Descriptor Code: JGI
Child Abuse or Neglect
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT REPORTING
School District employees and school-affiliated volunteers are required to immediately report suspected child abuse and neglect to the appropriate authorities and/or to the Principal or designee of the school in which the student is enrolled. For purposes of this Policy, the following from the Guidelines for Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse applies:
“Child Abuse means physical injury or death inflicted upon a child by a parent or caretaker thereof by other than accidental means; provided, however, that physical forms of discipline may be used as long as there is no physical injury to the child” O.C.G.A.§ 19-7- 5 (b)(A). The term ‘child abuse’ also includes the neglect or exploitation of a child by a parent or caretaker, as well as the sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of a child by any person.”
In order to meet legal responsibilities, reports of suspected child abuse and neglect are to be made in good faith, and the education of School District personnel and school-affiliated volunteers in the identification of child abuse and neglect will rest with the School District. This reporting is legal under Section 99.31(a)(5) and 99.36 of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and does not constitute a violation if the disclosure is to appropriate parties in connection with a health or safety emergency and knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or others.
REVISED: July 16, 2020
