Administrative Rules and Procedures to Implement Policy 403.02
REPORTING SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT PROCEDURES

Any school employee or other person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child is being or has been subjected to child abuse or neglect, or observes such child being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in child abuse or neglect, shall promptly report such incident or cause a report to be made to the proper law enforcement agency and/or to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Child abuse or neglect is defined by Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-710 as knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing or permitting a minor child to be: (a) placed in a situation that endangers his or her life or physical or mental health; (b) cruelly confine or cruelly punish; (c) deprive of necessary food, clothing, shelter, or care; (d) left unattended in a motor vehicle, if such minor child is six years of age or younger; (e) sexually abused; or (f) sexually exploited by allowing, encouraging, or forcing such person to solicit for or engage in prostitution, debauchery, public indecency, or obscene or pornographic photography, films, or depictions.

The following steps should be used by any school employee who has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect or observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances, which might result in abuse or neglect.

  1. The staff member contacts the building principal or designee who gathers necessary information and makes the required contacts and a written report.
  2. If evidence leads the principal or designee to suspect neglect or emotional abuse and the child does not appear to be in immediate danger, contact is to be made with Child Protective Services promptly.  Telephone contact is to be followed by the written report to Child Protective Services, the appropriate law enforcement agency, and Central Office (use Suspected Child Abuse and/or Neglect Form) giving details of the suspected neglect.
  3. If evidence leads the principal or designee to suspect physical abuse or if the child appears to be in immediate danger or is fearful of returning home, both law enforcement agency and Child Protective Services shall be promptly contacted.  Initial telephone contact with proper authorities shall be followed by a written report to the law enforcement agency, Child Protective Services, and Central Office (use attached form).
  4. Before a law enforcement agency or Child Protective Services is called, a determination must be made as to which agency and/or service has jurisdiction based on the location where the suspected abuse/neglect occurred.  The law enforcement agency and/or Child Protective Services responsible for that location should be contacted to make the investigation and report.

    The following telephone numbers should be used:
    Douglas County Sheriff:  402-444-6621
    Omaha Police Department:  9ll (for emergencies)
    Child Victim Unit:  402-444-5636
    Douglas County Child Protective Services:  402-444-6330 or 402-444-6331
  5. The following procedures are to be used in handling cases of suspected sexual abuse (including incest):Prompt telephone contacts are to be made to the appropriate law enforcement agency and Child Protective Services as determined by where the suspected crime was committed.  These telephone contacts are to be followed by a written report to Child Protective Services and the law enforcement agency as determined by where the suspected crime was committed.
  6. Procedures for child abuse report form:
  • a.Complete the new SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE AND/OR NEGLECT REPORT FORM with the building principal.
  • b.Print all reports and send a copy to the Superintendent or designee

EPS Suspected Child Abuse and/or Neglect Report Form

Legal Reference:  Neb. Rev. Stat. 28-710, 28-711

Adoption:  November 11, 2013