Not Enough Backup-CPS?

[SnowyJ, RN]

Ok, I have a WWYD..

Last week, I sent a student home sick. While she was there, the mom of said child took me aside and told me of disturbing conversations her 8 yo son claims he had with a classmate.

Apparently the classmate has been telling the other kids all kinds of things about sex, that he's had sex, and that his (HS age) sister touches his private parts. He used a number of very crude terms to identify anatomy that are not at all something an 8 or 9 year old should know, much less say. He also remarked about some deviant sex acts.

Understand that this child has, in the past, been very fantastical in his thinking. He definitely has issues and values "shocking" people. He has also suffered from anxiety and some behavioral issues.

The mom who confided her concerns had told the teacher as well, and was very upset that these things were brought forth at school.

The teacher and I both contacted our school counselor as well as the Principal. Later today, they claimed it has all been "handled" since the Principal called both mothers and the "tell all" child had been spoken to. Nobody has spoken to either child in school at this point.

The teacher and I were both told to just let it go.

But we both feel that is not the right thing to do. That the Counselor should sit down with the "teller" and in a gentle way, try to determine what is going on on this poor kid's life that would cause him to act out like that.

I am prepared to make a report to CPS, but I worry I might be jumping the gun, with no follow through from our counselor. Or anyone so far. I am still leaning toward doing it. BUT it will throw the counselor under the bus, since she has not taken action, and CPS meets in her office. I know the safety of the child should trump the feelings of the Principal and Counselor, but as you know, I have to think this through.

I appreciate everyone's input and objective opinion.

[Farawyn]

Crap.

Well, you know I have to say follow through. You have to, despite the "teller's" past.

I know you know this. But, uuuuugh, it's the lack of back up and the chain of command, right?

Is this teacher with you and going to stand by you? And you, him/her?

I would go, with the teacher, to the psychologist and tell her/him that you are going to make a report, you want to know why they want to let it go, and that you want her to have a head's up and support.

You are an experienced, smart nurse with intuition, and a mandated reporter.

[Farawyn]

I mean, unless the counselor can give you a VALID reason why they are letting it go.

[Nurse Leigh]

What an awful situation. I've considered school nursing but stuff like this makes me rethink that idea.

Plus working as a Case Manager in Community Mental Health in an adolescent program made me realize how sadly awful some kids have it. So unfair. Every child should be raised in a safe, stable environment knowing the power of unconditional love and support (like I did) but all too often this isn't the case.

Very grateful for you school nurses, teachers, and social workers who deal with this so much. (((hugs)))

[SnowyJ, RN]

Thank you.

OK, I just talked to the teacher and asked if we can meet in the AM (with Principla and Counselor) to be sure there is appropriate follow through. Far, I believe I will be doing what you said. It won't be the first time I've had to take the initiative. I like our counselor, but she only wants to play cute games and keep it light, despite a needy population. Kids with serious issues stress her wayyyyyy out. .

[Farawyn]

Thank you.

OK, I just talked to the teacher and asked if we can meet in the AM (with Principla and Counselor) to be sure there is appropriate follow through. Far, I believe I will be doing what you said. It won't be the first time I've had to take the initiative. I like our counselor, but she only wants to play cute games and keep it light, despite a needy population. Kids with serious issues stress her wayyyyyy out. .

*hugs* Snowy

Let us know, please!

[GmaPearl BSN RN]

Thank goodness for you SnowyJ. Brushing something under the rug because it might be uncomfortable for your school counselor is certainly not best practice for the kids. As mandated reporters it is not our job to investigate (and risk tainting the situation). Investigation is the job of CPS. Sounds like the principal needs that reminder.

Thinking of you tomorrow!

[DEgalRN]

That's such a rough situation, SnowyJ. You're doing the right thing though. Those kind of statements require an investigation, and one that your principal and counselor probably aren't trained to do. Personally, I don't think there's anything they could tell me that would put my mind at ease unless they said they called themselves. Let CPS be the ones to determine that there's nothing at harm here.

I'm glad the teacher is willing to stand with you. Good luck!

[ohiobobcat]

I hope the meeting goes well. Based on what you said, there are some definite red flags waving in the air. Hopefully you can get everyone on board with making the report, but if not, i would still make the report after agreeing to disagree with your coworkers.

And how can the principal, after one phone call, determine that this child is having safe and appropriate relationships at home? Let CPS sort that out.

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

Thank you.

OK, I just talked to the teacher and asked if we can meet in the AM (with Principla and Counselor) to be sure there is appropriate follow through. Far, I believe I will be doing what you said. It won't be the first time I've had to take the initiative. I like our counselor, but she only wants to play cute games and keep it light, despite a needy population. Kids with serious issues stress her wayyyyyy out. .

Well, she picked the wrong job then.

SnowyJ, go with your gut and ::hugs::. Doing the right thing in this job comes with so much pause, worry, and overall baggage, even when you know it is the right thing. And it is never easy when you can't get the support you and the child needs from other staff.

Let us know how it goes. ::more hugs::

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

yikes -what a situation. Did the parent that had some sort of second hand knowledge make any attempts to contact CPS herself? I'm not trying to get anyone out of making any calls, but if there's an open case on this child it's easier to contact their case worker to find out what your next step should be. Even if the open case does not necessarily involve this type of activity.

I'll be thinking of you - keep us posted

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

Go with your gut. You are mandated to report. They are mandated to investigate.

Can you report anonymously?