Do schools have to report abuse or can they just investigate themselves?

If a school hears about abuse and starts their own investigation but doesn’t call police or CPS, is that even allowed? Aren’t they supposed to report it ASAP? Just wondering how these rules work.

Schools are mandatory reporters. They legally have to tell CPS or law enforcement immediately, no exceptions.

Quincy said:
Schools are mandatory reporters. They legally have to tell CPS or law enforcement immediately, no exceptions.

Really? I thought they could handle it internally if they wanted to.

Quincy said:
Schools are mandatory reporters. They legally have to tell CPS or law enforcement immediately, no exceptions.

Nope, the law requires they report to the proper authorities right away. Ignoring it isn’t legal.

Quincy said:
Schools are mandatory reporters. They legally have to tell CPS or law enforcement immediately, no exceptions.

Not reporting can lead to criminal charges for the staff. It’s serious.

In CA, they must file a written report within 36 hours after they hear about it. But they need to call right away first.

Jin said:
In CA, they must file a written report within 36 hours after they hear about it. But they need to call right away first.

What’s the 36-hour rule? Is that unique to California?

Jin said:
In CA, they must file a written report within 36 hours after they hear about it. But they need to call right away first.

Yeah, it’s a California-specific thing. But calling CPS or police comes first.

If the school investigates before reporting, it could ruin the case for law enforcement or CPS.

Master said:
If the school investigates before reporting, it could ruin the case for law enforcement or CPS.

How would it ruin it? Isn’t more info better?

Master said:
If the school investigates before reporting, it could ruin the case for law enforcement or CPS.

Not really. Schools don’t have the training for this and might mess up evidence or testimony.

You can request any reports they’ve made. But schools sometimes use FERPA rules to avoid giving details.

Breck said:
You can request any reports they’ve made. But schools sometimes use FERPA rules to avoid giving details.

What’s FERPA? Never heard of it.

Breck said:
You can request any reports they’ve made. But schools sometimes use FERPA rules to avoid giving details.

It’s a law about keeping student records private. They sometimes overuse it to avoid sharing info.

Breck said:
You can request any reports they’ve made. But schools sometimes use FERPA rules to avoid giving details.

But mandatory reporting laws are stronger. They can’t use FERPA as an excuse in abuse cases.

Best bet is to contact CPS or police yourself. They can check if the school already reported it.

Cory said:
Best bet is to contact CPS or police yourself. They can check if the school already reported it.

Good idea. Schools don’t always follow through like they should.