EDINBURG COMMON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Student & Parent Handbook
CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT
State law requires that school personnel report all suspected cases of what appear to be child abuse or neglect.
If a child has frequent or extended unexcused absences by a physician, questionable bruises, burns, cuts, scratches, or does not appear to be receiving the same basic standard care that other Edinburg children receive, the school is required to report these observations to the New York State Child Abuse Register. If the school fails to do this, we are subject to legal action.
School administration should assist the staff of the local county Department of Social Services Child Protective Services to fulfill their responsibilities. A school social worker may interview in school any child(ren) about whom a report of suspected abuse or maltreatment has been made regardless of the source of the report. A school official should be present during the interview. However, the school official may decide to be absent during the interview when the school official and the social worker agree that the presence of the school official is not essential to protect the interests of the child(ren), and that the absence of the school official may increase the likelihood that the social worker can accomplish the purposes of the interview (NY State Education Department).
Remember:
á The Saratoga County Department of Social Services is a HELPING agency (telephone: 884-4151). They do not want to punish parents or take children away unless it is necessary to keep a child safe.
á Being a parent is difficult. Children can tax oneâs self control to the limit.
á Do not be afraid to seek or accept help.
á Normal discipline is NOT child abuse.
á Parents should provide firm direction and discipline for their children.
á Child abuse generally results from the heat of anger rather than with a loving spirit.