CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND MENTAL INJURY

Important Points For Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Employees to Remember

School employees with the direct knowledge of suspected abuse, neglect, and mental injury must
report. Any school employee who suspects child abuse, neglect, and mental injury and fails to
report, violates MCPS policy and state law and is subject to suspension or dismissal for misconduct
in office.

 When calling Child Welfare Services, you must speak with a social worker. Any information left
with the receptionist does not constitute a report. The oral report must be followed by a written
report within 48 hours and sent to the appropriate offices as specified on the bottom of MCPS
Form 335-44, Report of Child Abuse, Neglect, and Mental Injury.

 Both in your oral and written report, include clear, concise, and descriptive information.

 Principals, directors, and supervisors will designate where in each school or office the reporting
form will be available for all MCPS employees.

 You may always consult with the Child Welfare Services Unit. They may be able to answer
important questions for you. Remember, you are an important link in protecting the child.

 If you suspect child abuse, neglect, and/or mental injury, do not conduct a formal interview with
the child. Ask only open-ended questions that will help you clarify your suspicions of
maltreatment. A child’s disclosure is a very important piece of information for Child Welfare
Services and/or the police.

 School officials are not required to notify parents or guardians of investigations on school
premises.

 Investigation and determination of the maltreatment is the responsibility of Child Welfare

Services and/or the police, not school employees.

 Child Welfare social workers may prefer to conduct the interviews without the presence of
MCPS personnel. However, the principal or principal’s designee has the right to be present. If
you are present at the interview, you are to be an observer only. Do not ask questions or make
statements during the interview.

 The Child Welfare Services Ombudsperson is available to assist school employees in clarifying
concerns about child maltreatment cases.

 The school employees shall maintain confidentiality of the report and contents of any
maltreatment case.

 Remember: A caretaker is defined as a person having permanent or temporary care, custody, or

supervision of a child.

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