5001.1 Shasta Liberty BP Child Abuse Reporting Procedures

5001.1 Shasta Liberty BP Child Abuse Reporting Procedures

Board Policy 5001.1 establishes school and employee responsibilities to promptly report known or suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. Employees are designated as mandated reporters and are prohibited from conducting their own investigations, with an obligation to fully cooperate with law enforcement and child protective agencies. The policy defines abuse and neglect—including physical injury, sexual abuse, neglect, willful cruelty, corporal punishment, out-of-home abuse, and digital abuse/online exploitation—while outlining exceptions for reasonable force used by teachers or law enforcement to maintain order. Mandated reporters must make an immediate telephone report and submit a written report (or use a secure online system) within 36 hours. The policy also mandates annual staff training, parent complaint procedures, protocol for interviewing victims at school, and legal protections from civil or criminal liability for reporters.