Problem
In your role as a kindergarten aide, you frequently have to reprimand 5-y old Zachary because he bullies his peers. He seems especially vicious to the youngest and most minor children. One day you're leading Zachary away from the playground by placing your hand on his back. When he winces, you lift his shirt and notice a bruise on his back. Zachary says he fell down the stairs at home and hurt his back. When Zachary's mother picks him up, you mention the bruise and she says that Zachary is a bit wild and hurt himself when he fell from a tree in their yard over the weekend. Two weeks later, you notice some bruising on Zachary's ear. He says he hurt his self-playing and his mother supports his story. Neither provides any details about how this new injury occurred. It is now April, and when you look at Zachary's school record, you notice that he has missed about five school days each month this year.
• Discuss whether you would call the Child Protective Services in each scenario based on the information you have. Why or why not? If you are unsure, what additional information would you need to help you make your decision?
• How do you think you would feel if you had to make a report of suspected child maltreatment? How might a colleague or other professional help you cope with any negative feelings?