5620.1: Child Abuse, Neglect and Cruelty

I. Procedure

A. “Child abuse or neglect” is defined by Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-710 as knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing or permitting a minor child to be: (a) placed in a situation that endangers his or her life or physical or mental health; (b) cruelly confined or cruelly punished; (c) deprived of necessary food, clothing, shelter, or care; (d) left unattended in a motor vehicle, if such minor child is six years of age or younger; (e) sexually abused; or (f) sexually exploited by allowing, encouraging, or forcing such person to solicit for or engage in prostitution, debauchery, public indecency, or obscene or pornographic photography, films or depictions.

B. Any nurse, school employee, or any other person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child is being or has been subjected to child abuse or neglect, or observes such child being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in child abuse or neglect, shall report such incident or cause a report to be made to the proper law enforcement agency or to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). In such instances, the following procedure shall be followed by staff members:

1. If suspected child abuse or neglect has been reported or observed, the staff member shall contact the principal or designee. At that time, the person having observed or received notification of the violation shall, along with the principal or designee, contact the Child Protective Services (CPS) Hotline and/or law enforcement.

2. The principal or designee shall notify

a. The building counselor;

b. The Director of Student Services or designee; and

c. The registered nurse assigned to the building when there are observable injuries.

3. After contacting DHHS and/or law enforcement school personnel shall not further interview identified child(ren), without the express permission or request of DHHS or law enforcement.

4. The Director of Student Services or designee will provide guidance and support on the reporting process and monitor compliance with procedures.

5. Parent contact shall not be initiated prior to reporting. Upon reporting, the principal or designee shall confirm that DHHS or law enforcement will assume responsibility for notification of the parent(s), unless otherwise directed by DHHS or law enforcement.

C. Follow-up contact shall be made by the principal or designee.

1. The principal or designee shall maintain contact with DHHS and facilitate and cooperate with the DHHS investigation and provide information to pertinent staff as needed.

2. Caution shall be exercised by all staff throughout the process, to maintain individual and family privacy.

3. At the conclusion of the investigation, the principal or designee shall submit a written summary of the follow-up contacts to be maintained in the Student Services office.

D. The Director of Student Services will be notified in the event a complaint is received concerning abuse of a student by a District employee. The Director of Student Services will, in turn notify the Office of Human Resources.