A legal settlement has forced a school district to provide additional protections for school employees who report suspected child abuse.

 

Christine Doyka, a former psychologist with the Round Valley Unified School District, filed a civil suit against the district for not protecting her against harassment by families and by a site administrator after she reported instances of suspected child abuse as required by law. On more than one occasion, she charged, the confidentiality of her report was breached by school district and welfare personnel.

 

Doyka was criticized for reporting the instances to Child Protective Services rather than only to her principal; for allowing sheriff's deputies to interview student victims at school without notifying the principal and family; and for not reporting the case to the Indian Child Welfare Agency. The law requires teachers to make their reports to law enforcement authorities, not just the district.

 

The suit she filed with CTA's help was settled for a substantial sum and a change in the district's policy. As a result of the suit, the board has reaffirmed its support for any employee who makes a good faith report of suspected child abuse to a child protective agency. In addition, the amended policy provides assurances that the district will take action to prevent any harassment or retaliation.

 

Dale Martin