Walk It Through: The Teacher Who Noticed
Missed days, a bruise, a report within twenty-four hours, and a charge at home.
A fourth grader has missed many days this semester, and the absences are not excused.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One child and one teacher. The child protective investigation itself, removal from the home, the custody case that follows and a felony charge are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Domestic batteryUnlawfully and intentionally making insulting or provoking physical contact with, or causing physical harm to, a family or household member.
- Family or household memberSpouses and former spouses, people who live or lived together, intimate or dating partners, people with a child in common, and a list of relatives by blood and marriage.
- Domestic violenceBetween family or household members, causing or attempting physical harm, placing someone in reasonable fear of it, creating fear through harassment, stalking or threats, sexual assault, or holding someone against their will.
- Mandated reporterA professional the code requires to report suspected child abuse or neglect, such as teachers, doctors, social workers, clergy and coaches, within 24 hours of suspecting it.
- AgeIn the Human Rights Act, the age of 40 or above.
- Compulsory school attendanceThe duty to attend school from the school year a child turns six to the 17th birthday, or as long as the student stays enrolled after it.
- Public placeAny place, building or conveyance the public may access, including any highway, street, lane or park, but not premises licensed to serve alcohol for drinking there.