As an educator in the United States, I am bound to a system of justice that says, if I know or even suspect a case of child abuse and don't report it, I am heading for the joint to spend some time thinking about the crime I committed.
In fact, in my 34 years, in the education business, I have reported nearly a dozen cases of pedophilia, and once I reported it, it was quickly out of my hands.
First the DHS people were at my door at school. I stepped out of my office, while they interviewed the student. Then the child, and all other children in the household are jerked out and put in a temporary shelter until placement is made. Then the investigation starts. Would you like to hear an example of such a case?
The youngster came to my office, at least once a week and sometimes more, having been identified by his teacher as in need of counseling. He would always have lots of things to say, as we played checkers.
One day he came to my class, and the game scenario changed.
"Mr. Hill, I bet you can't guess how much money I have on me?"
"Five dollars."
"No, I have $14.47 cents!"
"Wow, that's a lot. Are you saving your money?"
"Yes!"
"Why are you saving your money? Are you going to buy a toy?"
"No, I am saving it up to run away."
When a student says that, it hits you like a freight train. The boy was dressed fine, and he had never had bruises on him. Odd! Unreal! What could I say?
"Why are you planning on running away?"
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