COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 148

October 25, 2002

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Child Abuse and Neglect Brochure: Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: A Guide For School Employees

Each year in Virginia, more than 39,000 children are reported to local departments of social services for suspected child abuse and neglect. These children often pass through the hallways of our public schools. So that children may receive the protection and assistance they need, school personnel must be able to recognize signs of abuse and neglect and also understand their role as mandated reporters.

The Department of Social Services has developed a brochure to help teachers and other school professionals recognize child abuse and neglect and to fulfill their legal responsibility to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the local department of social services or the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline. These brochures will be mailed to every school in Virginia during the first week in November. Principals are asked to distribute them to all teachers and support staff. This brochure is a result of a joint effort between the Department of Education (DOE) and The Department of Social Services (DSS) to combat child abuse and neglect.

The DOE and DSS previously developed Recommended Procedures and Protocol for Local Agreements for Handling Child Abuse or Neglect Reports. These were disseminated to schools via Supts Memo No 27, March 1, 2002.

Thank you for your collaboration in ensuring the safety and well being of children in Virginia. For further information or if you have questions, please contact

Lanett W. Brailey (lbrailey@mail.vak12ed.edu), education specialist, Office of Special Education and Student Services (804) 786-0308.

JLD/lwb