R277-401-1. Authority and Purpose

  (1) This rule is authorized by:

  (a) Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3, which vests general control and supervision over public education in the Board;

  (b) Section 62A-4a-403, which requires individuals to report suspected child abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities; and

  (c) Subsection 53E-3-401(4), which allows the Board to make rules to execute the Board's duties and responsibilities under the Utah Constitution and state law.

  (2) The purpose of this rule is to clarify:

  (a) the Board's support for taking early protective measures towards allegations of child abuse by education personnel whose daily contact with children places them in a unique position to identify and refer suspected cases of abuse or neglect; and

  (b) the role of all school employees in reporting and participating in investigations of suspected child abuse and neglect.