Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect

Introduction

The purpose of this policy is to inform the Appalachian State University (“Appalachian”) community of its mandatory obligation under North Carolina law to report suspected child abuse and neglect.

Scope

This policy applies to all members of the Appalachian community, including students, faculty, staff and others who participate in University programs, activities, or conduct business on behalf of the University.

Definitions

Child Abuse

The act or failure to act of an Adult that results in a Minor: (a) being abused, as defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 7B-101(1); (b) being a victim of misdemeanor child abuse as defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-318.2, a violent offense, or a sexual offense; or (c) sexual exploitation as defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 7B190(16), (17), (17A).

Child Neglect

The acts or omission of an Adult that results in a Minor being a dependent or neglected, as defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 7B-101(9), (15), or dying as a result of maltreatment.

Minor

Any individual under the age of 18.

Adult

Any individual 18 years of age or older, including but not limited to students, faculty, and staff.

Policy Statements

Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse

4.1.1 Adults have a mandatory duty to report Child Abuse to the Appalachian Police Department. Reports must be made immediately if the Adult reasonably believes that Child Abuse has occurred.

4.1.2 Upon receipt of a report, the Appalachian Police Department will assist with identifying if a report must be made to the Watauga County Department of Social Services, another county department of social services, or another state law enforcement agency. Additionally, if needed, the Appalachian Police Department will notify appropriate University administrative units for further inquiry or action.

Mandatory Reporting of Child Neglect

Adults have a mandatory duty to report Child Neglect to the Watauga County Department of Social Services. If the detection of Child Neglect is identified outside of Watauga County and the Minor does not reside in Watauga County, then the Adult must report the Child Neglect to the county department of social services in the county where the suspected Child Neglect was detected or the county where the child resides.

Reporting Resources

4.3.1 If a Minor is in immediate danger, contact the police by dialing 911.

4.3.2 For reports that are required to be made to the Appalachian Police Department, please contact them directly at 828-262-800== For reports that are required to be made to the Watauga County Department of Social Services, please call 828-265-8100.

4.3.3 It is recommended that reports made under this policy include information provided in Appalachian’s Guidelines on Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting, if the information is known by the reporting party. However, please follow the direction of the agency you have contacted to make the report.

Enforcement

Appalachian will enforce violations of this policy when the University has authority pursuant to federal and state law, and UNC System policies. Violations of this policy may result in grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination or expulsion, as well as personal civil liability or criminal sanctions.

Additional References

Appalachian’s Guidelines on Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting

Authority

N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 7B-101(1) N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 7B-190(16),(17), (17A) N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 7B-101(9), (15) N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-318.2 UNC System Policy 1300.10

Contact Information

Appalachian Police Department (828-262-8000)

Original Effective Date

May 4, 2020