must shift my attention

[dart frog]

If my family's life wasnt hectic enough....things took a horrible turn yesterday.
For the second time in less then a year the school lost my 12 yo special needs child. He was taken off school grounds for gym class, became seperated from the group, when he couldnt find his class he asked a total stranger to take him back to school....which she did. I get sick to my stomach thinking about what could have happened.
  For the second time we have called the police to TRY to file some complaint against the school, only to be told for the second time that there was NO laws broken and there isnt anything they can do.
  I spent most of the afternoon in touch with the police, superindents office, the school, and the school board, listening over and over again to their load of **** about how sorry they are this happened.

There is no law that says the school must be held accountable for the saftey of a child while at school. If they lose a child...it is NOT a case of child endangerment....it is NOT a case of child neglect....its NOT a case of anything. The city, county and state allow the school to "deal with the problem internally". So the teacher who broke OUR WRITTEN CONTRACT that he is not to leave the school without his OWN adult with him at all times......will get nothing but a slap on her wrist.

We have decied that we owe it to our son and every other child in the state to change that. I dont have a clue what Im doing....yet... but I am going to everything in my power to make damn sure that a law is put into place to protect our special needs children.

The time has come to shift my attention away from myself and my thyroid problems. I am doing better then I dreamed possible in only two months. I didnt want to leave this board without letting you all know how much you have meant to me!!!! I couldnt have survived the mental problems that come with the surgery and recovery without all your support and encouragment.

I wish you all good health and peace.

Rhonda

[JoBa]

Best of luck to you. I agree with your need to focus elsewhere, I just wish it were something a bit more enjoyable. However, what you are doing is so admirable and there is a tremendous need for people with your passion to go out and do something about the situation. The school lost my son on his very first day of first grade (they put him on the wrong bus) and I was totally frantic until they found him. It's appalling how often that sort of thing happens. So, my thoughts are with you and I hope you can achieve some positive changes in school accountability for child safety.

Jo

[shelly45]

I talked to my brother and sister inlaw like 2asdmommy said you can go thru state channels or Disability Law Center. He is protected by the American Disabiltiy Act. Talk to your local or state government office they can also help with the investigation. He should not be left alone at any time on school grounds or off school during trips!! If this does not work call tv station about putting them on the air like"Shame on This" or Asa on your Side" something like that. That will change their system quickly! I wish you the best for you and your child. Keep us posted when you can.

[rayneweather]

Sorry about the above, comment.  Hit the enter button instead of the shift button.

I agree with everything above and your family has my prayers.  My SIL is also a special ed teacher - I'll pick her brain as well.  Please keep in touch now & then.

Rayne

[kipland]

I'm so sorry that you have to go through this yet again!!  But I'm with you on the family comes first.  I wish you the best, and please DO post your e-mail address (if you want, that is).  I'll miss having you here!!

Lori

[scarlet37]

~prayers to you and your family for the strength and endurance to get through this challenging time~

    I'm sorry you have to go through this and wish you the best of luck- like they said  above should you require any assistance from any of us please don't hesitate to ask- we may only be online but that does not mean we can't reach out to you in any time of need.

   god bless-              teresa

[2asdmommy]

I know exactly what you mean as I have two children with Autism in the public school system and they both have a "wandering tendency". One of the things I can think of is going higher in the system to make sure his needs are fulfilled.  If it is in his IEP (if it's not, put it in) that he have someone with him at all times on school grounds, and this is not the case, you can file due process and go through state channels to make sure it is taken care of and that it never happens again.  You can also go thru your state's Center for Disability law and there may be a contact that can help you.  I hope your son remains safe and well taken care of.
Gina
-Mom to Forest, 6, and Lake, 3, both dx'd with Autism-

[At The End of My Rope]

I am so sorry. You go and fight for your child he needs you right now. Stand up for him he is only a child. One idea maybe contact your look TV Station make a report about have them put it on the air and see if you do not open some eyes..I wish you all the best. Good Luck-Take Care-Pam

[imedicmommy]

I can only imagine how scary that is for you. Have you thought about contacting your local news media? The attention might not be welcome but could connect you with people who can help and will bring the publics attention to the problem?
Good Luck

[kitcurious]

Good luck in you pursuit. I too feel much better and am only going to occasionally check the doctor's forum.
Ciao.

[shelly45]

I understand you 100%,my brother is a special education teacher and my sister inlaw is special education teacher and they can not bring them to the lunch room unless they have assistant with them at all times. Even when a student gets in trouble, the principle has to come and get them with someone else. I will call my brother up when he gets home from school to see what can be done and I will post later tonight or tomorrow morning depending on what time I can reach him. He teaches an hour away from where they live but I will get info from him. My sister inlaw teaches autism kids and there is always more then 1 assistant in the classroom with her. As soon as I get info I will post. Good luck!! Please let us know how things are going!!

[ChitChatNine]

PPPPPPlease put my e-mail in your address book and KEEP IN TOUCH .. doesn't have to be thyroid related ...... keep me posted on your new efforts ..... I can understand your leaving.. we'll miss you ...  

ChitChatNine at yahoo.com  And, I know you know to use the @ sign instead of writing it out.

Cheryl

[DLA]

I am so sorry for this happening AGAIN!  It makes me sick for you.

I will truly miss you on here, froggie.  But I completely understand.  If there is anything I can do in any way let me know.  As they said we are behind you 100%!  Thank you for all you have done on here for me!  Hope you check back in and can make the Chicken Club Reunion next year.

Take care of yourself.  I hope that things get more straightened out in your life.  You have had such a rough go of it lately.

I will continue to pray for you.  God bless you.
Dac

[Venora Moonwind]

I wish all the good things in the world for your son. that is inexcusable how the school and police  acted.
check in from time to time to let us know how you are and dont forget the chicken club reunion next summer.I would love to meet you. you are in my thoughts and prayers
Love Venora

[TOLD YOU]

WOW that is horrible, at our school the special needs kids do not even come to the lunch room without 3 adults and theres only like 5 kids in the class.  There is NO excuse for that, I do not blame you one bit for being upset.  
Take care of you, and do what you need we are behind you 100% !

Dana

[zaksmom]

I don't know if you'll check this post again or not -- I totally understand your priorities must change now.  My suggestion is to contact your State school administrators -- they do have them at a state level.  There must be some sort of law or instruction in dealing with special needs kids.  It really sounds like the police are not doing their part -- for gods sake, what if a child were kidnapped!  There must be something to protect a special needs child -- and adult for that matter.  

You have a whole forum of people here that would agree with you!  and will help in any way possible!

betsy