Allow me a few moments to address the issue of the Houston County school system and reporting of child abuse.
The HCBE has an excellent record reporting all child abuse allegations to law enforcement. Especially in the area of non-employee on child abuse, there is no question that HCBE has a great relationship with DFACS, the Sheriff’s Juvenile Department and my office. No child who appears to have been abused is sent home without an investigation into the allegations. It is society’s obligation to make sure that no child lives in an abusive home. The HCBE is on the front lines in this important area.
On the issue of employee on child abuse, HCBE has an exemplary record in this regard. If an accused employee has committed wrongdoing, the school system wants that employee out of the school. On the other hand, if it is a false allegation, no one believes the school employee should have his or her reputation tarnished in any way. For that reason, the school system has, in the past, conducted their own investigation in order to make that determination before notifying law enforcement. While I applaud their motives, I disagreed with that procedure. The law requires that law enforcement be notified "as soon as possible" once reasonable cause has been found that possible child abuse has occurred.
Recently, I took the school system to task for just such an instance. I regret that some excellent school system administrators may have had their reputations tarnished for carrying out what appeared to be School Board policy. When the allegations first arose, I was displeased that law enforcement had not been notified immediately. I sat down with Dr. Holloway, Dr. Busbee, Dr. Kinchen and Mr. Danny Carpenter to discuss the matter. Actually, they came to see me. That should indicate how important this issue was, and is, to them.
During that meeting, we discussed the specific problems in that case, as well as the problem in general. I understand that the school system reports to the Georgia Professional Standard’s Commission and that at times the need to report these disciplinary matters causes the school system to conduct their own investigation which may interfere with the police investigation. We worked those problems out and arrived at a consensus on how the matter would be dealt with. I was pleased to have such a quick resolution to the matter and thought the issue was resolved permanently.
Unfortunately, a letter from Board Chairman Fred Wilson followed which basically said the Board had followed policy and would do so again. I was very disappointed to learn the issue was not resolved and I took that as a contravention of my prior agreement with Dr. Holloway and staff. I asked to be put on the next Board meeting to address the entire board, and I was given that privilege. After my presentation to the Board about the issue of mandatory reporting, I felt like the issue was now understood by everyone and that Mr. Wilson’s letter was written without benefit of knowing that the issue had been resolved.
I want to make sure that the general public understands that my office, representing local law enforcement, wants to make sure that criminal investigations into child abuse are conducted properly. At the same time, the school system seeks to remove children from dangerous situations by instituting investigations as required by law.
Recently I met with a committee of school system administrators studying the Board policy and how to best have the procedures in place that protect children and prosecute those who would harm children. That meeting was a tremendous success. I appreciate the opportunity to help the school system develop policy that both complies with the law and puts into place procedures that ensure child protection.
Houston County is fortunate to have one of the best school systems in Georgia. The administrators have absolutely the best intentions when it comes to serving our children. The recent resolution of this important issue should give all Houston Countians confidence that we will remain the preeminent school system in Middle Georgia.
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