Procedure
4.16.2
Procedures are on file in the main office of each school.
Procedure to follow when reporting suspected cases of child abuse and neglect:
(a) Any "suspected" case shall be
directed to the building administrator.
(b) Principals shall not make any value
judgments.
(c) Parents must be informed that a
referral is being made (a mandated reporter
cannot
remain
anonymous.)
(d) The person making the referral must submit
a written report (Abuse/Neglect
Report - 3)
(e) The principal will co-sign the
Abuse/Neglect Report -3 form.
The person reporting, with the assistance of the administrator, shall immediately
report the condition to the Department of Social Services at 769-8780. (At this point
if you are unsure if you have a reportable condition you can call this number and
consult with the screener. No names are necessary and you can then decide if you feel
you have a legitimate suspected case or not.)
As soon as possible after the telephone report the Abuse/Neglect Report-3 should
be sent to the Massachusetts Department of Social Services, 1416 Providence Highway,
Norwood, Massachusetts 02062.
The initial investigation will take place within seven (7) days and the mandated
reporter will receive written notification of what the status of the case is (see
Notification of Mandated Reporters form). If you have not received this notification
after about a two week period, please call the Department of Social Services to
inquire about status.