COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O. BOX 2120
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 27
INFORMATIONAL
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Jo Lynne
DeMary Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
Recommended
Procedures and Protocol for Local Agreements for Handling Child Abuse or
Neglect Reports |
The purpose of this memo is to share recently
revised procedures and protocol for handling suspected child abuse and neglect
reports. The Code of Virginia requires certain professionals to report
suspected abuse or neglect of children. These include all persons employed by
public schools. The purpose of required reporting is to identify suspected
abused and neglected children as soon as possible so that they can be protected
from further harm.
In order to implement this requirement, it is
important that teachers and other school personnel (1) understand their
responsibility as mandated reporters and (2) cooperate with the local social
service agency in identifying and reporting suspected cases of abuse and
neglect.
In January 2002, the Virginia Department of
Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) revised
their interagency agreement related to reporting child abuse and neglect. The
purpose of the agreement is to facilitate maximum cooperation between the two
departments at the state and local levels in assuring the reporting, the
investigation, confidentiality and follow-up requirements of all suspected
instances of child abuse and neglect. This agreement also addresses neglect or
exploitation of students with disabilities aged 18 to 22, that come to the
attention of public school personnel.
In order
to facilitate cooperation between public schools and local departments of
social services, VDOE and VDSS encourage the development of a local interagency
agreement. Recommended Procedures for Local Agreements between Schools and
Local Departments of Social Services, (Attachment A) is offered as suggested
protocol for handling suspected child abuse and neglect reports.
The
information in the protocol recommends the review of existing policies and
procedures for reporting and releasing records to VDSS to ensure compliance
with state and federal requirements.
The Mandated Reporter Assistance Series
published by VDSS is a valuable resource for school
divisions as they prepare information on child abuse and neglect for mandated
reporters. These booklets are designed to help educators, school nurses and law
enforcement personnel recognize and understand abuse and neglect of children;
to improve the reporting accuracy when there is suspicion of child abuse or
neglect; and to provide strategies for interdisciplinary collaboration that
will facilitate a sensitive and effective response. You may contact the Virginia Department of Social Services, Child
Protective Services Unit at (804) 692-1259 to purchase copies of the booklet.
If you have any questions regarding the recommended
procedures for your local interagency agreement or any questions regarding
child abuse and neglect, contact Lanett W. Brailey at (mailto:lbrailey@mail.vak12ed.edu)
or (804) 786-0308.
LWB
Attachment