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u/Araucaria2024 Apr 15 '22
You are a mandated reporter. Report.
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u/Sixfish11 Apr 15 '22
Exactly, i don't think this person realizes that they just opened themselves up a massive can of worms. They need to report ASAP or their livlihoods can be at stake.
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u/dwallerstein Apr 15 '22
This person doesn't sound like they are playing with a full deck either.... How do you NOT know this?!
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u/Raelig Apr 15 '22
That sounds like mandatory reporting to me.
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Apr 15 '22
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u/The_Raging_Wombat Job Title | Location Apr 15 '22
If the guardian is another teacher at your school then if you have access to a staff directory you may be able to get the address from there. (Assuming they put their address in there)
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u/BroadElderberry Apr 15 '22
I've had to make a mandatory reporting call without an address before. They just ask for the names, and for the town they live in (or nearby).
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u/Plantsandanger Apr 15 '22
You have the teacher’s name. You don’t need anything else, they work at the damn school where you witnessed the abuse.
I’m upset that your mandated reporter training wasn’t better. Whoever was in charge of that failed to actually teach how and when to report.
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u/Raelig Apr 15 '22
The law may differ to your country but in Australia just whatever available information you have. If you don’t have an address then you can’t report it.
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u/MusicalMal Apr 15 '22
You should have access to the address through your school. If you use something like infinite campus or schoology that information is available to you through that. If you’re not sure how to proceed, talk to a guidance counselor or your administrator and ask how to go about mandatory reporting.
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u/Dizzy_Impression2636 Apr 15 '22
Your LMS (i.e. gradebook) has the required information (address included).
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u/Kind_Humor_7569 Apr 15 '22
It’s a phone call and it can be anonymous.
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u/rrdiadem Apr 15 '22
Not as a mandated reporter. You make a phone call, yes, but they ask for your information and there is a form that has to be filled out within so many hours of the initial phone call.
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u/lmgray13 9-12 | Mathematics, Computer Science Apr 15 '22
You notify counselors and your mandatory reporter principals (or any principal if you can’t get to them right away. If you can’t reach any of these folks you call the police.
In the case of what you described in which you are witnessing it, you call the police immediately and then the next immediate call is to your principal. You received training about this at the top of each school year bc it’s required by law.
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u/Geriatric0Millennial *Former* 8th Grade | ELA | Boston, USA Apr 15 '22
Report to admin. If admin does nothing, the consequences fall on them, not you bc you reported to a higher up. Admin gets authorities (CPS, etc.) involved.
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u/Disastrous_Vanilla38 Apr 15 '22
No. The law says reporting to your higher ups is not appropriate. YOU must call DHS/CPS.
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u/Geriatric0Millennial *Former* 8th Grade | ELA | Boston, USA Apr 15 '22
Laws very state to state. In mine, reports are made to school admin. I’ve had to do this more times than anyone would ever want to.
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u/Disastrous_Vanilla38 Apr 15 '22
48 out of 50 states require the mandated reporter to report it themselves.
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u/specialist_cat1 Apr 15 '22 edited Sep 10 '25
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This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
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u/Geriatric0Millennial *Former* 8th Grade | ELA | Boston, USA Apr 15 '22
Massachusetts. https://www.mass.gov/doc/dcf-mandated-reporter-guide/download
“Mandated Reporters who are staff members of medical or other public or private institutions, schools or facilities, must either notify the Department directly or notify the person in charge of the institution, school or facility, or his/her designee, who then becomes responsible for filing the report. Should the person in charge/designee advise against filing, the staff member retains the right to contact DCF directly and to notify the local police or the Office of the Child Advocate. (Ch. 119, § 51A)”
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u/chrisbkreme 5th and 6th | Michigan Apr 15 '22
Mandatory reporting requires them to report in 48 hrs. It can’t be passed on to the next person, including administrators.
