Contact:
(561)434-7354 (47354)
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Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse
All employees of the School District of Palm Beach County, by Florida Statute, are considered as mandatory reporters of child abuse/neglect. School Board Policy 5.30 reinforces adherence to the Statute. The Department of Children of Families provides the following information relative to mandatory reporters: Although every person has a responsibility to report suspected abuse or neglect, some occupations are specified in Florida law as required to do so. These occupations are considered “professionally mandatory reporters”. A professionally mandatory reporter of child abuse/neglect is required by Florida Statute to provide his or her name to the Abuse Hotline Counselor when reporting. A professionally mandatory reporter’s name is entered into the record of the report, but is held confidential (§ 39.202, F.S. and 415.107, F.S.)
ABUSE HOTLINE
1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
FAX: 1-800-914-0004
(requires Acrobat Reader)
Click Here to Submit a Report Online
As a School District of Palm Beach County employee and Mandatory Reporter, be prepared to provide any and all necessary information to the Abuse Hotline operator, to include, but not limited to, the following:
- Victim name, address or location, date of birth, race and sex
- Social Security Number
- Name of the reporter and their role within the school such as Principal, Guidance Counselor, Food Service Worker and/or Lead Custodian.
- Physical, mental or behavioral indications that the person is infirm or disabled.
- Signs or indications of harm or injury, including a physical description, if possible.
- Relationship of the alleged perpetrator to the victim, if possible. If the relationship is unknown, a report will still be taken if the other reporting criteria is met.