New Vision Learning Academy

Mandated Reporting with the Department of Child and Family Services

 

New Vision Learning Academy Mandated Reporter Quick-Action Checklist

Step 1: Recognize the SignsCheck the possibility of abuse or neglect if you observe the following:

 Physical Signs: Unexplained bruises (especially in various stages of healing), welts, cigarette burns, or marks that look like objects (belts, cords).

 Neglect Signs: Consistently dirty clothes, severe body odor, extreme hunger (hoarding food),or a child who is frequently listless or falling asleep in class.

 Behavioral Signs: Sudden "regressive" behavior (thumb-sucking, wetting), extreme aggression or extreme withdrawal, or a child who is "always watchful" as if waiting for something bad to happen. Disclosures: The child tells you directly that they have been hurt or feel unsafe at home.

 

Step 2: Immediate Reporting (The "Oral" Report)If you have "reasonable cause" to suspect abuse/neglect, you must report it immediately. You do not need proof. Call the DCFS Hotline: 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437). Call Law Enforcement (If Necessary): If the abuse occurred at school or involves a school employee, you must also call the Monroe Police Department at (318) 329-2600.

 

Step 3: Information to Have ReadyThe hotline operator will ask for as much of the following as you know: Child’s Name, Age, Race, and Sex. Parent/Caretaker Name and Address. The nature/extent of the injury or condition. Any explanation given by the child or the parent for the injury. Your name and contact information (this is kept confidential).

 

Step 4: The Written Follow-Up (Within 5 Days)Louisiana law (La. Ch.C. Art. 610) requires a written report to follow every oral report. Submit Online: Use the DCFS Mandated Reporter Portal.  Document Locally: Keep a copy of your confirmation number/report in a confidential file (separate from the student’s cumulative folder).

 

 

Procedures for Cyberbullying and Internet SafetyNew Vision Learning Academy’s Cyberbullying & Internet Safety Procedure1. Prevention & Digital CitizenshipBefore an incident occurs, the school will foster a "Safety First" culture: Curriculum Integration: Teachers will use dedicated "Digital Citizenship" blocks (aligned withSocial Studies standards) to teach scholars about their "digital footprint" and the impact of onlinewords. The Homework Safety Zone: Students are encouraged to use Homework Louisiana for academic help, as it provides a safe, monitored environment, reducing the risk of unsupervised peer-to-peer interaction during study hours. Filtering & Monitoring: All school-issued devices and networks will utilize CIPA-compliant(Children’s Internet Protection Act) filtering software to block inappropriate content and flag keywords related to self-harm or bullying.2. Reporting ProtocolsNew Vision Learning Academy maintains a "See Something, Say Something" policy regarding thedigital space. Staff Obligation: Any staff member who witnesses or receives a report of cyberbullying mustdocument the incident and notify the Title IX Coordinator within 24 hours. Scholar/Parent Reporting: A "Safety Report" link should be prominently displayed on theNVLA website for anonymous reporting. Evidence Collection: Parties involved are instructed to save screenshots, URLs, and messages.Staff are advised not to delete any digital evidence during an active investigation.3. Incident Response & InvestigationOnce a report is filed, the following steps are taken:1. Safety Assessment: Immediate determination of whether the incident involves a threat ofphysical harm. If so, law enforcement and the Custodian of Records are notified.2. Investigation: The administration will interview involved partiesseparately. Cyberbullying occurring off-campus that creates a "substantial disruption" to theschool environment will be treated with the same severity as on-campus bullying.3. Mandated Reporting: If the digital harassment involves predatory behavior or explicit content,staff must follow the DCFS Mandated Reporter Checklist.4. Disciplinary Action & RemediationLevel Action TakenMinor (First Offense) Digital safety counseling, temporary loss of device privileges, andparent notification.Moderate (Repeated) In-school suspension, mandatory digital citizenship workshop,and behavior contract.Severe(Threats/Harassment)Out-of-school suspension or expulsion recommendation; referralto local authorities if applicable.