In compliance with state law and to provide protection to victims of child abuse, the board believes incidents of alleged child abuse should be reported to the proper
authorities. Employees are encouraged, and licensed employees are required as mandatory reporters, to report alleged incidents of child abuse they become aware of within the
scope of their professional duties. The definition of child abuse is in the accompanying regulation.
When a mandatory reporter suspects a student is the victim of child abuse, the mandatory reporter will orally or in writing notify the Iowa Department of Human Services. If
the mandatory reporter believes the child is in immediate danger, the local law enforcement agency will also be notified. Within forty-eight hours of the oral report, the
mandatory reporter will file a written report with the Iowa Department of Human Services.
Within six months of their initial employment, mandatory reporters will take a two-hour training course involving the identification and reporting of child abuse, or submit
evidence they’ve taken the course within the previous five years. The course will be re-taken at least every five years.
NOTE: This policy and the accompanying regulation reflect the current status of Iowa law regarding child abuse reporting.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 232.67-.77; 232A; 235A; 280.17 (2007).
441 I.A.C. 9.2; 155; 175.
1982 Op. Att'y Gen. 390, 417.
1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 275.
Cross Reference: 402.3 Abuse of Students by School District Employees
502.9 Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies
507 Student Health and Well-Being
Approved 7-27-2009
Reviewed 6/16/2014
Revised