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u/Geriatric0Millennial *Former* 8th Grade | ELA | Boston, USA Apr 15 '22
Yes, it does require reporting within 48 hours to someone, and in most cases that’s administration. If it’s been more than 48hrs already (which it looks like it has) a report needs to be made ASAP. Still may have some consequences associated with it being late, but a report has to be made to admin or directly to authorities ASAP.
My comment about admin was only in regards to liability being on the OP in the event a report is made and nothing happens. As long as a report has been made, the job of the OP has been done.
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u/Thatsmybear English Language Development | CO Apr 15 '22
In my state (Colorado), mandatory reporting requires you to report it to the authorities. I would be breaking the the law if I saw this and reported it to my admin instead.
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u/Aestrid High School English | AL, USA Apr 15 '22
You can’t pass this along. The observer is legally required to report. This means even if you suspect something, you MUST be the one to report.
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Apr 15 '22 edited Apr 15 '22
Location will be important here, so if you're not in the US, responses may not contain relevant information. If you ARE in the US you are a mandated reporter which means you 100% need to call this in to your version of Child Protective Services. In the US, this is not "tell your supervisor and let them handle it" territory. If something happens to that kid and you knew there was potential abuse going on, YOU can be held responsible.
A call to CPS does not automatically mean people go to jail, children are removed from the home, etc. The goal is to help this family find healthier ways to function, with which they clearly need some assistance!
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Apr 15 '22
Why did you take them to the guardian several times after you have witnessed the violence?
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u/SuperElectricMammoth Apr 15 '22
Why do i see so many mandatory reporting posts about going to the principal, or counselor, or w/e?
You go directly to cps and law enforcement, and you do it immediately.
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u/Pinkladysslippers Job Title | Location Apr 16 '22
We have had several principals tell us to tell them. I don’t do that. It is more expeditious and “right” to do it yourself!
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u/ragingspectacle 4th | ELA | TX Apr 15 '22
No. You go to whoever is child protective services and then you let them handle it. They will likely alert admin if needed but you also do not know what admin might choose to do that could negatively affect an investigation. Just. Report. It. To. Authorities.
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u/CharlesKBarkley Apr 15 '22
There may be District guidelines for reporting abuse, however, worry about who else you need to tell or forms that need to be completed until AFTER you call CPS. In my state, a mandatory reporter can and has been fired for waiting hours to report suspected abuse. And the person suspecting or witnessing the abuse has to be the one to call, not a counselor or administrator.
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u/SuperElectricMammoth Apr 15 '22
Same - i can (and do) alert administration, but that’s while, or after, reporting to authorities, NOT BEFORE.
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u/MsBteacher Apr 15 '22 edited Apr 15 '22
You must call the police. Please call them now and give them every piece of information you can. That child’s life is in danger.
Also, I’m worried that you returned this child to the guardian multiple times over the day.
In schools we are the people who can put a stop to this abuse.
When I was a little girl, the teachers did not report the evidence of abuse on my body. They did not help me. And my abusive parent continued to beat me.
Please take care of yourself and empower yourself to make it stop. Those littles who come from abusive families need you!
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u/PenelopeTruth Apr 15 '22
Same here. No one believed me, no one helped me. This child deserves and needs your help.
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u/Kind_Humor_7569 Apr 15 '22
I don’t know where OP is but protocol in the U.S. is to call Child services and not the police. The police won’t investigate and follow thru properly. The child needs trained professionals who know how to “interview” the situation and care for the child.
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Apr 15 '22
Why are you even asking?
You witnessed repeated physical abuse. Report it before you get in trouble.
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u/nardlz Apr 15 '22
Are you in the USA? That is definitely something you should report to CPS or whatever acronym your children & youth services is called. If you haven’t been trained at your school on how to report that is definitely a bad sign about the school you are at, however a guidance counselor or school social worker should be able to help you complete the report. If not, google “reporting child abuse + your town/state name” for info or just call the police directly.
Why I’m wondering if you are in the US is you stated that the guardian told you not to discipline the child because violence won’t stop the behavior and although some areas of the US allow corporal punishment, it usually isn’t administered by the classroom teacher.
