Worth County School Policy on Reporting Student Abuse

Approved by the Worth County Board of Education at the March meeting.

The Board of Education believes that school staff members are in a unique position to assist children, families, and the community in dealing with the issue of child abuse and neglect. In addition, school employees are required by law to report instances of suspected child abuse when the employee has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or is likely to be abused or neglected.

Child abuse is defined as any physical injury, sexual abuse or emotional abuse inflicted on a child other than by accidental means.

Neglect is defined as the failure to provide the proper or necessary support, education, nutrition or medical, surgical or other care necessary for the child's well being.

District employees who know or have reason to believe that another District employee has sexually or physically abused a student have an additional duty to notify their immediate supervisor immediately.