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.
You should report this. I have worked in peds for over 9 years. This has so many red flags. CPS can sort out what is going on. At least you will have someone outside of the school/home involved on the behalf of the child.
Go with your gut. You are mandated to report. They are mandated to investigate.
Can you report anonymously?
Actually every report to CPS does not result in an open case and an investigation. In my county only 20% of reports are actually investigated. Also, mandated reporters are considered professionals who cannot report anonymously, at least in my county. That being said privacy laws should protect the identity of the reporter!
Actually every report to CPS does not result in an open case and an investigation. In my county only 20% of reports are actually investigated. Also, mandated reporters are considered professionals who cannot report anonymously, at least in my county. That being said privacy laws should protect the identity of the reporter!
Sad but true, but we can only do our part and HOPE that the appropriate investigation happens. My point being that it is not our responsibility to investigate, just get the ball rolling.
Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..
Our law was changed a couple of years ago. As of that change, ALL reports that are called in, are logged and kept in the computer. This allows more chances to connect the dots in case there is something going on, but not enough for any one specific incident to create an open case.
Explaining it this way has helped me to get some of my staff and even admin. to make a Hotline call, when they are the ones with the first hand knowledge.
Keeping doing what you know is right Snowy. We are all in your and your student's cheering section.
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.
My gosh, think of the child. You are all mandatory reporters. Stop caring about what the Principal and "counselor" think. Think about the child, both of them! This needs follow through and I wouldnt hesitate to make waves if necessary. Do not assume that the Principal and counselor know what to do, will do it, or will follow through. Maybe they will, maybe they wont. Keep on it until you feel in your gut that this was handled appropriately.
Yes, I am aware I am a mandated reporter. I used to have CPS on speed dial when i worked home care with at risk youth.
I have no problem calling. Just tired of the push back and lack of support with admin, etc. I just don't get it.
Now that the child has been admonished for speaking about it at school by the Principal and parents, I guess we will see what happens.
This makes me so sad. The position you are in, the position the child is in, all of it.
And I think the Principal and "counselor" are acting like total failures. This is a huge part of their job! Kids need their protection. They need advocates. If they cant face this, they need to get out and find new jobs.
xoemmylouox, ASN, RN
3,150 Posts
You should report this. I have worked in peds for over 9 years. This has so many red flags. CPS can sort out what is going on. At least you will have someone outside of the school/home involved on the behalf of the child.