1. Definitions
   
   
   
   1. It is the law of the state of Tennessee that teachers or other persons employed in the public schools are required to report suspected child abuse and neglect.
      
   2. An abused or neglected child shall mean any child less than 18 years of age whose parent(s) or other person responsible for the child's care:
   1. creates or inflicts, threatens to create or inflict, or allows to be created or inflicted upon such a child a physical or mental injury by other than accidental means, or creates a substantial risk of death, disfigurement, impairment of bodily or mental functions;
   2. neglects or refuses to provide care necessary for the child's health;
   
   
   3. abandons such child; or
   
   
   4. commits or allows to be committed any sexual acts upon a child in violation of the law.

2. Reporting Procedures



1. Any teacher or other person employed by Shelby County Schools who has reason to suspect that a child is an abused or neglected child shall immediately report the incident to the Department of Children Services¹ and simultaneously report such action to the principal of the school² and Director of Student Services.
2. The Department of Children Services has, by law, the responsibility for receiving and investigating complaints and reports.

3. Penalties
   Any person required to file a report regarding suspected child abuse and neglect who is found guilty of failure to do so is subject to disciplinary action as well as current legal penalties established by the state and legislature.
   
   

4. Immunity
   
   Any person making such a report or who participates in a judicial proceeding resulting therefrom shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability in connection therewith.
   
   
   
   ¹T.C.A. §37-1-403 (a); (b)
   ²T.C.A §37-1-403(g)

Adopted 06/26/86
Revised 06/26/03
Revised 02/23/06