leadership in high schools

Yesterday I took an afternoon call from an irate parent.  She wanted to let me know that despite a CPS call to her door last Friday, April 4, 2008 she and members of her family were not condoning sexual misconduct on the part of her 14 year old daughter and for that matter nor was a boyfriend’s family!.  She wanted me to know that she was angry that people in the school would report her to Child Protective Services, believing these actions could have taken place with her knowledge and consent. 

Any time a mandated reporter, that is anyone working in schools or around youth, believes that child neglect, abuse, sexual misconduct etc is being imposed on a child and causing harm to body and mind, a report must be filed.  The report is completely confidential.  One has to call a toll free number and answer concise questions posed by the initial investigator.  If the case is warranted, a number will be assigned to the case and paper work needs to be filled out by the complainant.  The paper work is kept in school offices or the Nurses Office. 

I myself have made several reports and have always left work knowing that the authorities are investing the complaint that day.  It is better to err on the side of caution because this is the law and the life of a child is precious.  Parents may get irritated or angry but I for one would always like to know if my child was in harms way.  I would rather know that my child was feeling victimized or abused that not.   Children feel safe in schools so they talk openly.  It is in this climate that many children have revealed the sadness and despair of their lives.   Schools have been at the forefront of improving the quality of life for many students because of the mandated reporting that is required of all personnel.  Abuse and neglect cannot be ignored.  Remember, children and the elderly are the most vulnerable in our society. 

Read your School’s Code of Conduct to discover more about the responsibilities of Teachers and Staff toward protecting our students. 

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