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 **Policy JLF\\
-Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect\\
+Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect\\
-School Board Approved: November 16, 2009**\\
+School Board Approved: February 20, 2023**\\
-Any school employee who suspects that a child is subjected to abuse or neglect (for example non-accidental injuries and/or intentional injuries) should immediately report the situation to the Department of Children and Youth Services and building principal. This oral report should be followed at once but no later than 48 hours by a written report sent by the employee to the principal. If requested by DCYF, the written report shall also be forwarded to DCYF by the building principal.\\
+**Statutorily Mandated Reporting – All Persons**\\
+Under New Hampshire law (RSA 169-C:29), every person who has “reason to suspect” that a child has been abused or neglected is required to report that suspicion to DCYF (Division of Children, Youth and Families of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services) or directly to the police. Under RSA 169-C:30, the initial report “shall be made immediately via telephone or otherwise.” \\
-The written report should include:\\
+The requirement to report is not dependent on whether there is proof of the abuse or neglect, nor is it dependent upon whether the information suggests the abuse or neglect is continuing or happened in the past. Any doubt regarding whether to report should be resolved in favor of reporting. Failure to report may be subject to criminal prosecution, while a report made in good faith is entitled to both civil and criminal immunity. Additionally, a “credential holder”, as defined in New Hampshire Department of Education Rule 501.02(h), who fails to report suspected abuse or neglect risk having action taken by the New Hampshire Department of Education against his/her credential. See N.H. Code of Conduct for Educators, Ed. 510.05 (e).  \\
-  * Name, age and address of the child.\\
+The report should contain:\\
-  * Name and address of the child’s parents, guardians and/or persons with whom he/she is living.\\
-  * The nature of the child’s injury or condition; information on conditions leading to abuse all with data as appropriate.\\
-  * Any other injuries or the conditions observed that might be helpful in establishing the cause of the abuse/neglect.\\
-The principal will notify the Superintendent of Schools.\\
+  * the name and address of the child suspected of being abused or neglected.
+  * the person responsible for the child's welfare.
+  * the specific information indicating neglect/abuse or the nature and extent of the child's injuries (including any evidence of previous injuries).
+  * the identity of the person or persons suspected of being responsible for such neglect or abuse.
+  * any other information that might be helpful in establishing neglect or abuse.
-After the report is made to the Department of Children and Youth Services, district and school staff members will make themselves available for meetings with the agency’s representative to facilitate communication. The school will report any further incidents of abuse or neglect to the Agency’s representative.\\
+To report child abuse or neglect to DCYF, call 24/7 (800) 894-5533 (in-state) or (603) 271-6562. In cases of current emergency or imminent danger, call 911.\\
-Once a report of child abuse is given to the Department of Children and Youth Services, the responsibility for investigation and follow-up lies with the agency. It is not the responsibility of the school staff to investigate the case. Therefore, the school staff will not engage in the following activities:\\
+**Additional Provisions Relating to School Employees, Volunteers, and Contracted Service Providers**\\
+Each school employee, designated volunteer or contracted service provider having reason to suspect that a child is being or has been abused or neglected must also immediately report his/her suspicions to the building Principal or other building supervisor. This initial report may be made orally, but must be supplemented with a written report as soon as practicable after the initial report, but in no event longer than one calendar day.  \\
-  * Make home visits for investigative purposes.\\
+**Request for Assistance in Making Initial Report**\\
-  * Take the child for medical treatment (this does not preclude taking action in any emergency situation).\\
+The initial report to the Principal/building supervisor may be made prior to the report to DCYF/law enforcement, but only if: \\
-  * Convey messages between the agency and the parents/guardians (Guidance Counselor to be an exception in this case if necessary).\\
-Authorized school and district personnel may make available to the Department of Children and Youth Services personnel assigned to investigate instances of child abuse any other information that might be helpful in establishing abuse or neglect.\\
+  * the initial report is made for the purpose of seeking assistance in making the mandated report to DCYF/law enforcement.
+  * reporting to the Principal, etc. will not cause any undue delay (measured in minutes) of the required report to DCYF/law enforcement.  \\
-**Legal References:**\\
+When receiving a request for assistance in making a report, the Principal or other person receiving the request is without authority to assess whether the report should be made, nor shall he/she attempt in any way to dissuade the person from making the legally mandated report. Once the Principal/building supervisor receives the information, the law would impose a reporting requirement upon both the original reporter and the Principal.\\
-//RSA 169-C:29, Persons Required to Report\\
-RSA 169-C:30, Nature and Content of Report\\
+**Principal’s Action Upon Receiving Report**\\
-RSA 169-C:31, Immunity from Liability\\//
+Upon receiving the report/request from the employee, volunteer or any other person, the Principal/building supervisor shall immediately assure that DCYF/law enforcement is or has been notified, and then notify the Superintendent that such a report to DCYF has been made.\\
+A written report shall be made by the Principal to the Superintendent within twenty-four (24) hours, with a copy provided to DCYF if requested. The report shall include all of the information included in the initial oral report, as well as any other information requested by the Superintendent, law enforcement or DCYF.\\
+**Requirements for Reporting of Other Acts**\\
+Employees/contract providers are also reminded of the requirements to report any act of “theft, destruction, or violence” as defined under RSA 193-D:4, I (a), incidents of “bullying” per Board Policy JICK, and hazing under RSA 671:7. A single act may simultaneously constitute abuse, bullying, hazing, and/or an act of theft, destruction or violence.\\
+**Training Required**\\
+The Superintendent shall assure that all District employees, designated volunteers and contracted service providers receive training (in-person or online) upon beginning service with the District, with annual refreshers thereafter, on the mandatory reporting requirements, including how to identify suspected child abuse or neglect.  \\
+**Legal References: ** \\
+//NH Code of Administrative Rules, Ed 306.04(a)(10), Reporting of Suspected Abuse or Neglect\\
+NH Code of Administrative Rules, Code of Conduct for NH Educators, Ed 510.05(e), Duty to Report\\
+RSA 169-C, Child Protection Act\\
+RSA 169-C:29-39, Reporting Law\\
+RSA 189:72, Child Abuse or Neglect Information\\
+RSA 193-D:4, Safe School Zones, Written Report Required//\\
 {{ :jlf_reporting_child_abuse_-_neglect.pdf |Download}}\\
 [[section_j|Section J]]\\
 [[start|Policy Manual]]

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