Reporting Obligations for Suspected Abuse or Neglect

All individuals working with minors on campus are obligated to report suspected violations of this policy, inappropriate or suspicious behaviors that may not rise to the level of abuse, Minor-to-Minor sexualized behaviors and abuse, and suspected child abuse and neglect. Notifications to the college should be made through EthicsPoint or directly to Smith College’s Campus Safety Department. The college will review and conduct an assessment of all reports.

The internal reporting obligations under this policy exist in addition to any reporting obligation mandated by state law. For greater clarity: if an individual has a reporting obligation under both this policy and applicable law, that individual must make both reports. Failure of an employee to make an internal or external report under this policy may result in criminal and/or disciplinary actions.

If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, you should immediately telephone the MA DCF Area Office serving the child's residence and ask for the Protective Screening Unit. Offices are staffed between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays.

140 High St., 5th Floor
Springfield, MA 01105
Phone: 413-452-3350
Fax: 413-781-4482

To make a report at any other time, including after 5 p.m. and on weekends and holidays, call the Child-At-Risk Hotline at 1-800-792-5200.

Do not fret over whether it’s actually abuse or neglect, the hotline exists so that professionals may make that decision.