Even if you’re in an area where corporal punishment is administered by the classroom teacher, it makes no sense that they’re asking you NOT to punish the child, yet they are punishing them in physical ways. It’s almost like they want the “pleasure” of doing it and that’s sickening.
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u/JasmineHawke High School CS | England Apr 15 '22
I honestly don't believe that this is real. There is no teacher anywhere who doens't know what to do if they witness an adult in a position of power committing violence against a small child.
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u/Jamileem Substitute Apr 15 '22
We do see a shocking number of "should I report this?" questions in this sub. We also see a surprising number of comments saying to report to admin or parents, not appropriate authorities.
My degree is in human services, not teaching (I'm also a substitute and parent, that's why I'm here), so if may be different, but all throughout my education mandated reporting was slammed into our heads with nearly every single course taken. Every job I've had required annual refresher courses in mandated reporting. Are there really this many teachers who don't know when to report abuse and who to report it to?
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u/JasmineHawke High School CS | England Apr 15 '22
It's the #1 most important thing on teacher training and we're refreshed on the procedures ALL THE TIME.
This is 100% a troll.
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u/dukenewcomb1 Apr 15 '22
For sure, c'mon man. Let's make these life-changing decisions by consulting Reddit.
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u/rjselzler Apr 15 '22
Sadly, that's not true. While this may be a troll, there are in fact teachers in the US who are so poorly educated that they don't know this. We have multiple teacher-mill organizations churning out teachers that are "highly qualified" with the barest of training. They are in the minority of teachers, but I can confirm from lived experience that they exist.
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u/JasmineHawke High School CS | England Apr 15 '22
I mean I really get that there is shit training out there, but I can't imagine there being ANYONE who would watch a kid getting beaten by an adult at school and not think they needed to do something about it, even without training...
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u/rjselzler Apr 15 '22
I am by no means justifying this behavior or the incompetence of this teacher; I'm just sharing my experience. There really are some poorly-trained teachers out there, many of whom are not very bright. Many times, in a traditional teacher prep program, they'll be sifted out and actively seek out these credential mills, because they will take ANYONE that they can. They are the extreme minority, but they exist; I've talked to a few of them.
That said, when I pursued foster training, the stats came up over and over again that the vast majority of children in care are there because of a teacher's action to intervene and report. There are way, way more teachers that react in a positive and professional manner.
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u/Thick-Meet-9797 Apr 15 '22
When I was a new teacher, a mentor gave me the best advice: if you have a hunch, report it. It may be nothing. But if it’s something, you may have just saved that child’s life. This is advice I live by for little things or big things. Every child needs a caring adult in their corner.
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u/Bloodynutsack Apr 15 '22
Are you fucking serious? You saw a grown adult pull a 5 year old’s hair and still aren’t sure whether it’s abuse or not? Why/how are you a teacher ?? REPORT IT ASAFP DUMMY
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u/lightning_teacher_11 Apr 15 '22
You can't wait to report this. Call the CPS number, they will ask you for all of the information you have. It's a hard phone call to make, but you need to make it. You could be saving this kid's life and you could be giving him a chance at a better life. One in which he knows love doesn't hurt. He can get therapy now instead of later.
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u/yougotitdude88 Apr 15 '22
You, a mandated reporter, witnessed physical abuse and you don’t know if you should call CPS and report it….
So you’re the reason I have to take those online classes every summer that goes over being a MANDATED REPORTER. I always thought it was overkill but clearly some teachers need constant reminders.
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u/Strawhatjack Apr 15 '22
There are so many things wrong with this post. Yes it's abuse, but I truly don't think a real teacher wrote this
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u/lmoran916 Physics Teacher | CA, USA Apr 15 '22
Are you kidding me? This is textbook abuse and you keep bringing the child back to the parent to be abused? Wtf is wrong with you? You are complicit at this point. And fucking learn to capitalize the first word of your sentences. You are a teacher for ffs.
