Based on Board Policy 616 (Child Abuse and Neglect), all school personnel will be alert for any evidence of child abuse or neglect. Child abuse is defined as any wound, injury, disability, or physical or mental condition which is of such nature as to reasonably indicate that it has been caused by brutality, abuse or neglect, or which on the basis of available information reasonably appears to have been caused by such. Staff members having knowledge or suspicion of any child who is suffering from abuse or neglect will report such harm immediately. The report will be made to the judge having juvenile jurisdiction or to the county office of the Department of Human Services or to the office of the child law-enforcement official where the child resides.

The report will include the name, age, and address of the child, the name and address of the parent or person having custody of the child, the nature and extent of the abuse or neglect, and any evidence to the cause or any other information that may relate to cause or extent of the abuse or neglect.

The person reporting will be immune from liability and his/her identity will remain confidential except when the juvenile court determines otherwise.