Educators serve an important role in identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect. Children may spend more of their waking hours with their teachers, than anyone else. As a result, you have more of an opportunity to observe behaviors that might indicate abuse. You also are likely to be the person a child tells.

Reporting your observations could rescue a child from an abusive situation. This information is intended to help you with the process. Additionally, the DNLCC Child Abuse School Liaison, Rebecca Williams, is available to answer questions and provide training. She can be reached at (843) 723-3600. We are here to help.

Do I need to report to the Department of Social Services (DSS) or law enforcement if I only suspect a student to be abused?
Do I need to wait to have proof?
Do I need to probe the student for details if he/she discloses to me?
What information should I be ready to give the person taking my report?
Can't I just inform my principal or guidance counselor of my suspicion?
Must I also follow district guidelines for making a report?
Do all reports of suspected harm go to DSS?
Do I have the right to find out the outcome of my report with DSS?
Is it actually a law that I have to report a suspicion?
What is a Mandated Reporter?
Could something happen, if I don’t report?
Is there training available to help educators know how to identify and report abuse?
If a child is exhibiting "bad behavior" in school, could that be an indicator of child abuse??

Do I need to report to DSS or law enforcement if I only suspect a student to be abused?
Yes, suspicion is ALL you need.

Do I need to wait to have proof?
No, the law requires you to report when you have “reason to believe.”

Do I need to probe the student for details if he/she discloses to me?
No, do NOT probe for details. Leave that up to the appropriate authorities.

What information should I be ready to give the person taking my report?
It’s helpful to have the child’s name, address, date of birth and any reasons for your suspicion.

Can't I just inform my principal or guidance counselor of my suspicion?
No, you do that in addition to making your own report.

Must I also follow district guidelines for making a report?
Yes, in addition to making your report to DSS or Law Enforcement you also need to follow district procedures.

Do all reports of suspected harm go to DSS?
No, if you believe the offender to be a guardian or person responsible for the child’s welfare, then the report goes to DSS. If the offender is anyone else, the report needs to be made to law enforcement.

Do I have the right to find out the outcome of my report with DSS?
Yes, you certainly do, but you must let DSS know of your interest in being notified of the outcome at the time the report is made.

Is it actually a law that I have to report a suspicion?
Yes, BY LAW, you must report any suspected case of child abuse and neglect. You are a mandated reporter: South Carolina Code 20-4-510

What is a Mandated Reporter?
Mandated reporting means that specific professions must, by law, report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. South Carolina Code 20-4-510 lists certain professionals who are mandated reporters.

Could something happen, if I don’t report?
Yes, it could result in criminal liability (fine and/or prison).

Is there training available to help educators know how to identify and report abuse?
Yes. DNLCC provides training to educators. This on-site training covers identifying, reporting, and responding to child abuse and neglect. To schedule training in your school, call Rebecca Williams, at 843-723-3600.

If a child is exhibiting "bad behavior" in school, could that be an indicator of child abuse?
Yes. Children who have been maltreated may show disruptive behavior, inattention, low self-esteem, lack of social skills, and possible depression. If you are concerned that a child's behavior may be an indicator of abuse, please contact the Child School Liaison, Rebecca Williams at (843) 723-3600.