Butte School District

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

5232

Abused and Neglected Child Reporting

A District employee having reasonable cause to suspect that a student may be an abused or neglected child will report such case to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The employee will notify the Superintendent or principal that a report has been made by the employee. An employee does not discharge the obligation to personally report by notifying the Superintendent or principal.

Any District employee who fails to report a suspected case of abuse or neglect to the Department of Public Health and Human Services, or who prevents another person from doing so, may be civilly liable for the damages proximately caused by such failure or prevention and is guilty of a misdemeanor. The employee will also be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

When a District employee makes a report, the DPHHS may share information with that individual or others as stated in 41-3-201(5).  Individuals who receive information pursuant to the above named subsection (5) shall maintain the confidentiality of the information as required in 41-3-205.

Legal Reference:
                                   § 41-3-201, MCA Reports
                                   § 41-3-202, MCA Action on reporting
                                   § 41-3-203, MCA Immunity from liability
                                   § 41-3-205, MCA Confidentiality – disclosure exceptions
                                   § 41-3-207, MCA Penalty for failure to report

Policy History:
Adopted on: 10/18/04
Revised on:  12/19/16