Teacher loses her license for failing to report abuse, SNAP responds
We applaud the Kansas Board of Education for revoking the teaching license of woman who delayed in reporting suspected child sex crimes to law enforcement.
Their action is a powerful statement that protecting children is not something to be taken lightly. Every employer and teacher must immediately report any suspicion of abuse, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant. There must be no doubt about this. And there must be clear consequences for those who endanger kids by breaking this simple law.
Someone no doubt believes this punishment is too severe. We argue that anytime there is a remote suspicion that a child might be abused, it is critical to act on that suspicion. If there was no abuse, then they’ve caused some trouble and some paperwork. But if there is abuse and it goes unreported, then that official is complicit in causing lifelong trauma and the pain that comes from childhood abuse.
Was this decision severe? No. It was reasonable and prudent. And hopefully this punishment will show other school officials in Kansas and across the country that the abuse of a child is an extremely serious matter, and it must always be treated as such.
Read the story here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/04/19/3564919/kansas-revokes-license-of-teacher.html
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director
Showing 1 comment