Students
CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT
ANDEXPLOITATION PREVENTION
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Policy No. 3421
Child abuse, neglect and exploitation are violations of
children's human rights and an obstacle to their educational development. The
board directs that staff shall be alert for any evidence of such abuse,
neglect or exploitation. For purposes of this policy, “child abuse, neglect
or exploitation” shall mean: A.
Inflicting physical injury on a child by other
than accidental means, causing death, disfigurement, skin bruising,
impairment of physical or emotional health, or loss or impairment of any
bodily function. B.
Creating a substantial risk of physical harm
to a child’s bodily functioning. C.
Committing or allowing to be
committed any sexual offense against a child as defined in the criminal code,
or intentionally touching, either directly or through the clothing, the
genitals, anus or breasts of a child for other than hygiene, child care or
health care purposes. D.
Committing acts which are cruel or inhumane
regardless of observable injury. Such acts may include, but are not limited
to, instances of extreme discipline demonstrating a disregard of a child’s
pain or mental suffering. E.
Assaulting or criminally mistreating a child
as defined by the criminal code. F.
Failing to provide food, shelter, clothing,
supervision or health care necessary to a child’s health or safety. G.
Engaging in actions or omissions resulting in
injury to, or creating a substantial risk to the physical or mental health or
development of a child. H.
Failing to take reasonable steps to prevent
the occurrence of the preceding actions. Child abuse can include abuse by another minor and so
may be included in incidents of student misconduct. When feasible, the district will provide community
education programs for prospective parents, foster parents and adoptive
parents on parenting skills and on the problems of child abuse and methods to
avoid child abuse situations. The district shall also encourage staff to
participate in in-service programs that deal with the issues surrounding
child abuse. The superintendent shall develop reporting procedures,
including sample indicators of abuse and neglect, and shall disseminate the
procedures to all staff. The purpose is to identify and report as soon as
possible to the proper authorities all evidence of child abuse or
neglect. Staff shall receive training
regarding reporting obligations during their initial orientation and every
three years after initial employment. Classified and Certified staff are
legally responsible for reporting all suspected cases of child abuse and
neglect. A certificated or classified school employee who has knowledge or
reasonable cause to believe that a student has been a victim of physical
abuse or sexual misconduct by another school employee shall report such abuse
or misconduct to the appropriate school administrator. The administrator
shall report to the proper law enforcement agency if he or she has reasonable
cause to believe that the misconduct or abuse has occurred as required under
RCW 26.44.030. Under state law staff are free
from liability for reporting instances of abuse or neglect and professional
staff are criminally liable for failure to do so. Staff need not verify that a child has in fact been
abused or neglected. Any conditions or information that may reasonably be
related to abuse or neglect should be reported. Legal authorities have the
responsibility for investigating each case and taking such action as is
appropriate under the circumstances. Cross References: Board
Policy 4310 Relations
with the Law Enforcement and Child Protective Agencies Legal References: RCW 13.34.300 Failure
to cause juvenile to attend school as evidence under neglect petition 26.44.020 Child abuse —
Definitions 26.44.030 Reports — Duty and
authority to make — Duty of receiving agency 28A.620.010 Community education
provisions — Purposes 28A.620.020 Community education
provisions — Restrictions 43.43.830(6) Background checks —
Access to children or vulnerable persons WAC 388-15 388-15-130(3) Definition of child abuse, neglect or exploitation AGO
1987, No. 9 Children
— Child Abuse — Reporting by School Officials — Alleged Abuse by Student Management Resources: Policy News, February 2007 Physical Abuse and Sexual Misconduct
Notice Requirements Policy News, June 1999 23% of
districts out-of-compliance on child abuse policies Adopted: May 26,
2009 |