Quoting Post Archived Topic: It will not be bumped to the top of the forum. Topic Concerned about a child... Membername   Not a member? Sign Up Free (takes 20 seconds) Password   Forgotten your password? Post Font: Verdana Arial Black Georgia Comic Sans Impact   Size: Tiny Normal Big Huge   Color: Default Dark Red Red Orange Brown Green Olive Cyan Blue Dark Blue Indigo Black [ Check Spelling ] [ Post Preview ] [ LiveTags ] Quote: from [m]StopXXwatch[/m] at 9:21 am on July 13, 2008[quote]I would call like a drinker hotline and see what you can do.[/quote] FAQ Keyword Search: Post Options Favorites Manager Notify me of new replies to this topic by email Notify me of new replies to this topic by private message Original Post GI Posted at 9:19 am on July 13, 2008 So I work as a teacher's aide/generally help around the school, in a primary school. (aged 4-11) Basically, I won't use his real name, Johnathon (6), is always coming in with odd bruises and scratches, and he's very quiet. Like he's hiding something. At one point he came in with a huge burn on his leg and said he'd 'fell on the fireplace.' I'd love to confront the mother, as it's getting out of hand, but I'm scared that if I do she'll just...well I don't want to imagine what she'd do to Jon, because she drinks. If I told the authorities, would they take him away straight away? I'm not aware of the process and I don't want to put the kid in danger. What should I do?

Replies ignatius Posted at 2:10 pm on July 13, 2008 Every schools should have a counselor or a educational psychologist hired , you should take the child and go to him/her. He/She will know what to do. RainBowBow Posted at 1:33 pm on July 13, 2008 don't tell the mother, just tell the child protective department secretly GI Posted at 10:24 am on July 13, 2008 Quote: from katzkitten at 9:20 am on July 13, 2008 maybe your over reacting a little? That's ridiculous. There's no such thing as over reacting when it comes kids getting hurt. GlassHearts Posted at 9:56 am on July 13, 2008 I know its stupid, but you do have to be careful of certain questions you ask him otherwise you may get in trouble yourself.there was a similar case at a nursery i worked at and they were very careful with what they said.i agree with the idea of asking older staff and then contacting social services.hope you have success with this.x And to anyone saying about overreacting,its not just a few bruises,child abuse is common and could leave the child with physical + emotional damage.better safe than sorry. Periwinkle Posted at 9:36 am on July 13, 2008 You are right to be concerned. Even if it's nothing (though it sounds like something) it's still right of you to care. I think you should talk to the other teachers. I'm sure there's a specific set of things they're supposed to do in a situation such as this. GI Posted at 9:35 am on July 13, 2008 I will Day Old Blues. I've got work next work. Hopefully I'll have done something by then. Day Old Blues Posted at 9:33 am on July 13, 2008 First of all, I would inform his class teacher, if s/he isn't already aware of your concerns. They will be very grateful for you for noticing and will be able to help you with contacting local authorities or social services. I'm not sure how it works, but I doubt they would remove him from his mother at once. I understand you're worried about the gap between them visiting and coming back to see him, but I think you must act - a drunken, abusive mother is unpredictable and you can't let him suffer and the situation worsen unnecessarily. I really wouldn't confront the mother at this stage - if nothings going on she'd be really offended, and if it is then she'll deny it/be angry/probably think the kid told you about it and blame him. I'm sure if you explain your fears for Jon to the authorities, they'll understand the need to protect him, and would be able to keep him safe until a decision about his future could be made. Maybe giving Childline a ring would help, I know they often deal with children who are being abused. In the mean time, take extra care over the boy at school, and make sure he knows if he wants to speak to you about anything, he can. Thank you for helping him - I definitely want to do something to help children like him when I'm older. Good luck, and keep us informed of anything that happens? SoaringFalcon2010 Posted at 9:32 am on July 13, 2008 Quote: from katzkitten at 9:20 am on July 13, 2008 maybe your over reacting a little? it is NEVER over reacting when it is about the life of a small child. child abuse can lead to death GI Posted at 9:31 am on July 13, 2008 Quote: from Skip at 9:25 am on July 13, 2008 GI do you think you're emotionally ready to be able to talk to authorities about an issue as critical as this? If you don't feel you are then don't do it. Tell the teachers instead Maybe the headmistress? She's got a pretty cool head. And thanks for all this. I think without someone telling me to calm down I'd probably do more harm than good. Right then. I think I'll tell Miss Donovan. cadetjones2011 Posted at 9:29 am on July 13, 2008 Quote: from SpottedTiger at 9:20 am on July 13, 2008 Tell social services. They'll probably run a check on his house and see the sircumstances. They DO NOT take things like this lightly, you'll be doing the right thing. try this campina Posted at 9:29 am on July 13, 2008 you are an aide remember.. so tell the teachers.. you shouldn't be dealing stuff directly with authorities or the parents foxypunk Posted at 9:27 am on July 13, 2008 you need to tell someone straight away that is a very seriose matter and if he is being abused you could save his life Skip Posted at 9:25 am on July 13, 2008 GI do you think you're emotionally ready to be able to talk to authorities about an issue as critical as this?  If you don't feel you are then don't do it.  Tell the teachers instead GI Posted at 9:24 am on July 13, 2008 Quote: from leveena at 9:22 am on July 13, 2008 Have you talked to the boy? I know you say he's quiet, but if you try to comfort him and assure him that you're here to help and listen, maybe he'll eventually come around. My second shot would probably be the authorities. They might end up taking him away, but it's better than what he's going through, if what I'm assuming is correct. I wouldn't even dare confront the parents. They'll probably say nothing is wrong. I'm always trying to talk to him...but he just tends to shy away from the question. I'll try and contact the proper authority. I hope the mother doesn't hurt him as a result... redhotchilis64 Posted at 9:24 am on July 13, 2008 In the US, teachers are required to notify the authorities with stuff like that. I couldn't tell you what would happen if you did tell the cops on him, because I don't know the laws in the UK. I would just do what you think is best for the child. If you really do think he's being abused (it sounds like he is), then you should call the cops. If the child wasn't being abused, the mother should be able to prove it, and get her child back. If she does abuse him, she goes to jail and the kid would probably go to live with a relative. (in the US anyways, I'm assuming they do the same things in the UK) Most recent 15 of 29 previous replies displayed.