It is the policy of the Seattle School Board that any case of suspected child abuse, neglect, or exploitation shall be immediately reported as required in state law and Board policy, and that appropriate follow-up measures will be taken by the Superintendent or designated representative. 

All professional school personnel who have reasonable cause to believe that a child has experienced abuse, neglect, or exploitation shall report such incident to law enforcement or the Children’s Protective Services Staff at the first opportunity and in no case longer than forty-eight (48) hours after the finding of possible abuse or neglect.  If a household member is believed to be the perpetrator of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation, the report should be made to Child Protective Services.  If a non-household member is believed to be the perpetrator of the suspected child abuse, neglect or exploitation, the report should be made to law enforcement.  For purposes of this policy, “professional school personnel” includes, but is not limited to, teachers, counselors, administrators (including departmental and area supervisors), school nurses, child care facility personnel, and other professional or certificated personnel.   

All District employees who have knowledge or reasonable cause to believe that a student has been a victim of abuse, neglect, or exploitation by any person, shall immediately report such abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the appropriate school administrator.  If the school administrator has reasonable cause to believe that the abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred, he or she shall report the incident to CPS or law enforcement.  

All employees shall receive training regarding their reporting obligations under state law in their orientation training when hired and every three years thereafter. 

 The Superintendent is authorized to develop reporting procedures, including sample indicators of abuse and neglect, and shall disseminate the procedures to all staff. The purpose is to identify and report as soon as possible to the proper authorities all evidence of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.