OUR COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING CHILDREN

Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and protected—both at home and at school. Our district takes this responsibility seriously. State law requires school employees to report any suspected abuse, neglect, or maltreatment of a child. We are committed to fulfilling that duty to keep every student safe.

WHAT THIS MEANS

Because teachers, counselors, nurses, and administrators work closely with children every day, they are often in the best position to recognize signs that something may be wrong. New York State law requires these professionals to immediately report any reasonable suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected at home.

Reports go directly to the New York State Central Register for Child Abuse and Maltreatment, which investigates and provides support to families. When a report is made, it is to protect the child, not to accuse anyone. School employees are not investigators—they are reporters. Only trained child protection workers determine what happened and what services may be needed.

WHO IS REQUIRED TO REPORT

Under the law, the following school staff members are considered mandated reporters:

• Teachers
• School counselors
• Psychologists
• Nurses
• Administrators
• Any staff member who holds a teaching or administrative certificate

Other school employees (for example, clerical or support staff) are encouraged to share any concerns about a child’s safety with their building principal, who will ensure the report is made if appropriate.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A REPORT IS MADE

• The staff member contacts the State Central Register immediately by phone or online.
• A written report follows within 48 hours.
• The principal is also informed so that the district can support the process appropriately.
• The child’s family is not contacted by the school about the suspicion. That is handled by child protective services.

LEGAL PROTECTIONS

• Staff who report concerns in good faith are protected by law from any kind of retaliation or liability.
• Staff who fail to report when they suspect abuse or neglect can face legal consequences.
• Knowingly filing a false report is also against the law.

OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES

The district works cooperatively with local child protective services and social service agencies. The Superintendent, or a designee, coordinates with these agencies to respond to reports, develop procedures, and ensure that district staff understand their legal and ethical responsibilities.

ONGOING STAFF TRAINING

Every year, all required staff participate in training to help them:

• Recognize signs of abuse and neglect
• Understand their legal duties as mandated reporters
• Know how to make a report quickly and accurately

Attendance at this training is documented and kept in personnel records.

OUR PROMISE TO FAMILIES

Our goal is simple: to protect children and support families. Reporting concerns is not about punishment, it’s about safety, early help, and connecting families to the services they may need. We approach every situation with care, respect, and a focus on the well-being of the child.