[seeker1950]

I posted this response in the thread about my apology to Thomas, the problem student. This is the other BD student in my class. It's distressing to me to know a child is in pain...

I have had a good week with Thomas and this difficult class. There is another boy in the class, also BD (behavior disorder) student. He is the other one who said they would "hustle" for a living during my confrontation with Thomas. This same boy has mentioned for two weeks now that he has a bad toothache. No one in his family will take him to the dentist. I spoke to the counselor and principals about him and the tooth condition. They told me he is often hungry, lives with two cousins who don't work and who only took him in because he gets a little bit of money from some sort of child welfare since he has no parents. I asked the principals if there was some kind of fund which would allow me to take him to the dentist. I said, and I meant it..."If you have a pet that's hurting, you take him to the vet!" This boy isn't even getting the attention of an animal. Anyway, this same boy has done the most beautiful art work this past week. I went to the In School Suspension room today and pulled him out to come to my class. Like Thomas, teachers just want to get him out of their classes. As he was leaving the classroom, I said "thank you" to him for doing such nice work, and he said, "Thank YOU for bringing me in here!" I'm thinking child protective services should be contacted regarding this boy and the neglect he's experiencing, but, as usual, this will probably not happen.
Patty

[bebop]

hon I think teachers are suppose to report suspected abuse and neglect to cps or dfcs. whichever you have there. it is a shame a kid with seemingly alot of potential would be treated this way. well any child for that matter. thank you for caring about them!

[seeker1950]

I do not know all the facts with this boy, but apparently the principals and counselor are more aware. You would think those in the know would be inclined to do something, wouldn't you! I've come to the conclusion that things have to be really bad, horrendous, before CPS is contacted.
I actually felt like I was "out of bounds" by going to the principals about this boy.
Patty

[314159pi]

thank you for doing what you are doing patti.
-marc

[eskielover]

(((((((((((((Patty))))))))))))))),

You are such a wonderful caring person....it is sad that not all the teachers & other people in this world are as caring about others as you are.....if we all cared for others this way, there wouldn't be the pain & hurt & anger that there is.

I don't know why the others who know more about his situation aren't taking action with CPS or what ever group your area has available....you might poke around to see why that action isn't being taken before actually take action.

I know, it's a hard call to know if getting them "into the system" might do more harm than good either???? If it makes things worse for the student & then there is resentment (even though he might not know who exactly put the call in). Things like this are a tough call.

It might be a good thing to talk with the student a little more to see if you can get a better feel for what action would be the best.....I agree, taking NO action isn't the answer either....but it is important to take the right action to provide the best possible solution.

Getting more involved also remember to keep yourself protected....you don't want to get yourself into a situation where he could lie about about your actions & get you into a bad situation. I am sure they have information provided to you as teachers letting you know how to keep yourselves protected such as never being alone with the student on being alone with only his friends there who could stick together on a story......but even with all of that, there are still ways of helping that shouldn't be ignored out of fear.

I know that God will guide you to the right solution for this student as He did with Thomas.....you are an angel here for those students. The right solution will come to you soon to help with the toothache which will help with his living situation.....wish I had more than words of encouragement to share, but not familiar with what types of help are available.


Debbie