Child Abuse Reporting

Child Abuse FAQs

Facts:

• • All APS employees are mandatory reporters.

  • Consultants, contractors and volunteers in our schools are also mandatory reporters.

  • APS has identified the school Social Worker as the designee to file reports with the DFACS. If the principal or other staff member is in disagreement with the decision of the social worker to file a report, they should contact (855) 422-4453 to make a report.

  • The goals of child welfare is to strengthen families and protect children.

  • The Office of Employee Relations handles all cases of employee wrongdoing. That office may be reached at (404) 802-2308.

  • Principals are ultimately responsible for ensuring that reports of abuse are made to the appropriate authority, e.g. the Office of Employee Relations and/or the Department of Family and Children Services.

Do This:

• • Principals must receive all reports of suspected abuse from staff members immediately as an oral report must be made to DFACS no later than 24 hours from the time there is reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused.

  • Ensure all staff members participate in child abuse training, e.g. school secretaries, clerks and registrars, paraprofessionals, cafeteria staff and other staff members who interact with children.

  • In cases of suspected abuse or suicidal ideation, the school social worker or assigned buddy should be notified immediately (see Attachment A).

  • Make reports of suspected abuse immediately to the Social Worker. Failure to make a report places the child at risk for further injury. Additionally, any mandatory reporter who knowingly and willfully fails to report shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

  • Establish and maintain clear, professional boundaries with children and families (refrain from keeping secrets, befriending parents and buying gifts).

  • Principals, in collaboration with the Office of Employee Relations, will guide the process for cases involving employee wrongdoing.

Not This:

• • In cases of suspected abuse, the school should not contact the parent, guardian or any family member prior to Social Worker intervention. In cases of employee wrongdoing the principal will contact the parent.

  • No staff member should allow or encourage parents to utilize corporal punishment on school premises, e.g., do not provide parents with an isolated area to physically discipline their child such as a bathroom, empty classroom, etc.

  • Children should not be subjected to multiple interviews regarding the abuse. Once the suspicion of abuse has been established, contact the social worker.

  • Staff members are not permitted to utilize corporal punishment with any student. Allegations of employee wrongdoing will be referred to the Office of Employee Relations and the DFACS.

***Please contact Coordinator of Social Work Services for additional information at (404) 802-2247

Updated 8/2/21 (JLS)