Richland R-I | R 2710 Reporting Student Abuse

If notice of alleged child abuse or neglect is received. A report will be made to the Children's Division by telephoning the Abuse Hotline at 1-800-392-3738. The call will be logged with the date, time and nature of the report, if the Children's Division declines to accept the report, the name of the CD representative; the date and report made must be documented.

When CD representatives interview students on District property, a school staff member will be present. CD representatives may not meet with a child at any school or childcare facility where abuse of the child is alleged to have occurred.

When CD receives a report of suspected abuse involving a school employee, other than reports made under subsection (1), the CD is required to notify the Superintendent. If the alleged perpetrator is the Superintendent, CD will notify the Board President. However, if the report relates to spanking or the use of reasonable force to protect persons or property pursuant to Board policy, a report will be made to county law enforcement officials. The investigation into such report will be made by a law enforcement official in the county.

When the District and student involved request mediation of the child abuse situation in a school setting, the matter will be referred to the Office of Child Advocate.