Child abuse or neglect as defined by New Jersey Statue means the "physical injury or neglect, mental injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a person under circumstances that indicate the child's health or welfare is harmed or threatened thereby." The reporting laws specify that school personnel who have "reasonable cause to suspect" that a child is being abused or neglected must report that suspicion to the DCF. Employees in the Long Beach Island School District have been trained to respond to the child who needs help.  The major responsibilities of school personnel are to identify an abused or neglected  child and to comply with the laws requiring reporting of the suspected abuse to the proper authorities.  Whether the report is for physical injury, mental injury, neglect, or sexual molestation, the investigation and determination of acts must be left to the DCF which is specifically designated for that purpose.  The purpose of the child abuse and neglect reporting law is to protect children whose health and well-being may be affected through the infliction, by other than accidental means, of harm through physical injury or neglect, mental injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or maltreatment.  To report suspected abuse call 1-800-792-8610.