I. Purpose
This procedure implements District’s Mandatory Reporting Policy for Abuse and Neglect of Children and Vulnerable Adults, which protects the safety of all minor children and vulnerable adults participating in District programs and activities and is in accordance with Chapter 26.44 RCW, Abuse of Children Law; RCW 28B.10.846, Report of Child Abuse or Neglect – Reporting Responsibilities; RCW 9A.16.100, Use of Force on Children – Policy – Actions Presumed Unreasonable; and RCW 74.34 Abuse of Vulnerable Adults.

I. Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Process
A. Where to Direct a Report
All District employees who have reasonable cause to believe that a child (under the age of 18) or vulnerable adult has been subject to abuse or neglect must report the abuse or neglect immediately, and in no event later than 48 hours (2 days), to the appropriate Human Resources Director for your campus below.  The report can be made in person, or by reporting to Maxient (https://www.seattlecolleges.edu/administration/human-resources/discrimination-and-harassment-statement/reportingclaim-forms). The Human Resources Director will immediately report the incident to the proper law enforcement agency or the Department of Children, Youth & Families. After-hours reports should be submitted to Maxient and/or to the appropriate Campus Security Office listed below.
Call 911 in case of emergency.
Campus Security Offices
North Seattle College: CC 1252, 206.934.3636
Seattle Central College: BE 1108, 206.934.5442
Seigal Center: BE 1108, 206.934.5442
Wood Technology Center: 206.934.5442
Health Education Center: 206-255-3974 / 206.934.5442. Security officers usually sit at a table just inside the main entrance on the south side of the Pacific Tower Building.
Seattle Maritime Academy: 206.934.5442
South Seattle College: RSB62A, 206.934.5157
Georgetown Apprenticeship and Education Center: C102, 206.354.6185

B. What to Include in a Report
The report to your campus Human Resources should include as much detail as possible, such as:
1. The child’s or vulnerable adult’s age, name, address, and other contact information;
2. The name, address and other contact information of the child’s or vulnerable adult’s parents, guardians, or other persons who have custody of the individual.
3. The nature and extent of the alleged:
a. Injury or injuries,
b. Neglect, or
c. Abuse;
4. Any evidence of previous injuries, including their nature and extent;
5. Any other information that may help to establish the cause of the individual's injury or injuries; and
6. The identity of and contact information for the alleged perpetrator(s).
The reporting requirement does not apply to the discovery of abuse or neglect that occurred during childhood if it is discovered after the child becomes an adult. However, if there is reasonable cause to believe other children are or may be at risk of abuse or neglect by the alleged perpetrator, the reporting requirement does apply, and the employee must make a report.

C. Policy Communication
Seattle District Colleges will communicate this policy to all employees on an annual basis to ensure they have knowledge of their reporting responsibilities. Notice of these requirements will be posted in conspicuous locations where similar workplace notices are customarily posted.

D. Immunity from Liability
Any person who takes part in reporting alleged child or vulnerable adult abuse or neglect in good faith will be immune from legal liability that arises from such reporting. A person who, in good faith, cooperates in an investigation of a report of child or vulnerable adult abuse or neglect, shall not be subject to civil liability that arises from their cooperation.
However, a person who, intentionally and in bad faith, knowingly makes a false report of alleged abuse or neglect or fails to report the alleged abuse or neglect may be guilty of a misdemeanor and may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the District.

E. Reporting Guidance
The College’s Human Resource Directors (North, Central, South, District) have been designated to receive reports and provide guidance on employees’ reporting obligations. The Human Resources Director of each campus may designate another Human Resource Services employee to perform this role in the event of the Director’s absence. For assistance, contact Seattle District Colleges Human Resources. See RCW 26.44.030 for more information.
Individuals with any concerns about immediate safety should call 911 and then call the campus safety office. If a crime may have occurred, report that crime to the police. Police officers can ensure immediate safety and to locate and preserve evidence.

IV. Definitions and Limitations
The following definitions apply to the terms used in this policy:

Abuse or neglect
Sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or injury of a child by anyone under circumstances that cause harm to the child's health, welfare, or safety, excluding conduct permitted under RCW 9A.16.100; or the negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by a person responsible for or who provides care to the child.

Child
An individual under the age 18.

Vulnerable Adult

A person 60 years of age or older with functional, physical, or mental inability to care for self; or

o An adult 18 years of age or older who: Has a developmental disability; or
o Has a guardian as per RCW 11.88 ; or
o Lives in a nursing facility, boarding home, adult family home, or soldier’s home, residential habilitation center, or any facility licensed or required to be licensed by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS); or
o Receives in-home services through a licensed health care agency, hospice, or an individual provider; or
o Self-directs his/her own care
(See RCW 74.39.050).

Law enforcement agency
The police department, the prosecuting attorney, the State Patrol, or the office of the sheriff.

Reasonable cause
Knowledge based on having witnessed or received a credible written or oral report alleging abuse, including sexual contact, or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult.

Responsible Employee: All District employees (faculty, staff, student employees and administrators) are designated as “responsible employees.”

Companion Document : Pol
Adoption Date : 2023/05/11
Revision Date : 2023/05/11