SAM

Pools deal with serious claim scenarios, but a claim of sexual abuse and molestation(SAM) in schools can be particularly challenging. These claims present a multitude of important considerations and may be personally difficult for even seasoned pooling professionals.

In addition to specialized claim needs, SAM claims present unique questions about coverage, risk management, and advocacy efforts. The time is right for pools to help address this important issue.

Abuse Prevention Resources

NASDTEC Clearinghouse for members to check employees and candidates for prior investigations, credentialing holds or concerns that may not have resulted in convictions, even in other states.

The California Schools JPA pays for membership access this site. Members must submit the following to California Schools JPA:

✓ POC Name
✓ POC Title
✓ POC EmailDistrict Address

You can submit here.

SAM Allegation Flowchart

‍Suggested SAM Board Policy

Training is available to increase awareness, help staff help each other and avoid accusations.

CDE Child Abuse Prevention Training and Resources

SAM 5-Step Prevention Checklist

Step 1 - Policy & Procedure:
Best Practices for Safe and Appropriate Boundaries

Adopt or update your Board Policy.

Include in your Administrative Regulation District-wide safe and appropriate boundaries for adult-to-student and student-to- student interactions.
‍
Include training requirements in the policy as well as criteria for establishing a qualified trainer at the district according to Step 3.
‍
Include reporting requirements and procedures according to
Step 4.

Step 2 - Screening & Hiring:
Employees, Coaches, and Volunteers

Establish recommended District-wide screening and hiring practices for employees and volunteers to include:

Completing required fingerprinting/Department of Justice criminal background checks.

Conducting employment history reference checks with prior districts specifically related to sexual misconduct claims and disciplinary action.

Reviewing any action taken against a teaching certificate in any of the 50 states (NASDTEC).

Adopting recommended interview questions that address an employee’s use of safe and appropriate boundaries.

Considering screening tools that can help identify a high risk for boundary violations.

Establishing visitor screening procedures that will limit access to campus and screen visitors and contractors against the Megan’s Law database.

Step 3 - Training & Awareness:
Employees/Volunteers

Ensure all employees and volunteers are assigned and have completed training onDistrict-wide safe and appropriate boundaries for adult-to-student and student-to-student interactions.

Require this training annually of every district employee and volunteer.

Ensure trainers conducting group training are qualified to train on the subject matter.

Provide a variety of awareness materials to all employees via multiple media channels such as email, written and electronic newsletters, and website pages.

Consider Training Students and Parents.

Educate students and parents on the importance of understanding and respecting safe and appropriate boundaries.

Step 4 - Reporting

Adopt an electronic reporting tool with anonymous reporting capability to ensure that anyone can report misconduct at any time.

Identify a district coordinator to oversee all reports and investigations. Title IX Coordinator or Uniform Complaint Procedure Coordinator are possible candidates.

Ensure all reports are handled according to the best practices SAM Allegation ResponseFlow Chart and your District Policy for investigation.

Step 5 - Investigation

A District coordinator has been established to oversee all reports and investigations. The District coordinator will review every report received to ensure that best practices are being followed with regards to investigation.

When a report is made concerning a possible policy violation or an allegation of serious misconduct, the District coordinator, in coordination with the site supervisor, shall conduct a prompt initial investigation according to the District Policy for investigations. The investigation shall include a review of the full history of concerns regarding the concern/complaint.

Any report that identifies a student or students as possible victims will warrant a third-party investigation process led by professionals (i.e., Law Enforcement and Child Protective Services) to remove all bias and ensure a thorough and fair investigation.c Investigations will be completed in a timely fashion with recommendations made for any necessary employment action, including specialized training when misconduct is not present, but appropriate boundaries have not been maintained.

Law Enforcement Investigation: When law enforcement has begun an investigation of an incident, all district investigations are conducted with legal counsel and in cooperation with law enforcement.