Teacher / Staff Protocol For Reporting and Investigative Requirements Social Services and Law Inforcement

Sexual Abuse/Sexual Assault/Serious Physical Abuse/Battery/Physical Assault:

  • Immediately contact your School Administrator and PRO officer. (If PRO is not available contact law enforcement in your jurisdiction).

  • Report to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) as soon as possible (same day, however, the sooner the better) (1-800-352-6513).

  • Report to Title IX District Investigator (Sarah Starkey) immediately (7328).

  • Report to the Director of Safety and Discipline (Jason Snider) immediately (7337).

  • Once reported to you DO NOT QUESTION STUDENTS FURTHER. Law Enforcement and/or WVDHHR will question the students. Please remember they have trained forensic interviewers. The Title IX investigator and/or the Director of Safety and Discipline may be in attendance at these interviews.

  • Students cannot be disciplined until they have been interviewed (due process).

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Complaints:

  • All employees shall immediately report any incident of harassment, intimidation, and bullying to their school administrator and follow process outlined in Policy 4103.

  • Utilize an H-1 form as outlined in Policy 4103 to document and report the complaint; submit to your School Administrator for investigation.

  • If complaint is found to have foundation, and dependent of findings, PRO and/or Police Officer may file a juvenile petition.

Parental Notifications and Permissions

  • If parent/custodian/caregiver is suspect in an abuse/neglect matter, contact WVDHHR, Law Enforcement, Director of Safety and Discipline, and the Title IX Investigator. Under no circumstances shall teachers/school personnel contact parent(s) when parent(s) is (are) suspect in an abuse/neglect matter.

  • The WVDHHR may always question a student without a parent present - administrator or appropriate school personnel should be present unless otherwise directed not to participate. IF TOLD BY DHHR INVESTIGATOR THAT THEY DO NOT WANT YOU PRESENT, MAKE A NOTE OF THAT INSTRUCTION IN YOUR RECORD BO

NOTE: Law enforcement is permitted to speak with a juvenile* or any employee without counsel if they are a witness, and NOT considered a suspect, and/or will not be placed in the position of incriminating themselves. School employees shall cooperate by giving oral, video, or written statement, as deemed necessary by law enforcement. *Harrison County Schools procedure dictates parents shall be notified prior to police interview unless the parent is the accused.

Harrison County Schools procedure dictates parents shall be notified prior to police interview unless the parent is the accused.

WHEN IN DOUBT, REPORT!

WVDHHR: 304-627-2295 WV CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE 1-800-352-6513