In compliance with state law and to provide protection to victims of child abuse, the board requires that incidents of alleged child abuse be reported to the proper authorities. Licensed and General Personnel employees are required as mandatory reporters to report alleged incidents of child abuse they become aware of within the scope of their professional duties.
“Child abuse” is defined as:
- Any non-accidental physical injury, or injury which is at variance with the history given it, suffered by a child as a result of the acts or omissions of a person responsible for the care of the child.
- The commissions of a sexual office with or to a child…as a result of the acts or omissions of the person responsible for the child…Sexual offense includes sexual abuse, incest, and sexual exploitation of a minor.
- The failure of the part of a person responsible for the care of a child to provide/provide for the adequate food, shelter, clothing or other care necessary for the child’s welfare when financially able to do so. A parent or guardian legitimately practicing religious beliefs who does not provide specified medical treatment for a child for that reason alone shall not be considered abusing the child.
- The acts or omissions of a person responsible for the care of a child which allow, permit or encourage the child to engage in acts prohibited pursuant to Iowa Code, section 725.1 which deals with prostitution.
When a mandatory reporter (any licensed or general personnel employee) suspects a student is the victim of child abuse, the mandatory reporter shall orally or in writing notify the Iowa Department of Human Services. Within forty-eight hours of the oral report, the mandatory reporter shall file a written report with the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS).
If the mandatory reporter believes the child is in immediate danger, the local law enforcement agency shall also be notified.
All mandatory reporters shall take a two-hour training course involving the identification and reporting of child abuse within six (6) months of their initial employment and as required to keep their license current.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§232.67-77; 232A; 235A; 280.17 (2001)
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
501.11 Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies
507 Student Health and Well-Being
Approved: 7-15-02
Reviewed: 8-08-22
Revised: 8-12-19
