401.15 - Child Abuse Reporting by Licensed Personnel

In compliance with state law and to provide protection to victims of child abuse, the Linn-Mar Board of Directors believes incidents of alleged child abuse should be reported to proper authorities. All licensed school employees, nurses, teachers, coaches, paraeducators, and all school employees 18 years of age or older are mandatory reporters as provided by law and are to report alleged incidents of child abuse they become aware of within the scope of their professional duties.

When a mandatory reporter suspects a student is the victim of child abuse, the mandatory reporter shall make an oral report of the suspected child abuse to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services within 24 hours of becoming aware of the abusive incident and shall make a written report to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services within 48 hours following the oral report. If the mandatory reporter believes the child is in immediate danger, the local law enforcement agency will also be notified.

Within six months of their initial employment, mandatory reporters will submit evidence they've completed the required training within the previous three years. Once the required training has been taken, the certificate will remain valid for three years. Employees who have completed the required training will take the one-hour follow up training course every three years and prior to the expiration of their certificate.

The superintendent is responsible for drafting administrative regulations to implement this policy.