Board seeks clearer reporting procedures for suspected child abuse, emphasizes DCF reporting and written tracking

Hillsborough school board members and staff discussed revisions to district procedures relating to employee obligations to report suspected child abuse, neglect and exploitation and the criminal penalties for failing to report.

Staff said the policy edits are meant to align district rules with state law that requires immediate reporting of suspected child abuse to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Counsel and administrators recommended clarifying who must report and ensuring principals and district compliance staff are informed. "The intent was to make that in line with state law so that whoever is aware of child abuse or suspects child abuse is a reporting, reports that to DCF," counsel said.

Several board members pushed for explicit procedures and written evidence trails. Member Rendon, who has past experience as a mandatory reporter, said her concern is protecting employees and ensuring a clear record that a DCF report was made: "When you call the abuse hotline, you're given a number that that report was made and there's nowhere in this procedure that that number is anywhere to back up our staff," she said. Staff replied that principals should encourage online reports (which produce email receipts) or preserve the DCF call number and forward confirmations to district investigators.

Board Member Combs urged retaining the superintendent in notification language so district leadership is aware. Counsel and staff said they removed a superintendent-or-principal phrasing to avoid delays in immediate reporting to DCF, but agreed they could craft language requiring principals or the site compliance officer to notify the superintendent and the district’s Office of Professional Standards after a DCF report is made.

Board members requested clearer procedural language and a consolidated presentation. Staff agreed to revise the policy and procedures to: (1) require immediate reporting by any employee with knowledge or suspicion to DCF, (2) require the principal to ensure a written confirmation (receipt or DCF reference number) is retained and forwarded to district investigators or the compliance officer, and (3) require the compliance officer or designated investigator to notify the superintendent and ensure administrative follow-up. Members also asked staff to include the term “exploitation” alongside abuse and neglect.

The proposed criminal penalties under recent state law changes were discussed: staff noted an amendment to align the policy language with law that raises failure-to-report from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony with increased possible penalties. Staff said they will return with revised, clearer procedures and recommended training and documentation practices to protect reporters and preserve investigations.