In light of the recent events at Penn State and the discussion around reporting suspected child abuse we are providing the exact language from Nebraska Statutes and the LPS Certificated
Staff Handbook.
Reporting Child Abuse
Nebraska State Law and school policy mandates school officials to make a report to the proper law enforcement agency or the Department of Health and Human Services (Child Protective Services) when there is reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused or neglected, or a child is in a situation which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect. According to Nebraska State Law, abuse or neglect means knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing or permitting a minor child to be:
(a) Placed in a situation that endangers his or her life or physical or mental health;
(b) Cruelly confined or cruelly punished;
(c) Deprived of necessary food, clothing, shelter, or care;
(d) Left unattended in a motor vehicle if such minor child is six years of age or younger;
(e) Sexually abused; or
(f) Sexually exploited by allowing, encouraging, or forcing such person to solicit for or engage in prostitution, debauchery, public indecency, or obscene or pornographic photography, films, or depictions.
Teachers are to inform their principal or supervisor that they intend to make a report. Administrative staff may sometimes choose to make the report for a teacher. However, informing the Principal or supervisor does not end the teacher's responsibility; teachers are obligated to make certain a report was made if they do not do it themselves.
It is vital that the report be made as accurately and as soon as possible. To assure accuracy, you are encourages to document the date of the incident and specific statements or explanations made by a child regarding an abuse/neglect concern. Timeliness in making a report will assist in minimizing further risk to the child by allowing the police or Child Protective Services workers to interview the child prior to an evening or weekend. In cases of physical injury (e.g., bruising or other marks), it is essential the police observe and document the injury. A counselor, the school social worker or an administrator will help you.
Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect
Professionals Required to Report
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-711
Professionals required to report include:
- Physicians, medical institutions, or nurses
- School employees
- Social workers
Reporting by Other Persons
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-711
All other persons who have reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect must report.
Standards for Making a Report
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-711
A report is required when:
- A reporter has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect.
- A reporter observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that reasonably would result in abuse or neglect.
Individual Responsibility
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-711
When a mandated reporter has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect, he or she shall report to the proper law enforcement agency or the Department of Health and Human Services on the toll-free number.
The report may be made orally by telephone with the caller giving his or her name and address, and shall be followed by a written report.
Content of Reports
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-711
The report shall contain:
- The address and age of the child
- The address of the person having custody of the child
- The nature and extent of the abuse or neglect or the conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect
- Any evidence of previous abuse or neglect
- Any other information that in the opinion of the reporter may be helpful in establishing the cause of the child abuse or neglect and the identity of the perpetrator or perpetrator.
