Anne is 10 years old and lives in a major metropolitan U.S. city and is currently in the 4th grade. Today, during gym class, Anne’s teacher notices several large bruises on all of Anne’s arms and legs and that her clothing is torn and dirty. When the teacher questions Anne about how she got the bruises, Anne replies “I fell on the playground.” The teacher reports the bruising to the school principal. The teacher and principal request Anne’s mother attend a conference after school.
During the conference, Anne’s mother is difficult to communicate with. She appears to be intoxicated, but denies having had anything to drink. She is also very defensive, states that Anne is a clumsy, lazy child and that Anne lies to get attention. The mother denies that anyone has physically hurt Anne.
During the conference, Anne sits next to her mother but does not make eye contact with anyone in the room, nor does she speak. When questioned as to why Anne’s father could not attend the conference, Anne’s mother replies that he was too tired because he works two jobs and has to sleep during the day. Anne and her mother leave the conference and Anne is not in school the next day.
As Anne’s teacher, you are a mandated reporter, meaning you must notify authorities of suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. You are very concerned about Anne, but you aren’t sure if what you have observed rises to the level of abuse or neglect.
- Write a 1-2 page memo to the principal regarding Anne. You are allowed to take one of two positions.
- Anne is the victim of abuse/neglect.
- If you take this position, you must list the rationale including signs/symptoms, parental concerns, and contacts with Anne.
- Anne is not the victim of abuse/neglect.
- If you take this position, you must list the rationale including mitigating factors, parental strengths, and contacts with Anne.
- Anne is the victim of abuse/neglect.
- Make a recommendation to your principal about whether or not you should contact child welfare services.