The proper procedure for reporting and providing assistance in matters of child abuse will be on file
in the principal's office in each building.
Missouri statutes identify an abused child as any child under the age of 18 who:
1. Has sustained emotional abuse or physical injury, other than by accidental means, by his or
her parent(s) or guardian(s), or by any other person responsible for the care, custody or
control of the child for any part of the day.
2. Has been sexually molested or exploited (whether or not he or she has sustained physical
injury) by his or her parent(s), guardian(s), or by any other person responsible for the care,
custody or control of the child for any part of the day. Sexual abuse includes but is not
limited to incest, rape, carnal knowledge, sodomy or unnatural or perverted sexual practice.
A neglected child may be one of the following:
1. Malnourished, ill-clad, without proper shelter or sleeping arrangements, lacking appropriate
health care.
2. Unattended or without adequate supervision.
3. Ill and lacking essential medical care.
4. Emotionally neglected -- denied normal experiences that produce feelings of being loved,
wanted or secure.
School staff members are required to report child abuse/neglect cases to the Children's Division (CD)
of the Department of Social Services, as provided in 210.115, RSMo. The laws of Missouri provide
immunity from any civil liability or criminal penalty to anyone who acts, in good faith, in the making
of such a report, in cooperation with CD or in participation in any judicial proceedings resulting from
such a report.
School Procedure
1. When a school staff member suspects abuse or neglect, he or she may, when appropriate,
initially question the student, or ask the school counselor or school nurse to talk to the
student to determine if there is reasonable cause to suspect abuse as previously defined.
However, in no case should the child be subjected to undue pressure in order to confirm the
suspicion of abuse. Confirmation of suspected child abuse or neglect is the responsibility
of CD. Any doubt about reporting a suspected situation is to be resolved in favor of the
child, and the report is to be made.
2. When CD is investigating a suspected case of physical or sexual abuse, as a result of a report
made by someone other than school personnel, and wants to interview a child at school, the
parents will be notified that the school is planning to cooperate.
3. If all attempts to notify the parents or guardians about the interview have failed, and/or in the
judgment of the principal it is in the best interest of the child to cooperate, the interview will
be allowed with the principal in attendance.
* * * * * * *
In the event of a discrepancy between an administrative procedure and a Board policy, the Board
policy will take precedence.
Note: The reader is encouraged to review policies and/or forms for related information in
support of this administrative area.
Implemented: 09/10/1990
Revised: 10/07/2002; 09/14/2004; 10/17/2007
Jefferson City School District, Jefferson City, Missouri
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