A. In cases involving allegations of child abuse or neglect by cooperative members, it is the policy of the cooperative to:
1. Respond promptly to all allegations of abuse and neglect.
2. If such allegations are under investigation, cooperative schools may consider relieving the alleged offender
of any duties and should reach out to ICPC for support as needed.
3. Comply with the requirements of the law regarding reporting of the incident and cooperation with the
investigation.
4. If allegations are supported by sufficient evidence, the cooperative school should notify the ICPC
Intermediary and relieve the alleged offender promptly of any duties involving direct contact with children
until the ICPC Variance Review Committee can review the situation and make a determination regarding
participation.
B. Child abuse according to Indiana Code 31-9-2-14 includes the following:
1. Causing physical injury.
2. Sexual abuse of a child.
3. Allowing a child to endanger her or his own health or the health of another.
4. Failure to provide a child with necessary food, water, sanitary surroundings or required medical care so as
to cause physical or mental condition to be seriously impaired.
C. This reporting law applies to all persons without exception.
D. One must make a report if there is reason to believe that abuse or neglect has occurred. “Reason to believe” means evidence that, if presented to individuals of similar background and training, would cause those individuals to believe that the child was abused or neglected.
1. In case of doubt, one should dialogue with the immediate supervisor or the local child protection service
using a hypothetical situation. If one is advised to report, it should be done.
F. Cooperatives may not establish any policy that restricts or delays the duty of a school employee or cooperative member to report. (Indiana Code 31-33-5-5)
G. The reporting person is given legal immunity for making the report as long as the person has acted in good faith.