Thorner - BCSD Static Server - Bakersfield City School District

Appendix I: Child Abuse and NeglectBP 603.7Page 1 of 2CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT PREVENTION ANDREPORTINGPolicy of the Board of EducationThe Governing Board recognizes that the District has a responsibility to educate students about thedangers of child abuse and neglect so that they will acquire the skills and techniques needed toidentify unsafe situations and to react appropriately and promptly.Child Abuse ReportingThe Board recognizes that child abuse has severe consequences and that the District has aresponsibility to protect students by facilitating the prompt reporting of known and suspectedincidents of child abuse. The Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures for theidentification and reporting of such incidents in accordance with law.(cf. BP 300.53 – Safety)Employees, who are mandated reporters as defined by law and administrative regulation, areobligated to report all known or suspected incidents of child abuse and neglect. Mandated reportersshall not investigate any suspected incidents, but rather shall cooperate with agencies responsiblefor investigating and prosecuting cases of child abuse and neglect.Parents/guardians may file a complaint against a District employee or other person whom theysuspect has engaged in abuse of a child at a school site. The Superintendent or designee shallprovide parents/guardians information about reporting procedures in accordance with law.The Superintendent or designee shall provide training regarding the reporting duties of mandatedreporters.(cf. BP 500.10 – Professional Growth)In the event that training is not provided to the employees mandated to report child abuse andneglect, the Superintendent or designee shall report to the California Department of Education thereasons that such training is not provided (Penal Code Section 11165.7).