Standard and Policies                                                 3) Child   Abuse and Neglect   

                              In accordance with section 39.201, Florida Statutes, any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a child is abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent, legal custodian, caregiver, or other person responsible for the child’s welfare, or that a child is in need of supervision and care and has no parent, legal custodian, or responsible adult relative immediately known and available to provide supervision and care shall report such knowledge or suspicion to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Central Abuse hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.

  person who is required by statute to report  know or suspected abuse or neglect and fails to do so, is subject to disciplinary action by the employer, by the State Department of Education and/or through criminal prosecution.

 In section 39.01(2), Florida Statutes, the term “Abuse” means any willful act or threatened act that results in any physical, mental, or emotional health to be significantly impaired. Abused of a child includes acts or omissions. Corporal discipline of a child by a parent or legal custodian for disciplinary purposes does not itself constitute abuse when it does not result in harm to the child.

 In section 39.01(44), Florida Statutes, an act of “Neglect” occurs when a child is deprived of, or is allowed to be deprived of, necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical treatment or a child is permitted to live in an environment when such deprivation or environment causes the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health to be significantly impaired or to be in danger of being significantly impaired.

 In section 39.01(47), Florida Statutes, “Other person responsible for a child’s welfare” includes the child’s legal guardian or foster parent; and employee of any school, public or private child day care center, residential home, institution, facility, or agency; a law enforcement officer employed in any facility, service, or program for children that is operated or contracted by the Department of Juvenile Justice; or any other person legally responsible for the child’s welfare in a residential setting; and also includes an adult sitter or relative entrusted with a child’s care.

 In accordance with section 39.203, Florida Statutes, any person who reports in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the Department of Children and Families or any law enforcement agency, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability which might otherwise result by reason of such action.

 Immediately report to the Principal any alleged misconduct that affects the health, safety or welfare of a student, by other instructional personnel or school administrators.

 In accordance with section 1012.795(1) (b) Florida Statutes, any instructional personnel or school administrator must report alleged misconduct that effects the health, safety or welfare of a students by instructional personnel or school administrator have knowledge of a violation of section 1012.795 or the Principles of Professional Conduct or the district code of conduct, designated employees shall immediately report the nature of the misconduct to the Principal.