| Paulding Exempted Village School District |
| Bylaws & Policies |
8462 - STUDENT ABUSE AND NEGLECT
The Board of Education is concerned with the physical and mental well-being of the students of this District and will cooperate in the identification and reporting of cases of child abuse or neglect in accordance with law.
Every Board official and employee who, in connection with his/her position,
knows or suspects child abuse or neglect must immediately report that knowledge or suspicion to a public children's services or local law enforcement agency. Such reporting shall be required in every case that reasonably indicates that a child under the age of eighteen (18) or a physically or mentally disabled child under the age of twenty-one (21) has been abused (physically or mentally) or neglected or faces the threat of being abused or neglected.The Board official and employee making the report shall also notify the appropriate administrator according to the District's Reporting Procedure for Student Abuse or Neglect.
Each principal should be mindful of the possibility of physical or mental abuse being inflicted on a student by an employee. Any such instances, whether real or alleged, should be dealt with in accordance with the administrative guidelines established by the Superintendent. Board officials and employees must report suspected abuse to a public children's services or local law enforcement agency even when the suspected abuser is another official or employee.
The identity of the reporting person shall be confidential, subject only to disclosure by consent or court order. Information concerning alleged child abuse of a student is confidential information and is not to be shared with any unauthorized person. A staff member who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action and/or civil and/or criminal penalties.
In accordance with law, the Board will provide appropriate instruction on personal safety and assault prevention to all students in grades K-6. In order to develop programs that are appropriate and effective, the Superintendent is authorized to consult with public and/or private agencies or individuals involved in child abuse prevention and intervention. In addition, the Superintendent shall provide a program of in-service education on child abuse prevention for all elementary school staff members. All newly-employed professional staff shall complete at least four (4) hours of in-service training within three (3) years of the date of employment.
A law enforcement officer or children's services agency investigating child abuse or neglect may interview a student on school grounds only in accordance with Board Policy 5540.
R.C. 2151.421, 3313.60, 3319.073
Revised 2/20/07