Reporting Child Abuse & Staff Misconduct

All school employees and agents have an affirmative duty to report known or reasonably suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect directly to the Florida Abuse Hotline. Anyone with a concern may report. You do not need proof before making a report.

Call 1-800-962-2873 (1-800-96-ABUSE), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first. DCF also provides online reporting for non-emergency concerns through its official reporting website.

Do not wait for permission, a school investigation, or a response from an administrator before reporting to DCF. Informing a supervisor, filing a school complaint, emailing the school, or submitting a FortifyFL tip does not replace a required DCF report. School email is not an emergency reporting service.

Report alleged misconduct by educational support employees, instructional personnel, or school administrators that affects a student's health, safety, or welfare promptly to Dr. Monica B. Duenas, Executive Director and Principal, at mduenas@amcharterschool.org or 954-423-9704.

Describe what happened, when and where it occurred, the people involved, and any immediate safety concern. Share relevant information with the reporting authority; do not delay a report to gather more evidence. Do not conduct your own investigation or repeatedly question a child.

If the concern also involves suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect, make the DCF report immediately in addition to reporting the staff misconduct.

If the concern involves the principal, direct it to Chima Burey, Governing Board President. The Board's published contact route is through Ms. Liudmila Garcia, Office Manager and Parent Liaison, at lgarcia@amcharterschool.org or 954-423-9704. State that the communication is for the Governing Board President. You may also deliver a written report addressed to the Governing Board President at the school address. Do not route a report through the person whose conduct is being reported.

Concerns about certified educator misconduct may also be referred to the Florida Department of Education's Professional Practices Services using its official reporting guidance. School reporting does not replace any independent duty to report to DCF or law enforcement.

Employees and agents must comply with child protective investigations and applicable child-protection law. People who report in good faith have the protections provided by Florida law. Confidentiality is governed by law; the school cannot promise absolute secrecy.

Report facts honestly and preserve relevant records. A knowingly false report is different from a good-faith report that is not substantiated. Do not discourage or prevent another person from making a required report.

Under section 39.205(1), Florida Statutes, knowingly and willfully failing to report known or suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the central abuse hotline, or knowingly and willfully preventing another person from reporting, is a third-degree felony.

Under section 1012.795(1)(b), Florida Statutes, an educator's knowing failure to report child abuse or reportable misconduct can result in disciplinary action against the educator certificate, including suspension or revocation, as authorized by law.

Failure to fulfill reporting duties may also result in applicable employment discipline. Reports involving criminal conduct must be handled by the appropriate authorities.