1.10 Interviews on School Premises; DHS, Law Enforcement, Mental Health Provider

Department of Human Services (DHS)

DHS may conduct an interview and examination of the child at any reasonable time and at any place including, but not limited to, the child’s school. School personnel will obtain documentation of the name and identification of DHS personnel conducting the interview. If requested by a DHS representative, an administrator may be present during an interview.

Law Enforcement 

Should it become necessary for a properly identified member of a law enforcement agency to talk to a student and/or school personnel during the school day, the following procedures should be observed to assist law enforcement officers and to protect the rights of pupils and parents:

1. All properly identified law enforcement personnel will coordinate all business through the principal’s office.
2. Prior to any custodial interrogation of a minor student by law enforcement, state laws will be followed by law enforcement personnel with regard to notification to parents by law enforcement.
3. An administrator or designee should be present during any interview on campus.
4. Except in child abuse cases involving a parent, a student will accompany the officer off the premises only when the officer has a warrant for his/her arrest or when it has been determined the student has become a threat to him/herself or others and after the parent has been notified. If parents cannot be reached prior to the need to remove the student from the premises, notification should be made as soon as possible.

Mental Health Providers

Except with prior permission of the Superintendent, third party mental health providers may not conduct student interviews or provide therapy to a student during school hours on school property unless specified on a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Amended April 2019