School Board


SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17109
 
POLICY

CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT


In accordance with Act 124, Child Protective Services Law, and the Pennsylvania Juvenile Act 333, all school administrators, school nurses, teachers and all other staff members who have reason to believe that a child is abused or neglected are required to report the abuse or neglect to the state hotline, 1-800-932-0313. Included are all children who may be considered in any of the following categories: abused child, serious physical injury, serious physical neglect, sexual abuse and imminent risk.

A teacher, school nurse, guidance counselors, or other employee will report suspected cases of child abuse/neglect to the building principal. The building principal will be responsible immediately to make an oral report by phoning ChildLine. Within 48 hours after making an oral report, the principal shall forward a completed copy of the cy-47 to the Dauphin County Social Services for Children and Youth, 25 S. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. School employees shall not contact the child’s family or other persons to determine the cause of the suspected abuse or neglect. It is not the responsibility school employees to prove that the child has been abused or neglected or to determine whether the child is in need of protection.

Any person or school participating in good faith in the making of reports shall be immune from liability. It must be emphasized that Act 124 mandates that all suspected child abuse/neglect must be reported. Anyone failing to report shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the 2nd degree offense.




References: Basic Education Circular 58-76 dated 10/28/76





Approved by the School Board – January 24, 1977
Revised – June 8, 1987