I did speak with Department of Children and Families about the reporting of child abuse. DCF generally doesn’t get involved if the victim of child-on-child abuse is older than 12, unless there is also neglect by a caregiver or guardian.
“Based on the information below (which is the statement from School Board member Jeff Bergosh), we would not become involved in a sexual assault involving children 12 and older – these types of situations are usually reported to law enforcement.”
Patricia B. Franklin
Circuit 1 Operations Manager
Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton Counties
ACCESS, Child Protective Investigations, Adult Services Program
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As we know, Tate High School or the School District did not report the sexual assault to law enforcement. A mother of another child in the class did.
