Teacher Disclosed Identity

Summary

A school social worker in tennessee is concerned about their safety and the safety of their children after a teacher disclosed their identity as the reporter of suspected child abuse. The social worker is unsure if the parents of the suspected abuser have been informed, but they fear retaliation. They have documented the incident and lack of action from their superiors. The social worker is considering filing a complaint with the tennessee department of education and seeking legal counsel. They believe the teacher should face some form of punishment for endangering their children. The social worker has eye witnesses to the teachers disclosure and has taken steps to ensure their childrens safety at school. They are unsure if they should obtain a restraining order against the suspected abusers family.

Full Conversation

Tennessee
What actions has the teacher taken after revealing your identity? This could impact potential legal recourse. In Tennessee, confidentiality of reporters is generally protected.
nothing
What has been the impact on you or your children since your identity was revealed?
My children are unaware but my wife and I live in fear that if they find out he will have his kids hurt ours.
What actions have the parents of the suspected abuser taken since your identity was revealed?
nothing. we aren't *% sure that the family member that heard it, told them about it
What actions have you taken since your identity was revealed?
Told all of my higher ups and they have done nothing
What was the response of your higher-ups when you reported the incident?

In Tennessee, it's illegal to disclose the identity of a person who reported child abuse. You may have legal recourse.
They were all upset and the principal put out a blanket statement but nothing was ever done
Have you considered filing a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Education or seeking legal counsel? In Tennessee, revealing the identity of a child abuse reporter can be considered a breach of confidentiality.
no, I didnt even think about filing a complaint
Have you documented the incident and any subsequent actions or lack thereof? This could be crucial for any potential legal proceedings.
yes, I have kept my own records
What kind of records have you kept? It's important to have detailed documentation of incidents and responses for potential legal proceedings.
time and dates of actions
What specific actions have you documented with their respective time and dates?
when it was said and when it was covered with a blanket statement
What was the content of the blanket statement issued by the principal?
Actually, the Vice principal put it out in a faculty meeting and i was just your basic " this is a reminder that it is illegal to talk about a DCS case"
What actions have you taken since the Vice Principal's statement?
spoken to the principal a few times, talked to the special education supervisor that is over that teacher and the Superintendent
What was the response from the special education supervisor and the Superintendent?
They were in shock and seemed to be genuiely upset, but as far as I know they have done nothing
What actions or steps would you like to see taken by the school or the district in response to this situation?
I think some form of punishment should be necessary. She has endangered my children.
What kind of punishment do you think would be appropriate for the teacher's actions?
At a minimum a write up, but thats why i am seeing if i could possibly sue her personally because she knew she did wrong. She has been teaching for 16 years
What evidence do you have that the teacher knowingly disclosed your identity? This could be crucial in a potential lawsuit. In Tennessee, intentional breach of confidentiality can lead to legal consequences.
eye witnesses
What did the eye witnesses see or hear exactly?
The teacher said in a group of people that she didnt know why the parents were mad at her because she didnt file it, he did ( but she actually said my name.)
What actions have the eyewitnesses taken after hearing the teacher disclose your identity?
They have spoken to the principal and have all promised not to say anything
What actions have been taken by the principal after speaking with the eyewitnesses?
thats when the blanket statment was made
What actions, if any, have been taken by the school or district since the blanket statement was issued?
none
What is the name of the school district you are employed with? This information will help me provide you with the contact details of the relevant authorities you can report this issue to.
Perry County Schools
What is the name of the teacher who disclosed your identity?
id rather not say on here
Understood. Have you consulted with a lawyer about this situation?
no, i wanted to see if it was worth my time by talking to you. If you said it looks like a case then i am going to persue a lawyer
Based on the information provided, it seems you may have a case. However, it's crucial to consult with a lawyer for professional advice.
thank you
What actions, if any, have you taken to ensure the safety of your children since the incident?
My brother in law works at the high school that they are all in and he has been made aware and he has been watching them as close as he can. I believe he told the principal and SRO as well.
What actions, if any, have the principal and SRO taken after being informed by your brother-in-law?
they are just monitoring them
What specific actions are the principal and SRO taking to monitor the situation?
There are cameras in the hallways, gym and cafeteria.
Have there been any incidents or suspicious activities caught on these cameras involving your children and the suspected abuser's children?
not yet
What steps have you taken to ensure your children's safety outside of school?
There is nothing i can do because we dont want them to be in fear.
Have you considered obtaining a restraining order against the suspected abuser's family to ensure your children's safety?
yes, but as i said i am not *% that the family member told the parent or not. If i file that then they will know for sure.
What is the age of your children? This information can help determine the best course of action for their safety.
*-*
What is the nature of the suspected child abuse you reported?
i cannot disclose that
Understood. Have you received any threats or experienced any form of intimidation since your identity was disclosed?
no
no
no i have not
What steps have you taken to ensure your own safety since your identity was disclosed?
none
none so far
What is the name and contact details of the school where this incident occurred?