Lawyer recommendations?

Anonymous
Our kiddo was touched inappropriately by a teacher. Sounds like they weren’t the only. We feel we are not being taken seriously by the school and the police won’t do anything unless a more serious crime was committed. We are exploring options and are considering hiring an attorney. DC has started to struggle in school (new for us) and expresses feeling unsafe being in the same building as the teacher in question. Anybody deal with something like this/have any lawyer recommendations?
Anonymous
Doesn't sound like you have a very good case. I'd cut my losses by leaving.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Our kiddo was touched inappropriately by a teacher. Sounds like they weren’t the only. We feel we are not being taken seriously by the school and the police won’t do anything unless a more serious crime was committed. We are exploring options and are considering hiring an attorney. DC has started to struggle in school (new for us) and expresses feeling unsafe being in the same building as the teacher in question. Anybody deal with something like this/have any lawyer recommendations?


Police take child sex abuse very seriously. So that's not the reason they aren't pursuing it.
Anonymous
I would try and figure out who worked with the LAMB families years ago.
Anonymous
Don't know any lawyers in that space. Just wanted to say very sorry your child is going through this.
Anonymous
I would try the police route again - I'm *very* surprised they won't file a report.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I would try the police route again - I'm *very* surprised they won't file a report.


+1

Is that the school saying police won’t investigate? I would go to the police separately from the school resource officer. I would also reach out to higher ups like superintendent, ombudsmen, etc. This is something that should be investigated. I know teachers who have been put on leave and investigated for much less than an inappropriate touch.
Anonymous
I’m sorry this happened. Maybe alert the attorney general’s office that the police are not pursuing it? Bring it to OSSE’s attention? Go to a PTA meeting and inform other parents? It seems strange that the police would not move on this. You indicated you don’t think your child was the only one; can you work with the other families on this? Seems like it would be hard for the police and school to shrug off everyone. I hope you can resolve it—your kiddo shouldn’t have to go to school with that person there. And other kids should not have to be at risk.
Anonymous
Charter or dcps?
Anonymous
CALL CPS RIGHT NOW.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Our kiddo was touched inappropriately by a teacher. Sounds like they weren’t the only. We feel we are not being taken seriously by the school and the police won’t do anything unless a more serious crime was committed. We are exploring options and are considering hiring an attorney. DC has started to struggle in school (new for us) and expresses feeling unsafe being in the same building as the teacher in question. Anybody deal with something like this/have any lawyer recommendations?


Police take child sex abuse very seriously. So that's not the reason they aren't pursuing it.


Not all inappropriate touching is sex abuse. In DCUM world, almost any physical contact between a teacher and a student is inappropriate. Maybe the teacher pushed the student, which would be inappropriate, but likely ignored by the police and potentially the school.
Anonymous
Agree to a PP- make a report to the CPS hotline and hopefully they would open an institutional abuse/neglect investigation. 202-671-7233.
Anonymous
I do not believe police have the option to refuse to let you file a report. They can refuse to investigate one received. But if there is any merit to the issue and they have a report in hand then the police are exposed.

Go to police station and file report. Do not leave until someone takes the report. Even if you pursue a civil case at a later date you will need a police report.
Anonymous
I would address this directly with the teacher. Ask for a meeting. In person. The teacher needs to know you are watching.
Anonymous
If a charter school, you should make sure the ED/CEO is on communications and ask how to contact the Chair of the Board of Directors. Also, for a charter school, you can make a complaint via the PCSB and they will contact the ED/BOD.

For any public school, you can also contact the Education Ombudsmen office. They will do an investigation too.

If you want to go private lawyer route, Advocates for Justice are active in this space but may make a referral based on case specifics.

Good luck and sorry this is happening.
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