What to Do when Educators Become Abusers

Has your child ever come to you saying that a teacher, bus driver, principle, etc.. is being mean to them? As parents we want to believe our kids but we also would never think that one of our Child's educators could be capable of any form of abuse. Kids tend to exaggerate, maybe they heard it wrong....All of these thoughts and more go through your head and all too often the event is shrugged off by everyone as the child not wanting to do what they are told.

I am here to reach out to parents across the globe and tell you that your child's word is the only proof you need to start taking action. As a mother I never dreamed that the school bus would be a place where my child would be singled out and abused by an adult. We send our children to school each day feeling good about them getting an education in a place that claims to ensure their safety, yet when things get rough they often call the child a liar and protect the abuser.

Abuse can come in many forms, never let anyone tell you that there is no crime because there is no injury. Mental abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse; They all leave scars that can traumatize a child and possibly haunt them well into their adult years. If your child is afraid at school, there is a crime!

It can be frightening taking on an entity like a school district, you will hit a lot of dead ends along the way. I would say that the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone, and to never give up. Fight it all the way and see it through because no one in the world deserves representation from you as much as your child and no one needs someone to advocate for them and their safety the way your child does. LISTEN TO YOUR KIDS!! It could save a life and hopefully if enough parents stand up and say NO MORE, it will set precedents nationwide.

These are the steps to get you started if you are having these type of problems at your child's school. Most of them can be handled via the telephone, the order in which you do these things in not important. It is not fast nor is it easy to see this through, but don't stop until your child feels safe because they are worth it!

File a formal complaint with the principle/superintendent

File a formal complaint with the board of transportation

File a formal complaint with the district office for their school

If it is an abuse case, call the sheriff and make them take a written report. They can not refuse to take your report, keep a copy of this.

If nothing is done by the police take your copy straight to the district attorney, it is inevitably his decision whether or not to file charges.

Call your local Child Protection Service, tell them you want to file a child abuse report. Remember that even emotional abuse is considered child abuse and can cause your child life long damage.

Call the State Board Of Education, even if they can't provide action they can provide sound advice and contact numbers.

Go to your school board and ask when the next meeting is, ask to address the board. There is usually a form for this, don't be too specific in your reasoning to address the board you only need to say that it is an issue with your child.

Once you are given a time slot at the meeting prepare your speech wisely. You want to get key points across without boring the board members. There are certain phrases that tend to get attention, I fear for the safety and well being of my child, and I would like a written response to this before seeking legal advice, are the main two.

If along the way you are transferred on or given another number to any agency, talk to them. Tell your story wherever you can unless an attorney has been retained. You never know who may be of some help to you and to your child.

If you are still not satisfied with the results you should entertain the idea of calling an attorney. In cases against school districts you will need an administrative attorney, keep calling until you find one who will take on the case either pro bono or on consignment, that means that they will add your attorney fees into the lawsuit so it is not out of pocket. Even if you are not seeking monetary awards you can still sue in the name of justice alone.