Amends TCA Section 49-6-1601.

Present law requires each LEA and each public charter school to designate a child abuse coordinator and an alternate child abuse coordinator for each school within the LEA or public charter school.<br /> <br /> This bill adds a requirement that, at the beginning of each school year, each LEA and public charter school submit the contact information of the LEA's or public charter school's child abuse coordinator and alternative child abuse coordinator to the department of education.<br /> <br /> Under present law, if a child voluntarily discloses information about possible abuse to a school teacher, school official, or other school personnel, then the child must be provided a quiet and private place to speak and the person receiving the information must listen openly and speak at the child's level in a positive, non-judgmental tone. Present law specifies several requirements for the person receiving the information, including that the person immediately notify the school child abuse coordinator and report the information to the department and law enforcement. This amendment adds a proviso whereby, when the alleged abuse involves someone employed by, previously employed by, or otherwise affiliated with the school, the report can be made directly to the department and law enforcement in lieu of the internal reporting process within the school.<br /> <br /> ON FEBRUARY 24, 2022, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 2239, AS AMENDED.<br /> <br /> AMENDMENT #1 clarifies that child abuse reports are to be directed to the department of children's services and that the child abuse coordinators must liaison with and assist the department of children's services with investigations and information sharing.<br />