Understanding Reporting Responsibilities for School Personnel in Pasco County
In Pasco County, school personnel are mandated reporters for child abuse and neglect. This guide covers reporting requirements, immediate responsibilities, consequences of failure to report, and handling reports involving employees. It emphasizes the importance of following procedures and knowing the rights and obligations when confronted by authorities.
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Presentation Transcript
USEP United School Employees of Pasco
Child Abuse Investigations
Reporting Requirements
Public School Employees are Professionally Mandated Reporters Per Chapter 39 of Florida Statutes, school personnel are obligated to know and follow procedures for reporting suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to Department of Children and Families/Child Protective Investigations (CPI).
Responsibility as Mandatory Reporter At the moment there is reasonable suspicion, school personnel, as mandatory reporters, are required to call CPI immediately without delay, without investigation, and without need for approval.
Responsibility as Mandatory Reporter Notifying an administrator or supervisor of concerns is NOT enough. Failure to report can result in criminal charges and/or termination from employment. Instructional staff may also lose their teaching certificate.
Responsibility as Mandatory Reporter Reporters are not to notify the person being reported. Mandatory reporters cannot file reports anonymously, however names are held confidential. FLORIDA ABUSE HOTLINE: 1-800-96-ABUSE
How Are Reports Involving Employees Handled?
If You Are Under Investigation, Know Your Rights
If you find yourself confronted by law enforcement and/or Child Protective Services, what should you do?
Question #1 Am I under investigation? YES NO Determine which agencies are present Answer any questions honestly Stay calm
Agencies that may be involved: District Representative Employee Relations or Administrator Child Protective Investigators (CPI) a state agency that looks out for the welfare of the child; they are not law enforcement Law Enforcement Sheriff s Office, including SRO
Question #2 Am I free to leave? YES NO If law enforcement is present, remain silent and request an attorney Contact USEP for guidance Remain calm
Advocate for Representation I am willing to cooperate with the investigation; however, I am requesting that the interview be rescheduled at a time when I can have a representative of my choice present.
Question #3 May I have representation? YES NO My natural inclination is to cooperate and I d like to consult counsel. If law enforcement is present, remain silent and request an attorney Contact USEP for guidance
Use Your Best Judgment The investigators may be willing to offer insight into the allegations. If Employee Relations is present during questioning, you may be subject to disciplinary action even if CPI returns no findings. Proceed with caution!
Remember: Do Not sign or agree to anything. If you are the subject of the investigation, you have a right to counsel Remain silent. Request representation Proceed with caution. Any statements can be used against you Call USEP for assistance. An attorney can be secured if needed
