Ethics in Education Notice

Reporting Child Abuse, Abandonment or Neglect

All employees and agents have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Call 1-800-96-ABUSE or report online at: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/.

 

The staff member must respond with the utmost concern to the victim, parent, or other party making such an allegation. The accused will be treated with dignity and support. Without clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, Odessa Christian School’s personnel will assume that such complaints are made in good faith. Persons making such complaints should have no doubt that Odessa Christian School takes them seriously and will take immediate and appropriate action.

 

When it becomes necessary to report suspected child abuse or neglect, the protection of child(ren) must be the most important concern. It is the legal responsibility of any person with responsibility for the care of children to report all cases of child abuse they observe, and further, to report visible signs of alleged abuse. Failure to report could lead to liability on the part of the observer. Odessa Christian School has determined that it is the responsibility of the ministry staff to report all cases of suspected child abuse to the proper authorities.

 

Reasonable suspicion means that there is credible evidence or a discrepant or inconsistent history in explaining a child’s suspected abuse. A report based on reasonable suspicion does not require proof that abuse or neglect has actually occurred or that the reporter witnessed the incident in question. Reporting is not a determination that child abuse or neglect has actually occurred; rather, it is a request for an assessment from professionals of the condition of the child.

 

Reporting Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Administrators

All employees, educational support employees, and administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel, school staff, and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, hateful speech or actions, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors.

 

Reports of misconduct of employees should be made to: 

Erin Ciulla, Head of School, erinc@odessachristianschool.org

 

Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to:

Amanda Mummau, Curriculum and Instructional Specialist, amummau@odessachristianschool.org

 

Legally sufficient allegations of misconduct by Florida certified educators will be reported to the Office of Professional Practices Services using the Educator Misconduct Reporting Form.

 
   

 

 

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