Genital Complaints

Table of Contents

A genital complaint is any report or concern from a student regarding discomfort, pain, itching, injury, or other issue involving the genital or groin area. Complaints may be related to medical conditions, hygiene, injection, injury or suspected abuse. Genital complaints require prompt, sensitive, and confidential attention by school personnel.

General actions if a student has a genital complaint:

  1. Take the complaint seriously by listening in a calm and respectful manner
  2. Maintain student privacy in all aspects of communication
  3. If the student has discomfort, offer basic first aid or clothing adjustment as necessary
  4. Reassure the student that they is safe to share concerns
  5. Share information only with appropriate personnel (e.g. the child’s parent, school nurse, or as required by mandatory reporter regulations)
  6. Notify the school nurse if there is an immediate medical concern
  7. Communicate with parents
  8. Encourage the parents to communicate with their child’s healthcare provider
  9. Ensure the student continues to have support at school while waiting for parents if the child is going to be picked up from school or their program
  10. Follow any additional district policy or protocol
  11. Document the date, time, observation of the student, care provided, communication with the student, school nurse, and any communication with the parents in the child’s student health record