Report Professional Misconduct

Reportar Mala Conducta

All employees and agents of St. Joseph Catholic School and the Diocese of St. Petersburg have a legal obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student.

IF A CHILD IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER

Call 911 first. Do not wait to make a written report.

Call 911

HOW TO REPORT · CÓMO REPORTAR

Two ways to make a report

Use either channel below. Suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect must also be reported directly to the Florida Abuse Hotline — reporting to the school does not satisfy that obligation.

Report to the Principal

Anthony Crafa, Principal — for misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators.

813-879-7720

CALL THE SCHOOL

Florida Abuse Hotline

Florida Department of Children and Families — for suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Available 24 hours a day.

Phone 1-800-962-2873 · Fax 1-800-914-0004

FLORIDAABUSEHOTLINE.GOV

Anonymous reports: the Florida Abuse Hotline accepts anonymous reports. Florida law protects any person who reports in good faith from civil or criminal liability, and the school prohibits retaliation against anyone who makes a report.

WHAT TO REPORT · QUÉ REPORTAR

Misconduct that must be reported

Reportable misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators includes, but is not limited to:

Obscene language
Drug and alcohol use
Disparaging comments
Prejudice or bigotry
Sexual innuendo
Cheating or testing violation
Physical aggression
Accepting or offering favors

Failure to report misconduct may result in penalties up to termination of employment and revocation of an educator’s certificate.

IF SOMEONE TELLS YOU · SI ALGUIEN LE CUENTA

Be a LEADER

If a student or family member discloses misconduct to you, follow these six steps.

Listen
Let the person speak without interruption or leading questions.

Evaluate
Consider whether the health, safety, or welfare of a student is affected.

Act immediately
Do not delay. If a child is in danger, call 911 right away.

Document
Write down what you were told, in the words used, with the date and time.

Encourage
Support the person and let them know reporting is the right thing to do.

Report
Contact the Principal and, where abuse is suspected, the Florida Abuse Hotline.

WARNING SIGNS · SEÑALES DE ALERTA

Signs a child may be a victim of abuse

Every year in Florida, thousands of children are subjected to abuse — physical or sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, or mental injury. Too many continue to suffer because it is never reported. Under Florida law, anyone who suspects a child may be abused or neglected has a responsibility to report it.

Unusual fearfulness
Lack of hygiene or inappropriate dress
Delayed emotional, intellectual, or language development
Frequent injuries
Feeding disorders
Rocking, self-inflicted pain
Sleep disorders, bed-wetting
Lack of eye contact, poor socialization
Acting out in school
Unexplained scars or bruises
Malnutrition
Many school absences

DOCUMENTS · DOCUMENTOS

Download the posters

Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting (PDF) OPEN Reporting Educator Misconduct (PDF) OPEN

OUR COMMITMENT

St. Joseph Catholic School is committed to providing a safe environment for every child entrusted to our care. Reports are handled promptly and confidentially, consistent with Florida law and the policies of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. No employee, volunteer, student, or family member will face retaliation for making a good-faith report.

Not sure whether to report?

Report anyway. You do not need proof — a reasonable suspicion is enough. Call the front office at 813-879-7720 or email [email protected] — se habla español.

Call 813-879-7720 Email the office