For your safety, and as required by Massachusetts law, the staff of Housatonic Academy are mandated to report to appropriate authorities if there is reasonable cause to suspect abuse and/or neglect of a student by any person. “Abuse or neglect” means a threat to a child’s health or welfare by physical, mental or emotional injury or impairment. Examples are: sexual abuse or exploitation, deprivation of essential needs such as food, lack of protection, physical or emotional abuse and others by a person responsible for the child. A 51(a) form, to be submitted to the Department of Children and Families, will be used when necessary for your protection and to fulfill our commitment to mandated reporting.