Section 70. Suspected child abuse or neglect

A. When there is reason to suspect that a resident is an abused or neglected child, the matter shall be reported immediately to the local department of social services as required by § 63.2-1509 of the Code of Virginia and in accordance with written procedures.

B. Any case of suspected child abuse or neglect occurring at the JCC, occurring on a JCC sponsored event or excursion, or involving JCC staff shall be reported within 24 hours, in accordance with written procedures, to (i) the director or his designee, (ii) the court services unit, and (iii) the resident's parent or legal guardian, as appropriate and applicable.

C. When a case of suspected child abuse or neglect is reported to child protective services a record shall be maintained at the facility that contains the following information:

1. The date and time the suspected abuse or neglect occurred;

2. A brief description of the suspected abuse or neglect;

3. Action taken as a result of the suspected abuse or neglect; and

4. The name or identifying information of the person to whom the report was made at the local child protective services unit.

D. The resident's record shall contain a written reference that a report was made.

E. Written procedures shall be accessible to staff regarding the following:

1. Handling accusations of child abuse or neglect, including those made against staff;

2. Reporting, consistent with requirements of the Code of Virginia, and documenting suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the local child protective services unit;

3. Cooperating during any investigation; and

4. Measures to be taken to ensure the safety of the resident and the staff.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.

Statutory Authority

§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.