Mandated Reporting

Mandated Reporting

The Elon Academy values the role that family plays in the life of each scholar. We recognize that a healthy and stable family life can contribute to academic success. The Elon Academy hopes to strengthen not only the academic lives of our scholars, but also their relationships with their family and the larger community. The safety and welfare of our scholars is also a primary concern. As such, the Elon Academy and its faculty, staff, and mentors are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect under North Carolina law. If any member of the staff receives a report of, suspects, or finds evidence of abuse or neglect toward a scholar they are legally required to report this to the Alamance County Department of Social Services (DSS). All reports of abuse or neglect will be taken very seriously by staff.

The County’s DSS website defines abuse as, “The harmful mistreatment by a parent, guardian or caretaker, which may be physical, emotional, or sexual in nature.” Neglect is defined as, “Continued failure to provide for a child’s basic needs, which may be medical, educational, physical, or emotional in nature.” The identity of the reporter and all information shared will be kept confidential. Further information on the topic, as well as reporting procedures may be found on the DSS website: http://www.alamance-nc.com/dss/.

The Elon Academy understands that family life and relationships can be stressful given the many demands placed on a family unit these days. Financial concerns, child-care problems, and job pressures are just a few of the challenges a typical family will face. Learning to manage stressors in a healthy and productive way is an important life skill that families can pass on to their children. The Elon Academy hopes to be part of this learning process and lead both the scholar and the family to greater success. The Elon Academy provides free, confidential counseling to both scholars and families in the program, and can also assist with referrals to community agencies that may be of benefit. For more information on these services, please contact us at (336) 578-6109 or elonacademy@elon.edu.