Schools work to place child-abuse hotline posters by Friday deadline

Missouri school districts are working to post a child-abuse and neglect hotline number in every student restroom in light of new legislation recently signed into law by Gov. Jay Nixon.

The act, which goes into effect Friday, requires all public and charter schools to post the hotline in all student restrooms. It also requires signs be posted in a visible location in a public area of the school -- in English and Spanish -- with the toll-free number.

Neil Glass, assistant superintendent of administrative services at the Cape Girardeau School District, said the hotline information previously had been available on bulletin boards, and the district now is placing the posters in the required areas.

"This just kind of takes another step," he said. "The more we can make people aware of the avenues they have to report this kind of abuse, the better off all parties would be. It's just another way to protect children."

The hotline, established by the Children's Division, is a toll-free phone line answered seven days a week, 24 hours a day year-round.

Members of certain occupational groups, such as teachers, social workers and physicians, are mandated by law to make reports to the hotline and are considered "mandated reporters." Anonymous reports also can be made by those who are not considered mandated reporters, but the Children's Division encourages the caller to provide their identity.

Deena Ring, director of special services at Cape Girardeau schools, said it's best to err on the side of caution when identifying and reporting possible abuse, and district staff participate in video training each year.

"We are mandated reporters, and we take that responsibility very seriously," Ring said. "If you're concerned about somebody, check it out. It's so much easier to find out that it was nothing than to find out there was something and somebody hesitated. You just never want to be in that situation."

Each building principal was tasked with selecting the public area to post the hotline information. Ring cited school lobbies as a common example.

Dana Saverino, director of communications, said as of Tuesday, the district has printed about 30 posters and was printing more to ensure they meet the requirements by Friday.

Glass said the new law complements the district's online bullying reporting system.

"We already started that process last year of giving children an anonymous way of reporting bullying," he said. "I feel like child abuse and neglect would fall right in line with that."

Brian Lee, superintendent at the Scott City School District, said about 70 posters have been printed and laminated at the district and will be in student restrooms and school lobbies by Friday.

"It's a great idea," Lee said. "Students can see it without making a big deal out of it. ... I think any time you advertise help lines for kids, especially if they've been abused or neglected, it's a good thing."

klamb@semissourian.com

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