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 are mandated by law to report "suspicions of child abuse or neglect." It is not your job to investigate or leave it in the hands of others. Any suspicion is required to be reported. Do it for both the child's sake and your peace of mind. CPS can reject the call but atleast you have done your part.
I just wanted to say again that I'm so glad that their child had a nurse (and just a person!) like you to advocate for them! Obviously something is going on if CPS opened the case. :)
Thank you so much, SnowyJ. There are so many children whose abuse and exploitation could have and should have been detected, reported, and stopped at the school level, and I'm so grateful you're refusing to play a role in that brand of neglect/inattentiveness.
tining, BSN, RN
1,071 Posts
This situation has been muddied by the principal, what a mess.