School Employees are required by law to report Child Abuse. The Division of Family Services' (DFS) 24 hour reporting number is 1-800-292-9582. Applicable parts of the Delaware Child Abuse statutes can be read by clicking here. It is recommended that the teacher reporting suspected or known abuse make a written record of any report made. The record should contain the date of notification, a summary of the information conveyed, and the identity of the person to whom the information was given.

If DFS requests a written report, the report must be submitted immediately. If a school employee in Delaware knowingly or willfully fails to report a reasonable suspicion of child abuse to DFS, the school employee can be fined or imprisoned. Civil liability is also possible. It is not enough to simply tell your employer. Also, do not forget that the child abuser may not always be the parent, but may also be another school employee, which must also be reported. Some incidents may be required to be reported as child abuse to DFS and also to the police under the school crime reporting law. After making a report to DFS, if DFS fails to meet its legal obligations to investigate and take all necessary action, the Attorney General should be notified.

Once a school employee has made a report to DFS as required by law, there is a continuing duty to report further abuse and neglect. Each new incident of abuse or neglect must be reported to DFS, even if DFS is already providing services to the student.

You should not fear being held liable by a child's parent for making a good faith report of
suspected child abuse that turns out to be mistaken. Such reports are protected by statutory immunity, and you cannot be found liable so long as you act in good faith. On the other hand, reports made for the purpose of harassment are actionable.

FAQ
Question: Does a school official need to get parental permission before allowing a social worker access to a child for the purpose of investigating possible child abuse?

Answer: NO

Question: Does a school incur liability for damages under 20 U.S.C.A 1232g for reporting a case of
suspected child abuse without first contacting the child's parents?

Answer: NO

Child Victim
Child Abuse Report Line: 800-292-9582
Children's Advocacy Center: 302-651-4566
Child Mental Health Crisis Line
633-5128 or 800-969-4357

Delaware HELPLINE
1-800-464-4357