Collier
Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
Policy: MANDATORY REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE, ABANDONMENT OR NEGLECT
BridgePrep Academy Board Policies – Health, Safety or Welfare of Students
Teachers. school officials, and school personnel are designated mandated reporters. Any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a child is abused, abandoned, or neglected shall report such knowledge or suspicion to the Department of Children and Families. (s. 39.201, F.S.)
Child and adult abuse should be reported to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) through either the DCF statewide hotline (call 1-800-96-ABUSE) (1-800-962-2873) or the DCF website at http://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us The hotline also accepts faxes at 1-800-914-0004 and web-based chats on their website.
When making a report, teachers, administrators, and school personnel are required to provide their names to the hotline staff.
Failure to report child abuse to DCF is a third-degree felony. § 39.205(1).
Failure to report a sexual battery under § 749.027 is a misdemeanor of the first degree.
The School will post notices for reporting child abuse. Notices will include identifying the signs of child abuse, including physical and sexual abuse, signs of neglect, patterns, and what to do if a child informs school personnel that they have been abused.
All new teachers and experienced teachers newly employed by the School will receive training for mandatory reporters.
Report to:
Da'Nika Arnold
Principal
(239) 747-1016