First Grade Girl....

Your little red-headed 1st grader is most definitely a victim of sexual abuse. Please report what you have observed and know to CPS (Child Protective Services). Her school can help with the paperwork. It is not complicated. And she does need your help. The obnoxious behaviors she demonstrates on your bus sound like "acting out" behaviors typical of abused kids. Be a hero and report her case ASAP. You will be glad you did. And good for you to worry enough about her and post her situation. The world needs more people like you who care for kids. They are the future.

[judy]

Janet,

You are just what this little girl needs. She's old enough for you to talk to her. I wouldn't bring up her family, but I would discuss her behavior with her and I would also track down someone in her school or district who cares and get them together. Her family isn't going to step up, but if she's going to be a survivor, she needs to learn to get her needs met by those outside of her family. When I was doing drop-out prevention with little ones who were "at risk," I can't tell you the stories I came across. Children who are able to find adults who are caring will be able to survive. This may, in fact, be one of the reasons she is acting out on your bus. She's checking you out to see if you're going to help her. It's heartbreaking to watch, but somebody has to help these abused children, at least to the extent that you can. I had my heart broken so often just listening to some of their stories, but by just listening, I know I helped these kids. The most important thing for a child is that somebody loves them enough to listen to them and acceptm their feelings without judgement.

She's lucky she found you,

[AngieDoogles]

Originally Posted by judy

Janet,

You are just what this little girl needs. She's old enough for you to talk to her. I wouldn't bring up her family, but I would discuss her behavior with her and I would also track down someone in her school or district who cares and get them together. Her family isn't going to step up, but if she's going to be a survivor, she needs to learn to get her needs met by those outside of her family. When I was doing drop-out prevention with little ones who were "at risk," I can't tell you the stories I came across. Children who are able to find adults who are caring will be able to survive. This may, in fact, be one of the reasons she is acting out on your bus. She's checking you out to see if you're going to help her. It's heartbreaking to watch, but somebody has to help these abused children, at least to the extent that you can. I had my heart broken so often just listening to some of their stories, but by just listening, I know I helped these kids. The most important thing for a child is that somebody loves them enough to listen to them and acceptm their feelings without judgement.

She's lucky she found you,

Very well said Judy! I have been accepted for employment by the local Department of Children's Services to be a case manager when I graduate so I will be hearing a lot of these types of stories as well. I only hope I can make some kind of difference. It breaks my heart to hear of the things some children have to go through, but to know that I could possibly make a huge difference in the life of one of these children is amazing to me.

Thank you Judy for being willing to fulfill such a difficult but important role in your community by helping those high-risk children. That's really wonderful and shows a lot of character!

[judy]

Back at you Angie! Congratulations on getting such a high position. Those children will love you. Keep us posted.

[AngieDoogles]

Originally Posted by judy

Back at you Angie! Congratulations on getting such a high position. Those children will love you. Keep us posted.

Well, I still have three more semesters of college before I first start and after my initial internship (which is three months) I will be going back for my grad degree (a one year advanced standing program) and THEN I'll start for real. So I've still got a while before I actually start, but I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for the encouragement!