Algorithm on Reporting Cases of
Suspected Child Abuse
in Schools
Duty to Report
(R.A. 7610)
“It shall be the duty of all teachers,
administrators in public schools, probation
officers,
government
lawyers,
law
enforcement officers, barangay officials,
corrections officers and other government
officials and employees whose work
involves dealing with children to report all
incidents of possible child abuse to the
DSWD.”
What to Report?
(R.A. 7610)
- Any suspicion of child abuse
- Reporter is not the complainant in the case
When to report?
(R.A. 7610)
-Within 48 hours of learning of the case
*Always, whether or not parent / guardian files
a criminal case
How sure about the abuse should you be
before you report?
• Anytime anyone has a reason to suspect
that abuse is happening e.g. the child said
something, third party information, the
behavior of the child has cause for
concern, etc.
• You do not have to prove that abuse has
happened. Reporting is a request for
assessment into the condition of the child.
Reasonable suspicion
• Means that it is objectively reasonable
for a person to entertain a suspicion,
based upon facts that could cause a
reasonable person in a like position,
drawing, when appropriate, on his or her
training and experience, to suspect child
abuse or neglect.
Reasonable suspicion
Examples of reasonable suspicion:
•Does the child have sexualized behavior or
knowledge that is not age-appropriate?
•Do you suspect that there is sexually
inappropriate behavior between a child and an
adult?
•Is there a pattern of behaviors or injuries that
do not have a plausible explanation?
Immunity for Reporting
The Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic
Act 7610 (Anti-Child Abuse Law of the Philippines):
• SECTION 7. Immunity for Reporting. — A person
who, acting in good faith, shall report a case of
child abuse shall be free from any civil or
administrative liability arising therefrom. There
shall be a presumption that any such person acted
in good faith.
Child Discloses to Teacher in School
Or Teacher Highly Suspects Child Abuse
Guidance Counselor or
Designated Guidance Teacher (DGT)
May meet with the student concerned
DepEd Reporting Flow Chart
Guidance Counselor or DGT completes the
DepEd Intake Sheet of the Child Protection Policy
(Annex B of DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012)
Submits Intake sheet to Principal
Meeting of Principal and
Guidance Counselor/DGT
(Option to call CPU or CPS of DepED for advice)
DepED
Reporting
Flow Chart
REGION
DIVISION
Meeting of Principal and
Guidance Counselor/DGT
No Referral to Outside Agencies
(In –school management)
CALL OR FAX
CPU
LGU SOCIAL
WORKER
Depending on the case, may
Or may not have POLICE involved
Department of Education
Administrative Disciplinary Procedures in Child Abuse Cases
Complaint
School Head/
Principal
Within 48 hours
Schools Division
Superintendent
Intake Sheet
Disciplining
Authority
If subject is a teaching
personnel
If subject is a nonteaching personnel
Regional Office
orders a fact finding
investigation
Division Office
orders a fact finding
investigation
Not later than
72 hours
Review Algorithm
Filing of Administrative Case
Not later than
72 hours
End Presentation