Ethics and the Legal System: A Case Study Reflection
This paper describes and analyzes the ethical considerations and legal obligations of a public elementary teacher, a school guidance counselor, and a principal in a case of potential physical abuse of third grade student by her step-father. A teacher first becomes aware of this alleged situation from interactions with the student’s classmate. Without a direct accusation of abuse by the student herself law enforcement is reluctant to become involved. The local Child Protective Services reporting process is slow due to a lack of qualified staff and an overburdened system. At the end of the school day, the principal is left with the dilemma of how to respond in the best interest of a child who …show more content…
Keller already brought her suspicions regarding Savannah’s home life to the attention of Ms. Tress, the school counselor. Ms. Tress told Mrs. Keller that “playing house” could have any number of meanings, but nonetheless agreed to interview Savannah. During Ms. Tress’s interview with Savannah, Savannah did not openly admit to being abused by her step-father. However, Savannah did demonstrate inappropriate touching between two dolls during her the session with Ms. Tress. Due to her concern, Ms. Tress asked to question Holly Hunt, the student who initially brought the potential allegation of child abuse to the attention of her teacher, Mrs. Keller. When questioned, Holly insisted that Savannah had in fact been sexually abused by her step-father. Holly was able to provide a detailed account based on stories Savannah had previously told her. Holly became emotionally disturbed and was excused from school for the day.
Ms. Tress, the school counselor, then called Child Protective Services (CPS) to report a potential case of child abuse. Despite the fact it took an hour of waiting on hold to be able to file this report Ms. Tress persisted. During lunch time Mrs. Keller, Holly’s teacher, followed up with Ms. Tress to find out why Holly was sent home early from school. Ms. Tress informed Mrs. Keller that she had filed a report with CPS based on the allegations of abuse of Savannah Wilson by her step-father made by Holly Hunt. Ms. Tress told Mrs. Keller she felt confident CPS would
This paper describes and analyzes the ethical considerations and legal obligations of a public elementary teacher, a school guidance counselor, and a principal in a case of potential physical abuse of third grade student by her step-father. A teacher first becomes aware of this alleged situation from interactions with the student’s classmate. Without a direct accusation of abuse by the student herself law enforcement is reluctant to become involved. The local Child Protective Services reporting process is slow due to a lack of qualified staff and an overburdened system. At the end of the school day, the principal is left with the dilemma of how to respond in the best interest of a child who …show more content…
Keller already brought her suspicions regarding Savannah’s home life to the attention of Ms. Tress, the school counselor. Ms. Tress told Mrs. Keller that “playing house” could have any number of meanings, but nonetheless agreed to interview Savannah. During Ms. Tress’s interview with Savannah, Savannah did not openly admit to being abused by her step-father. However, Savannah did demonstrate inappropriate touching between two dolls during her the session with Ms. Tress. Due to her concern, Ms. Tress asked to question Holly Hunt, the student who initially brought the potential allegation of child abuse to the attention of her teacher, Mrs. Keller. When questioned, Holly insisted that Savannah had in fact been sexually abused by her step-father. Holly was able to provide a detailed account based on stories Savannah had previously told her. Holly became emotionally disturbed and was excused from school for the day.
Ms. Tress, the school counselor, then called Child Protective Services (CPS) to report a potential case of child abuse. Despite the fact it took an hour of waiting on hold to be able to file this report Ms. Tress persisted. During lunch time Mrs. Keller, Holly’s teacher, followed up with Ms. Tress to find out why Holly was sent home early from school. Ms. Tress informed Mrs. Keller that she had filed a report with CPS based on the allegations of abuse of Savannah Wilson by her step-father made by Holly Hunt. Ms. Tress told Mrs. Keller she felt confident CPS would