Investigation: Chicago Schools Failed To Report Abuse Cases

CHICAGO (AP) -- A newspaper investigation has found Chicago Public Schools officials failed to protect hundreds of students who were sexually abused by school employees.

The Chicago Tribune says its investigation revealed teachers and principals often failed to alert child welfare investigators or police when students disclosed abuse despite the state's mandated reporting law.

The newspaper found that the district's Law Department has investigated 430 reports of employee sexual abuse, assault or harassment of students since 2011. The district says it found credible evidence of misconduct in 230 cases.

The district acknowledges that its current practices are flawed, but says officials are working to implement a series of policy changes.

The district says it'll make reforms in hiring, criminal background checks, investigative processes, disciplinary decisions, staff training and support for victimized students.