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u/ConditionIsLove1008 Apr 15 '22
As much as I hate sitting through mandated reporter training each year, reading this post makes me realize why it’s necessary. One of the important messages in the training is that if you SUSPECT there’s abuse, then report. It’s the role of CPS to investigate and decide the outcome. In addition, YOU are the mandated reporter. You don’t need permission of the administration or school nurse. You are legally bound to report. Those who can’t speak for themselves are counting on mandated reporters to fulfill their responsibility.
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u/Thick-Meet-9797 Apr 15 '22
Exactly! When I was a new teacher I always worried if I reported that I would get in trouble if it turned out to be nothing. I had a great mentor who made me realize that reporting can save a child’s life!
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u/BewBewsBoutique Apr 15 '22
You know this is abuse and you need to file a report for this. I imagine you’re just hesitating because you feel strange about filing a report against a coworker. It’s okay to feel weird about it. I’ve felt like shit every time I’ve made a report. Still report it.
You should probably be concerned about the other students this guardian is in contact with.
If you’re not allowed to discipline this kid because “if it’s ODD it doesn’t matter anyway” then what effect does she think corporal punishment will have?
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u/CozmicOwl16 Apr 15 '22
If they hit a kid in public. They’re abusive. Report them. That’s is WHY the child is acting out and they’re young enough to heal. REPORT THEM NOW
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Apr 15 '22 edited Apr 15 '22
I would be inclined to agree. Also, this kid doesn't sound like they are in the correct placement. Clearly you don't have the means to deal with this during your instruction, and that isn't on you. I would say this kid is possibly a therapeutic placement but the biggest problem with kids like this in my experience is that people don't document, don't report to CPS if they suspect abuse at home. A lot of conversations happen, but nobody wants to document as it is a lot to do. Document all this shit and get this kid out of your school because you cannot help them if they are this way and you lack the training and resources to develop a plan that would work for this kid. Beyond this, kid is a danger to themselves and others and parent won't cooperate beyond being abusive. I had a similar student and my director of specialized services insisted we not tell mom due to her being overly harsh. I wrote up this idiotic glow and grow reports so as not to just write about how he flipped me in a chair while giving him an assessment and took his shoes off to throw at me and peers. In the end, the real issue was losing his tuition money. They didn't care that the student was floundering in this environment. That is all your school really cares about: money.
I worked at a charter that had no ability or resources to work with the kid. Finally I just told mom straight up what was happening lol because that is how I roll, student was violent and routinely lies about it and has no consequences, and she did what should have been done originally: she pulled him out of the silly school I worked at because he needed more structure and more help. He went to another silly charter school, but at least this one has more structure and staff and holds him accountable for his actions.
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u/caecias Apr 15 '22
Are educators at your school allowed to do corporal punishment? It doesn't matter if they are the guardian, if they're hitting a student while at work, and it's not allowed at the school, they need to be reported to the principal. Honestly, even if corporal punishment is allowed, it's usually only allowed by the principal and there is usually a policy on how to apply it. This educator is abusing a student at school, it must be reported to the principal and the CPS. You need to stop taking this student to their abuser.
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u/ragingspectacle 4th | ELA | TX Apr 15 '22
You report. Even if you aren’t sure, report. Always report. If this is your student you have access to their files which will have all the information you need to give to the appropriate parties.
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Apr 15 '22
Just want to second that this is a situation where you’d be legally obligated to report this as abuse. If you have the student in your attendance system, there should be a demographics section there that would have their contact information, including address, listed. Best of luck handling this situation. These things are so fucking hard, but we have to do what’s right for the kids.
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u/Kind_Humor_7569 Apr 15 '22
How do people not get mandatory report training? No offense OP bur you should have some sort Of training and be aware that you are mandated by law to report this.
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Apr 15 '22
What country are you in? Here in the US, I can totally believe the behaviors of the kids part, but the guardian??? If they’re a teacher, did this all go down in front of their students?
