If you witness, learn of, or hear information that raises the possibility that an employee has engaged in inappropriate behavior or misconduct that might affect the health, safety, or welfare of a student, including child abuse, you must notify one of the following individuals immediately. If you are unsure whether a particular action or comment is inappropriate, you should err on the side of caution and report the concern. You can also report the situation directly to the state by calling the toll-free Abuse Hotline at (800) 962-2873.

Do not attempt to resolve the situation yourself. It is vital that one of the individuals above be notified so that the school can handle the situation appropriately. You will not be retaliated against or disciplined in any way for making a good faith report of misconduct. In addition, you should note that Florida’s child abuse reporting law provides immunity to persons who report actual or suspected cases of child abuse in good faith.

You should also understand that the failure to promptly report suspected abuse, abandonment, or neglect can result in criminal charges for first degree misdemeanor. In addition, an educator’s teaching certificate may be suspended from any person who knowingly failed to report child abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

The administration will assess the information provided and will investigate reports of misconduct. The investigation will be tailored to the report and may include individual interviews with the complaining individual, the person accused of inappropriate conduct, and where necessary, with individuals who may have observed the alleged conduct or may have relevant knowledge. Trinitas Christian School will attempt to maintain confidentiality of the information to the extent possible, consistent with our obligations to properly investigate. Trinitas Christian School will discipline any individual found to have engaged in inappropriate conduct that may affect the heath, safety, or welfare of students. In addition, Trinitas Christian School will discipline any person whom it determines was aware of the circumstances and failed to report it.