Signs of Abuse Resources

SL 2021-132/SB 693 PART VI.

Require Public Schools to Provide Students with Information and Resources on Child Abuse and Neglect, Including Sexual Abuse

On September 1, 2021, Senate Bill 693 was signed into Session Law 2021-132, effective immediately. This law prompted a revision to State Board of Education Policy SHLT-003 to support public school units (PSUs) in implementation of the requirements of the law. This includes traditional PSUs, charter schools, laboratory schools, and high schools under the control of The University of North Carolina. Among other requirements related to child welfare, this legislation requires the following of PSUs:

  1. A document with information on child abuse and neglect, including age-appropriate information on sexual abuse, must be provided by PSUs to students in grades six through 12 at the beginning of each school year;
  2. A display be posted in visible, high-traffic areas throughout each public secondary school; 
  3. The document and display shall include, at a minimum, the following information: 
    1. Likely warning signs indicating that a child may be a victim of abuse or neglect, including age-appropriate information on sexual abuse. 
    2. The telephone number used for reporting abuse and neglect to the department of social services in the county in which the school is located
    3. A statement that information reported pursuant to sub-subdivision b. shall be held in the strictest confidence, to the extent permitted by law,
    4. Available resources developed pursuant to G.S. 115C-105.51, including the anonymous safety tip line application. 

To further assist PSUs, NCDPI has developed a student document and poster display options that can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.   

Additional recommended considerations for PSUs:

  • How schools may want to notify parents of this information.
  • How schools will provide guidance for introduction, support, and response for anticipated trauma triggers.
  • How schools will support students who are found to have experienced abuse or neglect.
  • How schools will deter and address intentional misuse of reporting and false allegations.

The student handout document is front and back and must be filled in with the local Department of Social Service's child protection reporting phone number.  


The poster display has a space that must include the local Department of Social Service's child protection reporting phone number on the left side.  On the right side, a safety reporting anonymous tip line, Say Something, or QR code may be added, as applicable to the PSU.

Documents