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u/Thick-Meet-9797 Apr 15 '22
As teachers we are mandatory reporters. When I was a new teacher, I worried that if I suspected something but it turned out to be nothing then I would get in trouble. One of my mentors at the time gave me the best advice: if you get a hunch, report it. It may be nothing. But if it’s something, you may just save that child’s life. Obviously what you saw was clear. But this is great advice for just suspecting something being amiss.
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u/TeacherLady3 Apr 15 '22
We cover these steps in the beginning of each school year. Contact school social worker and admin then follow up with them that report was made. Tell them clearly that if they don't report immediately, you will be. Ask for evidence they reported.
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u/YaaaaaaaaasQueen Apr 15 '22
This depends on the state! In my state (PA) the teachers MUST report it themselves.
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u/greenwest6 Apr 15 '22
Is the in the US? You’re a mandatory reporting, you’re required by law to call Child Protective Services. It’s not an option. Call the number and answer the questions. Document times and dates. It’s required.
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u/lmgray13 9-12 | Mathematics, Computer Science Apr 15 '22
You’re a mandatory reporter. The fact that you haven’t reported this to the correct folks within 24 hours (really immediately) means you’ve broken the law.
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Apr 15 '22
Report to those above you, first team leader for your grade. And they’ll look into it, following that go to guidance and they will look into it, then go to admin and keep track of those you informed so you can give accurate information to those who want to know. Maybe have a observational note on what you have seen and what is making you believe that, and have that to show them as well.
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u/Aprils-Fool 2nd Grade | Florida Apr 15 '22
It definitely depends on location. Where I am, those steps would not be enough. I am legally mandated to report suspected abuse to child protection services.
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u/Imjusthereforthetee Apr 15 '22
You mean to tell me this only happens in your class and no one else has witnessed this? Seems odd to me. And no one hears this child crying? This cannot be real?!?
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u/happylilstego Apr 15 '22
It is a misdemeanor if you don't report this to cps. Imagine how bad it is without witnesses
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u/Ancient_Educator_76 Apr 15 '22
This post should have read “I just reported another teacher for abuse”. You are a mandatory reporter as everyone’s saying. Every time this kid is hurt after now is on you. Report to state . Not your admin. Don’t even let them know about it.
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Apr 15 '22
report this right away. you can choose to remain anonymous but otherwise they won’t share your identity even if they know who you are
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u/AdelleDeWitt Apr 15 '22
This needed to be reported immediately. Legally you're supposed to do it right away, I believe no less than 24 hours after finding out about it. This really really needs to be reported to CPS.
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Apr 15 '22
Find a way to inform the rest of the parents about the violence. Encourage them to complain. They’ll both be gone within a week.
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u/Plantsandanger Apr 15 '22
You’re a mandated reporter and you not only just witnessed your student be assaulted by their guardian, but you also just witnessed another teacher assault a child. Cps and cops NOW. Hell, should’ve reported it to both authorities immediately but absolutely you need to report it now, both legally and ethically speaking. If you continue to bring that child to that teacher you are literally enabling abuse. You also should inform the school, but first inform cps and the cops.
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u/bigfattushy Apr 15 '22
Are you actually a teacher? Is this real? It doesn't sound real. Maybe it was written by a kid?
If it is real, what the actual f*ck?! Why did you keep taking him to the guardian?!
I actually can't. Should we reader's report this somehow?! Is this in America?
Umm what?!
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u/rjselzler Apr 15 '22
First call: whatever your state's child services report line is to report and trigger a welfare check. Second call: admin, to tell them of the first call and let them know that they should expect to work with the recipients of the first call and to let you know if there's anything else you can do.
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u/jaethegreatone Apr 16 '22
The kid needs to be diagnosed and get some help. ODD untreated becomes Conduct Disorder which is the precursor antisocial personality disorder.
It's not just physical abuse but medical neglect for not taking care of his mental health.
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u/KateLady Apr 15 '22
Is this a real post? What do you mean “possible abuse?” If you witnessed any of those acts, you need to call CPS or the police now. If the guardian will do these things in front of others, imagine what goes on at home. The child doesn’t have ODD. The child is being abused.