What should I do?

[jen5/6]

One of my students told me that last night while she was doing her homework with her dad, he got frustrated with her and threw the book at her, hitting her in the stomach. I'm not sure what I should do about this, if anything. Should I talk to my principal, her mom, CPS, or all of the above? Please help!

 

[RO]

Start with social worker or psychologist

I would start with the social worker or psychologist. They can meet iwth the child and talk to her in private. Make sure you document everything.

 

[Nina306]

Please remember that you're a mandated reporter. Do what you're obligated to do: report it. Whatever the outcome is is someone else's decision, and you are just doing your job by reporting. If they decide it's nothing big, then whew! If they decide it's something bigger, then it was a good thing you called.

 

[SC]

Follow the law

I'm not sure if laws about this vary by state, but when I was in college in Texas, they told us that if we don't report suspected abuse within a certain amount of time (24 hours?) we're accountable and can be punished. However, it's difficult to decide if something is worth reporting. I would say it's better to be safe.

I have always worked in a private school, and we were told that if we suspect abuse, we are to report it to the headmaster. He will handle it from there and call the authorities if necessary. I reported one last year, and I honestly don't know what came of it.

 

[jen5/6]

thank you

Thanks for your advice. I did tell my head of school, and she said to document it and let it go, but keep my eye out. I'm not sure what to think of that....