Each week the Sheldon staff reviews one of our Head Start Policies & Procedures and felt it was important that families stay up to date on these as well. This quarter our focus is on Mental Health, Child Development & Education, Disability. If you ever have any questions regarding our policies and procedures, please reach out!
Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting
POLICY:
Staff members will receive annual training in methods for identifying and reporting suspected child abuse and neglect that comply with applicable State and local laws. Any staff member who witnesses or suspects child abuse and/or neglect must report his/her concerns to the proper authority. The definition of child abuse includes neglect, sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. This policy relates to Head Start Performance Standards 1301.31, 1304.22(a)5, 1304.52
PROCEDURE:
1. Anyone “having cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect” MUST report the case to the Kansas Department of Family and Protective Services or a local or state law enforcement agency.
- Oral or electronic reports should be made immediately, not to exceed 48 hours. • Do not delegate or rely on another person to make this report.
- Anyone who files a report in “good faith and without malice” is immune from civil or criminal liability. “Good faith” means the person making the report took reasonable steps to learn facts that were readily available and at hand. “Without malice” means that the person did not intend to injure or violate the rights of another person.
2. Confidentiality is essential. Information given about a child and his/her family should not be shared with friends, other parents, one’s own family or even Head Start staff members who do not have a need to know. A staff person has a “need to know” if the information is needed to: properly care for and educate the child, and/or effectively provide support and services to the family.
3. When there are bruises, cuts, or other visible signs of injury present on a child you may ask the child (if appropriate age) how he/she obtained the bruise, cut, or injury. Be sure to use open-ended questions such as, “Tell me what happened…” • Document his/her statement. HOWEVER, do not ask leading questions. We are not responsible for investigating Child Abuse, we are only responsible to report.
4. If you suspect abuse or neglect, you must make a report. Also document through a concern sheet. If you are uncertain what to do, please discuss your concern with a management.
