In compliance with state law and to provide protection to victims of child abuse, the board believes incidents of alleged child abuse should be reported to the proper authorities. Employees are encouraged, and licensed employees are required as mandatory reporters, to report alleged incidents of child abuse they become aware of within the scope of their professional duties. The definition of child abuse is in the accompanying regulation.
When a mandatory reporter suspects a student is the victim of child abuse, the mandatory reporter shall orally or in writing notify the Iowa Department of Human Services. If the mandatory reporter believes the child is in immediate danger, the local law enforcement agency shall also be notified. Within forty-eight hours of the oral report, the mandatory reporter shall file a written report with the Iowa Department of Human Services.
Within six months of their initial employment, mandatory reporters shall take a two-hour training course involving the identification and reporting of child abuse. The course shall be re-taken at least every five years.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code 232.67-.77; 232A; 235A; 280.17. 441 I.A.C. 9.2; 155; 175. 1982 Op. Att’y. Gen. 390, 417. 1980 Op. Att’y. Gen. 275.
Cross Reference: 402.3 Abuse of Students by School District Employees
502.9 Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies
507 Student Health and Well-Being
Approved July 11, 2005
Reviewed December 9, 2019
Revised