Pursuant to MCL 722.622(f), child abuse must be reported to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MD HHS) where the suspected perpetrator is the parent(s)/guardian(s), or any other person responsible for the child's health or welfare or a teacher, a teacher's aide, or a member of the clergy.
The Board recognizes that early identification of child abuse and neglect is critically important. The Board mandates that employees designated by the Child Protection Law report cases of child abuse and neglect as required by law. Other employees must report reasonable suspicions to appropriate school administrators.
All employees must cooperate with properly identified and authorized investigators of suspected child abuse or neglect. To the extent that safety and practical consideration allow, it is the preference of the District that law enforcement officers on school premises to investigate a report of suspected child abuse, or neglect, should not be in uniform. administrators will make this District preference known to law enforcement officers and ask for their cooperation.
The Board recognizes that school nurses, social workers, administrators, counselors, teachers, and others required to report who act in good faith are immune from any civil and/or criminal liability when reporting suspected child abuse, neglect, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation; and that a person required by law to report an instance of suspected child abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, or sexual exploitation who fails to do so is civilly liable for damages proximately caused by the failure, as provided by law. The Board also recognizes that, as required by law, a member of the staff of the school will not be dismissed, or otherwise penalized for making a report.
The Superintendent will ensure that mandated reports are provided training regarding their reporting obligations.