1. Home
  2. Reporting Abuse and Neglect You are here

Reporting Abuse and Neglect

Policy Approve By
Scott McCallum, Superintedent
Policy Date (original policy date)
Revised (date text was last updated)
Policy Prepared By
Sean McCormick, Director of On-Campus Programs
Policy Category
Students

I.  POLICY

      When any school personnel has reasonable cause to believe that a child or adult dependent person has suffered abuse or neglect, they shall report such incident, or cause a report to be made, to the proper law enforcement agency as per RCW 26.44.040.  This report must be made within forty-eight (48) hours after there is reasonable cause to believe the child or adult has suffered abuse or neglect. The individu­al reporting the incident must report the incident to the Superintendent's office directly after making the report. (It is important for the Superinten­dent's office to be aware of these situations, but this will not discourage or affect the course of appropriate action.)

 

II.  PROCEDURE

  1. Reporting: Any employee who has reasonable cause to believe a child has suffered abuse or neglect is required to contact the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) toll-free EndHarm hotline (CPS) anytime day or night at 1-866-363-4276 (EndHarm is TTY accessible). The person who answers the phone will connect you to the direct, local number to make your report.
     
  2. Reports regarding adult student (18+), or dependent adult must contact Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) at 1-877-734-6277 (TTY 1-833-866-5595) or using the online reporting options on the DSHS website.
     

3. Informing the Superintendent's Office: The Superintendent's office must be notified directly after the report is submitted (as stated above). Use the agency online form to notify the Superintendent’s office (located in Staff Pages).

4. Report information asked by CPS

  • The name, address and age of the child.
  • The name and address of the child's parent, guardian or other persons having custody of the child.
  • The nature and extent of the abuse or neglect.
  • Any evidence of previous incidences.
  • Any other information which may be helpful in establishing the cause of the child's abuse or neglect and the identity of the perpetrator.

NOTE:  Remember you are required to report incidents that in your estimation warrant reasonable cause. If in doubt, consult the department supervisor, the Superintendent's office or make contact with CPS for an opinion.

Report to parents:  RCW 72.40.210 

If the CPS report is not in regards to the parent and/or someone in the household the parent must be informed within 48 hours.  If by telephone call, notification shall be followed up by notification in writing within forty-eight hours after the initial oral contract is made.