Policy 5540 – Abuse/Neglect
Any employee of the School District having reasonable cause to suspect that a student seen in the course of professional duties has been subject to physical, sexual or emotional abuse or has been neglected, shall immediately report such suspected abuse or neglect as required by Wisconsin Statutes. Such personnel shall also report having reason to believe that a student seen in the course of professional duties has been threatened with an injury and that abuse of student will occur.
AFFIRMED: April 22, 1991
Rule 5540 – Abuse/Neglect
The report of suspected abuse or neglect shall be made to the Kenosha County Department of Social Services immediately. If contact cannot be made with that agency the appropriate law enforcement agency shall be notified.
Neglect or abuse refers to harm to a student’s physical, psychological or intellectual functioning which is exhibited by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal or outward aggressive behavior, actual physical evidence or a combination of the above symptoms caused by the student’s parent/guardian, legal custodian or other person. Persons reporting suspected student abuse or neglect shall be immune from any legal action from such reporting. The identity of the person making such a report shall be kept confidential in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes. Failure to report student abuse or neglect may result in a fine not to exceed $1,000.00.
School personnel shall not contact the family or other persons to seek an explanation or to determine the causes of any suspected abuse or neglect.
Investigation of suspected student abuse or neglect shall be done by the Department of Social Services or by police investigators. The agency making such investigation may contact, observe, or interview a student on school premises without permission from the student’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian if necessary to determine if the student is in need of protection or services. Interviewing of a student involved in such a complaint by representatives of the Department of Social Services may be done without the presence of the principal/designee.
The Superintendent of Schools shall distribute a copy of this policy to all school personnel, annually.