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Did you teach recently? The reason why I ask is because where I teach, they changed the law recently. You, the teacher now have to call yourself and make the report. It is not the principal's decision anymore. Of course, you should still let the principal and counselors know what is going on, still you the teacher make the decision (technically whoever the child told first makes the call and decision).
That really doesn't matter--I have knowledge of how complex family matters can be but do not choose to provide details. I rather assume that each school district would have guidelines which may vary.
Generally a mandated reporter is immune from consequences for reporting any suspicions of abuse. But that doesn't mean that anything, no matter how hare-brained, that any child may say is grounds for legitimate suspicion--or that the mandated reporter has no moral duty to consider whether the allegation is actually reliable before calling.
You really have to be careful--that's all I know.
We live in a more violent world, thus Zero Tolerance, etc and kindergarteners have been suspended for bringing toys to school, children's drawings have been overanalyzed and teachers have lost their jobs for a wrong word.
Last edited by TakeAhike; 03-29-2009 at 07:39 AM..
Generally a mandated reporter is immune from consequences for reporting any suspicions of abuse. But that doesn't mean that anything, no matter how hare-brained, that any child may say is grounds for legitimate suspicion--or that the mandated reporter has no moral duty to consider whether the allegation is actually reliable before calling.
All I can say is that I would take a child telling me (s)he was being sexually abused very seriously. Of course you would ask a few questions about the situation. Still, I would report it.
I was trying to help you understand that the therapist must report the suspected abuse and does not have to really search for proof. I hope you were not offended by my post. That was not my intention.
In actuality, none of us know what is going on because the poster only wrote one post. Now I do believe that the poster may have posted this just to get a strong reaction.
Although I wouldn't say that this is my area of expertise, I am a mandated reporter (all teachers are).
You are correct. A mandated reporter MUST report suspected abuse if they have "reasonable cause" to believe that the abuse has occurred. It is not up to us to determine whether or not it has occurred; that is the job of the state agency (CPS or whatever it's called in that state). There are protections written into the law for mandated reporters who report "in good faith" so that they will not be successfully sued by an angry parent or whatever. If the OP is not a troll and has indeed told a therapist about the alleged abuse, then it should have been reported. When in doubt, you should report. Better to err on the side of reporting too much vs. not enough.
Last edited by CMMom; 03-29-2009 at 08:29 AM..
Reason: Clarification
And, although this is correct--the issue is 'reasonable cause' and every school system has procedures which must be followed to determine this as do mental health professionals.
From the 'News'--I am under the impression that nationwide 'CPS' has monumental challenges.
What a ridiculous post--we can 'Report' this to the Forum Administrators --then they will have to investigate and make a decision.
Exactly, sexual abuse is not a cut and dried issue, and becomes even more complicated in an incestuous situation. I don't know if you'll get any decent advice, or even comiseration here. I think that there should probably be some sort of incest group so that we can meet the issue head-on as a society and try to think of realistic ways to handle it. Anyway, I applaud you again for removing your daugher from the situation. Personally, I'm not sure how much therapy will help, but at least she'll know that the abuse was not her fault. I would really consider getting your mother help. You have kind of helped by not being silent, so maybe other relatives will not trust her with their children, but she needs to accept she has a problem, and get therapy herself and make sure she is not in a position of trust with children. Maybe you can discuss your brother's reaction with your therapist. They may be in denial now, but they should have the chance to attack you in public (or online, which I guess is the equivalent these days.)
Yeah, the therapist has to report it. Chances are, she already has. It is my understanding that an investigation will not always be done, particularly if there is/was insufficient evidence and no *current* children are at risk. It's a horrible system.
As for dealing with your siblings, well, you have to let that go. It's not easy to accept that your mother would do this and apparently they are choosing not to. If and when they ever come around, tell them that you'll accept them with open arms. Besides that, not much you can do now.
The biggest issue as I see it? Other children being at risk. This women can not have access to other children. That is the danger of not reporting it.
Pressing charges will not be fun. But try to imagine the children you may be protecting by doing so.
Also, do NOT re-establish a relationship with her. This women can NEVER, I mean NEVER, have access to your kid again.
Exactly, sexual abuse is not a cut and dried issue, and becomes even more complicated in an incestuous situation. I don't know if you'll get any decent advice, or even comiseration here. I think that there should probably be some sort of incest group so that we can meet the issue head-on as a society and try to think of realistic ways to handle it. Anyway, I applaud you again for removing your daugher from the situation. Personally, I'm not sure how much therapy will help, but at least she'll know that the abuse was not her fault. I would really consider getting your mother help. You have kind of helped by not being silent, so maybe other relatives will not trust her with their children, but she needs to accept she has a problem, and get therapy herself and make sure she is not in a position of trust with children. Maybe you can discuss your brother's reaction with your therapist. They may be in denial now, but they should have the chance to attack you in public (or online, which I guess is the equivalent these days.)
EEK, I meant they should NOT have the chance to attack you in public. But maybe you have a point. Maybe the "attack" is a way for them to come to terms with the situation themselves...
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Important subject anyway
