When they have reasonable cause to suspect that a student has suffered harm as a result of abuse or neglect, certified District employees and school nurses are required by law to report that information to the nearest Department of Health and Social Services officer, Alaska State Trooper, or other law enforcement officer within twenty-four (24) hours.
State law provides that persons taking this action in good faith are immune from any civil or criminal liability.
Training for certified staff will be conducted by the District as required by state law.
Types of abuse or neglect include but are not limited to the following:
- Physical Abuse: non-accidental physical injury resulting from acts or omissions on the part of a parent, guardian, relative, or other household member.
- Physical Neglect: failure by a person responsible for the child's welfare to provide necessary food, care, clothing, shelter, or medical attention.
- Mental Injury: an injury to the emotional well being, or intellectual or psychological capacity of a child, as evidenced by an observable and substantial impairment in the child's ability to function in a developmentally appropriate manner.
- Sexual Abuse or Sexual Exploitation: sexual contact with children. Contact includes a range of behaviors from sexual stimulation to sexual intercourse.
- Maltreatment: an act or omission that results in circumstances in which there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child may be in need of aid.
Legal Reference:
ALASKA STATUTES
14.08.111 Duties (Regional school boards)
14.14.090 Additional duties
47.17.010- 47.17.070 Child protection