Child Abuse

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To comply with South Dakota State law, it is the policy of the Faulkton Area Schools that any teacher or other school employee who suspects that a child under 18 years of age has been the victim of child abuse, shall report orally or in writing to a school administrator. Child neglected or physically abused or sexually abused or emotionally abused by any person, other than by accidental means, is considered Child Abuse. The administrator shall immediately report to the States Attorney or to the Dept. of Social Services or to the County Sheriff and shall inform the school employee initiating the action within 24 hours. The employee shall make the report directly to the proper authorities if the administrator fails to do so.

A. The report shall contain the following information:

1. Name, address, and age of child.

2. Name and address of parent/guardian.

3. Nature and extent of injuries or description of neglect.

4. Any other information that may establish the cause of injuries or condition.

B. School employees shall not contact the child’s family or any other person to determine the cause of the suspected abuse or neglect. It is not the responsibility of the school or school employees to prove that the child has been abused or neglected, or to determine whether the child is in need of protection.

C. Any personal interview or physical inspection of the child should be conducted in a considerate and professional manner. Information or records concerning reports of suspected abuse or neglect are confidential and the release to persons other than those provided by law is punishable by a $1,000 fine, one year in jail, or both.

D. Anyone who participates in making a report in accordance with the law and in good faith is immune from any civil or criminal liability that may arise from the reporting or from any judicial proceeding even if the suspicion is proved to be unfounded.

E. The school board will support any employee making a report of suspected child abuse or neglect until and unless it is determined that the employee was acting in bad faith in making the report.