptly.
� contact law enforcement authorities when facts or circumstances warrant. The district shall cooperate fully with any resulting investigation or prosecution.
� report to the State Education Department information indicating that an employee holding a teaching certificate.
-has been convicted of a crime.
-committed an act raising a question of moral character. A verified incident of student abuse raises such a question.
� report any cases of suspected child abuse to the New York Central Register for Child Abuse and Maltreatment as appropriate.

No public statement or release of information of any kind that might identify either the victim or perpetrator of child abuse shall be made by anyone while the investigation is pending. No person(s) other than the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee shall make any public statements. Advice from legal counsel concerning the nature of permissible[e statements in a particular case shall be made prior to any public statement on the case.

Any individual may report a case of suspected child abuse to a principal. to the Superintendent of Schools or to law enforcement authorities.

Cross-Reference: 5460. Suspected Child Abuse and Maltreatment

References: Education Law §3209-a
Social Services Law §§41 1 et seq.
8 NYCRR §83.1

ADOPTED: May 7, 1997