Which individuals in a school are required to report suspicions of child abuse or neglect?

• A. Students
• B. Parents
• C. Any individuals who work in the school
• D. School board members

Answer: (C)

In schools, the duty to report suspicions of child abuse or neglect rests on people who work there. This means school personnel—teachers, administrators, counselors, nurses, secretaries, bus drivers, and other staff who have regular contact with students—are required by law to report concerns to the appropriate child protective services or law enforcement promptly. The idea is that those who know the students best and see possible warning signs are in the best position to initiate protection for the child.

Students are not designated as mandated reporters, though they should report concerns to a trusted adult. Parents and school board members generally do not have the mandated reporting obligation in the school setting, because they aren’t the individuals with daily direct contact with students that these laws target.