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The following procedure reflects the commitment of the Burlington Public Schools to comply with the mandatory Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Statute as well as to serve as a practical means of implementing an effective reporting system in the Burlington Public Schools. The intent is to identify abused or neglected children and to refer them for treatment and protection.
To comply with the Massachusetts Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Statute, Chapter 119, Section 51A, it is the policy of the Burlington Public Schools that any teacher or other school employee who suspects that a child's physical or mental health or welfare may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect shall report to the principal of the school building in which the child is enrolled. The report to the principal should give the following information: name, address, age of student, name and address of parent or caretaker, nature and extent of injuries or description of neglect, any other information that might help establish the cause of the injuries or condition. It is not the responsibility of educators to prove that the child is in need of protection. The principal and the staff member bringing the concerns become responsible for filing a 51A report with the Department of Social Services, the Massachusetts state agency responsible for protecting children (under the age of 18) from child abuse and neglect. Should the principal advise against filing the report, the staff member retains the right to contact the Department of Social Services directly. School administrators, teachers and other school employees are mandated reporters to the Department of Social Services.
A mandated reporter must contact the Department of Social Services (DSS) immediately and then follow up with a written report within 48 hours. If it has been determined that waiting on the written report would be harmful to the student, the written report must be immediately filed. DSS responds to report of abuse or neglect 24 hours a day. DSS becomes involved if there are any concerns that caretakers, parents, step-parents, guardians or other persons responsible for caring for children may be abusing or neglecting these children. Whenever possible and appropriate, DSS attempts to keep families intact. DSS reviews all the reports of child abuse and neglect received by the agency. If it is determined that abuse or neglect has occurred, or if a child appears to be at risk of being hurt, or is being neglected, DSS takes action to protect that child. The Department of Social Services will notify the mandated reporter of their investigation results.
To report abuse or neglect, call the Child-at Risk Hotline anytime of day or night at 800-792-5200.
DSS is committed to protecting children and strengthening families. When children are abused or neglected by the people responsible for caring for them, DSS will intervene to ensure the safety of the children.
Two documents linked here are the Mandated Reporters’ Guide and the DSS Report Form. |