Policy 8585: Adult Abuse and Neglect-Duty to Report (Rules)

Reporting Procedure for Adults In Need of Protective Services 

Any employee of the Grand Rapids Public Schools who has reason to believe that an adult has been abused, neglected, exploited, or is endangered, shall report suspicions in the following manner immediately: 

1. Make an oral report,to the Adult Protective Service Unit of the Kent County Department of Social Services.
   1. The suspecting person may consult with the immediate supervisor and/or with other administrators, prior to the reporting, in order to determine reasonable cause for reporting. 
   2. The suspecting person may defer the reporting to the immediate supervisor, or other administrator, or to another appropriate school staff person, by mutual agreement; however, the responsibility for insuring that a report is made continues to rest with the staff person who originally suspected the adult abuse, neglect, exploitation, or endangerment.
   3. Police involvement should be determined by the Department of Social Services except in cases of seemingly criminal acts and/or in cases of extreme emergency.
   4. Immediately notify the immediate supervisor.
   5. Complete the written report which shall include the name of the adult, age, address, phone number, with a description of the suspected abuse, neglect, expoitation or endangerment and the names and addresses of the adult’s guardian or next of kin, and of the persons with whom the adult resides, including their relationship to the adult, and other relevant information.
   6. The identity of the suspecting and/or reporting person shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed by a school official other than to the Protective Services Unit or police without the consent of the person or by judicial process.

In-Service Training 

The Superintendent shall appoint appropriate personnel who shall: 

1. Review and monitor the implementation of this policy.
2. Develop and implement an in-service program for school personnel in cooperation with the Adult Protective Service Unit of the Kent County Department of Social Services and other appropriate agencies and organizations. 

Definitions and Identification 

"Adult in need of protective services" or "adult" - a vulnerable person not less than 18 years of age who is suspected of being abused, neglected, exploited, or endangered.

"Abuse" - harm or threatened harm to an adult's health or welfare caused by another person. Abuse includes non-accidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, or maltreatment. 

"Endangered" or "Endangerment" - a life-threatening situation caused by the inability of the person, whose life is threatened, to respond. 

"Exploitation" - an action which involves the misuse of an adult's funds, property, or personal dignity by another person. 

"Neglect" - harm to an adult's health or welfare caused by the conduct of a person responsible for the adult's health or welfare. Neglect includes the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care.