Duty to Report

Florida Statutes require that all school employees and agents report misconduct (known or observed) by an instructional personnel member or a school administrator and actual or suspected cases of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Forms for reporting misconduct are available to employees and agents in the school office. Instructional personnel misconduct is to be reported to the school Principal. Administrator misconduct is to be reported to the Pastor. Reports of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment are to be made to the Department of Children and Families at 1-800-96-ABUSE. Failure of school employees or agents to report misconduct or child abuse, neglect, or abandonment can lead to discipline up to and including termination of employment and revocation of Educator's Certificate. Employees or agents who make a report of misconduct or child abuse, neglect, or abandonment in good faith are immune from liability. Most importantly, misconduct, child abuse, neglect, or abandonment must be reported because it is the Christian, moral, ethical, professional, and RIGHT thing to do.

Ethics in Education Policies and Procedures for Employees

Lourdes Academy considers the safety of our children to be of utmost concern.  As an entity within the Diocese of Orlando, we follow all guidelines with respect to Safe Environment Training as required by the United States Catholic Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).  All school personnel (teachers, administrators, staff) complete Safe Environment Training in addition to a Criminal Background/Fingerprint clearance.

In addition, as required by Florida Statutes Section 1006.061(1) and (2), we post notices that (1) all employees and agents of this school have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment or neglect and (2) the policies and procedures for reporting misconduct of instructional personnel, administrators and other staff. 

Finally, all school personnel are required to be trained on the Ethics in Education Policies and Procedures Standards, including:

• their affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment or neglect
  

• their affirmative duty and legal responsibility to report abuse or professional misconduct affecting the health, safety, and welfare of a student, and
  

• their immunity from civil liability when reporting such abuse in good faith.
  

A signed acknowledgment of such training is included in each personnel file.