Child Abuse or Professional Misconduct
Reporting Child Abuse
Chapter 39, Part 2 of the Florida State Statutes (F.S.) mandates that any person who knows, or has a reasonable cause to suspect that a child is abused, neglected, or abandoned by a parent, legal custodian, caregiver, or other persons responsible for the child's welfare (to include ALL school administrators, faculty and staff) shall immediately report such knowledge or suspicion to the Florida Abuse Hotline of the Department of Children and Families (1-800-96-ABUSE) or online at https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us
Although every person has a responsibility to report suspected neglect or abuse, some occupations are specified by Florida law to do so. School teachers, school personnel, school administrators and school officials are professionally mandatory reporters. A professionally mandatory reporter of child abuse/neglect is required by Florida Statute to provide his or her name to the Abuse Hotline Counselor when reporting. A professionally mandated report's name is entered into the record of the report, but is held confidential. School employees must be willing to work with DCF during its investigation.
If a child tells you about abuse be a good listener, be supportive, don't overreact, document, report it in an incident Report (try to write down the child's exact words) and don't delay to report it to the Administrator and the Department of Child and Families.
Signs of physical abuse include unexplained bruises, welts, cuts or other injuries, broken bones or burns. A child experiencing physical abuse may seem withdrawn or depressed, seem afraid to go home or may run away, may shy away from physical contact, may be aggressive or may wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.
Signs of sexual abuse include torn, stained or bloody underwear, trouble walking or sitting, pain or itching in the genital area, or evidence of a sexually transmitted disease. A child experiencing sexual abuse may have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively, may fear a particular person, may seem withdrawn or depressed, may gain or lose weight suddenly, may shy away from physical conduct or may run away from home.
Signs of neglect include unattended medical needs, little or no supervision at home, poor hygiene or the student may appear underweight. A child experiencing neglect may be frequently tired or hungry, may steal food or may appear overly needy for adult attention.
Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.
Report to DCF at #1-800-96-ABUSE or online at www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report.
Reporting Professional Misconduct
Florida Statute s.1006.061 states that all employees and agents of a public school district, charter school or private school have an obligation and legal responsibility to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety or welfare of a student. Failure to report misconduct may result in a written reprimand, suspension with or without pay, termination of employment or discipline/ sanctions on an educator's certificate. Report allegations or suspicion of misconduct to the Administrator. Report allegations or suspicion of misconduct by the Administrator to the Senior Pastor of Peniel Baptist Church. Make sure that you document all your concerns in an INCIDENT REPORT.
The list below gives examples of professional misconduct, but is not an exhaustive list:
In accordance with Florida Statute 1012.315, an employee will be disqualified from holding any position with Peniel Baptist Academy if convicted of a criminal act as described in the aforementioned statute.
Reporting Child Abuse
Chapter 39, Part 2 of the Florida State Statutes (F.S.) mandates that any person who knows, or has a reasonable cause to suspect that a child is abused, neglected, or abandoned by a parent, legal custodian, caregiver, or other persons responsible for the child's welfare (to include ALL school administrators, faculty and staff) shall immediately report such knowledge or suspicion to the Florida Abuse Hotline of the Department of Children and Families (1-800-96-ABUSE) or online at https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us
Although every person has a responsibility to report suspected neglect or abuse, some occupations are specified by Florida law to do so. School teachers, school personnel, school administrators and school officials are professionally mandatory reporters. A professionally mandatory reporter of child abuse/neglect is required by Florida Statute to provide his or her name to the Abuse Hotline Counselor when reporting. A professionally mandated report's name is entered into the record of the report, but is held confidential. School employees must be willing to work with DCF during its investigation.
If a child tells you about abuse be a good listener, be supportive, don't overreact, document, report it in an incident Report (try to write down the child's exact words) and don't delay to report it to the Administrator and the Department of Child and Families.
Signs of physical abuse include unexplained bruises, welts, cuts or other injuries, broken bones or burns. A child experiencing physical abuse may seem withdrawn or depressed, seem afraid to go home or may run away, may shy away from physical contact, may be aggressive or may wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.
Signs of sexual abuse include torn, stained or bloody underwear, trouble walking or sitting, pain or itching in the genital area, or evidence of a sexually transmitted disease. A child experiencing sexual abuse may have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively, may fear a particular person, may seem withdrawn or depressed, may gain or lose weight suddenly, may shy away from physical conduct or may run away from home.
Signs of neglect include unattended medical needs, little or no supervision at home, poor hygiene or the student may appear underweight. A child experiencing neglect may be frequently tired or hungry, may steal food or may appear overly needy for adult attention.
Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.
Report to DCF at #1-800-96-ABUSE or online at www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report.
Reporting Professional Misconduct
Florida Statute s.1006.061 states that all employees and agents of a public school district, charter school or private school have an obligation and legal responsibility to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety or welfare of a student. Failure to report misconduct may result in a written reprimand, suspension with or without pay, termination of employment or discipline/ sanctions on an educator's certificate. Report allegations or suspicion of misconduct to the Administrator. Report allegations or suspicion of misconduct by the Administrator to the Senior Pastor of Peniel Baptist Church. Make sure that you document all your concerns in an INCIDENT REPORT.
The list below gives examples of professional misconduct, but is not an exhaustive list:
- Being alone with a student in the dark or closed room or secluded area
- Behaving in an overly friendly or familiar way or failing to maintain an appropriate professional boundary with a student
- Using forceful or unnecessary physical contact with a student
- Administering discipline not compliant with the school's discipline policy
- Accepting or offering gifts for return of a favor or privilege from students or colleagues
- Badgering or habitually teasing a student
- Mocking or belittling a student
- Chronically embarrassing a student
- Displaying prejudice or bigotry against a student (see "Statement of Nondiscriminatory Policy". PBA does reserve the right to discriminate against sinful activities or behaviors.)
- Suspicion of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to properly supervise students or to ensure student safety
- Cheating, falsifying information or testing violations
- Retaliating against a student or colleague for reporting misconduct
- Bantering or engaging in colloquial or slang communications with a student
- Directing or using profane, offensive, or explosive language in the presence of students
- Making lewd or suggestive comments or overtures toward a student or colleague.
- Inappropriate Sarcasm
In accordance with Florida Statute 1012.315, an employee will be disqualified from holding any position with Peniel Baptist Academy if convicted of a criminal act as described in the aforementioned statute.