Case
Neglect or not neglect?

A child comes in dirty and smelly. He is depressive. He is very slow, like a snail. He does not complete tasks independently and has zero confidence. The teacher has spoken with his mother and she disclosed he has seen a lot of paternal violence. However, mom isn't top notch and always plays the "single mom" card. However, it is no excuse to have an un-bathed child. How does the teacher approach this with the mother?

Bathing the child might make a difference in how he feels during the day.

Posted on: 10/18/14 | Views: 1085
Solution #1
Top Solution
Our school has a parent liaison that can help with these types of situations. We simply inform her of what we have observed and any solutions we have attempted. Sometimes she simply talks to the parent and child and suggests ways to help. Other times, she may determine that other things need to be done and she contacts appropriate local agencies to help.

I'll look into this. Thanks!

I think this is a great solution and I would use this in my classroom.

Excellent suggestion!

This is very informative! Many people may not know that this is available.

Great advice!

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Solution #2
The whole situation is fragile.The first thing to do is to contact the school psychologist and gather her opinion on the situation. Next you should contact the administrator and inform them of the situation. If the problem persists then you may have to contact social services and hand over the investigation. The presence of even occasional violence indicates that this is a serious situation that should be taken up with social services and maybe even law enforcement.
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Solution #3
I would talk to the mother about this and document your observations. If the parent does not change her ways I would escalate the situation to administration.
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Solution #4
It is important to state what is observed and not to pass any judgement when talking to the parent. The teacher could also set up a conference with the student and the parent (along with an administrator or parent liaison) to discuss the issues. The student may feel more comfortable in the presence of the teacher.
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Solution #5
This sounds like it runs much deeper than just a bathing issue. The mother needs to be made aware of the teacher's concerns and be told of the child's behavior in school. If the teacher suspects abuse (neglect is a form of abuse!) then it needs to be reported. Someone has to take an interest in this poor child, because there obviously isn't any coming from home! Single parent or not, she still is responsible for caring for her child! The child needs love, attention and the basic necessities which he obviously isn't getting! She(the teacher) may need to remind the mother of her duties as a teacher and caregiver to the child to report things such as abuse!

Excellent suggestion!

The teacher may not know what is really going on and confronting the parent about this may not be ok.

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Solution #6
I would pull the child aside and try to build his confidence in school. Get on a personal level with him and get him to trust you which will make him perform more in class. Definitely submit this student to DFACs. This sounds like neglect and should be investigated further.

This solution is an okay one. I would open my door to the student and let them know that I am here for them, but I am not sure I would sent the mother under investigation right away. Maybe make a parent teacher conference and have the school nurse examine the hygiene situation and explain it to the mother, and have the counselor talk to the student about their performance. Documentation is important.

Excellent suggestion!

This would be the most appropriate way to handle this situation.

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