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Hi everyone,

I’m looking for guidance on appropriate school protocol when a student discloses possible physical abuse at home.

In my role as a school social worker, I was recently notified after the fact of a situation that raised some concerns about process and scope of practice.
A teacher initially received a report from a student regarding possible physical abuse at home and passed that information to a non-licensed staff member (no mental health background or degree in social work/counseling). Instead of immediately referring the situation to a me, the non-licensed staff spoke directly with the student who disclosed, then independently spoke with the student’s sibling, later contacted a middle school counselor (due to the older sibling’s enrollment there) and also spoke with the teacher and counselor involved.

After these conversations, the staff member emailed me stating they had “spoken with both students” and that “currently there is no concern at this time.”

I was not notified during the process and only became aware afterward through the email documenting their actions and conclusion.

I’m trying to understand best practice here:
Is it appropriate for non-licensed staff to conduct follow-up questioning or informal interviews in suspected abuse situations?

How should situations be handled when staff independently conclude “no concern” after gathering information?

What does appropriate escalation/communication look like in your buildings when a disclosure is made?

I’m trying to separate policy best practice from what sometimes happens in real-world school settings and ensure student safety and proper reporting procedures are followed.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for guidance on standard procedure when a student discloses possible physical abuse at home.
What are your expected steps in the moment and after the disclosure?

Specifically: How do you typically respond and “check in” with the student right after the report?

At what point do you make a report to CPS/DCF?
Do you contact parents/guardians before or after making a report?

What documentation is required?

Also, I’m trying to understand real-world gray areas in schools:

What happens if someone without a mental health license or relevant degree (and not trained as a school social worker/counselor) responds to a disclosure and says something like:

“I’m feeling pretty comfortable with the information gathered. I do not currently believe there is cause for concern,” And in this situation, I (as the school social worker) was not notified at the time of the disclosure or decision. I only became aware after the fact when the non-licensed staff member sent an email stating they had “assessed the situation.”

From a policy and ethical standpoint:
Is that within appropriate scope of practice for non-licensed staff?

What is expected when someone independently “assesses” a suspected abuse disclosure?

How is delayed notification to a school social worker typically handled?

Does this impact mandated reporting obligations or school liability in any way?

I’m trying to better understand best practice vs. what sometimes happens in real-world school settings. Thanks in advance.