SKL Posted July 11, 2013 Share Posted July 11, 2013 Thanks everyone, I appreciate your help. I don't want this to be up any longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theYoungerMrsWarde Posted July 11, 2013 Share Posted July 11, 2013 Wait, did she spank her own child or another child? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted July 11, 2013 Author Share Posted July 11, 2013 Wait, did she spank her own child or another child? Her own child. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theYoungerMrsWarde Posted July 11, 2013 Share Posted July 11, 2013 Her own child. Then honestly I don't see why there would be a problem. I hope! Re-reading the OP, I think it was inappropriate for the camp people to step in between a parent and her child, IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 Should not be an issue. Honestly, we have had over 100 foster children and NEVER was there ANY question of the abuse/neglect. Just for future reference, she might want to use other forms of discipline/training while out in public. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Excelsior! Academy Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 Is it illegal to spank in NY? If not then I don't understand why it would be an issue. If it is then one ought to gently tell the mother. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 There is no way to know what the camp organizers will do. They could still report, but I don't know what the report would consist of. If spanking is legal in NY, and I think it is, that's not enough cause for a report. So most likely they will drop it as it is. If they are real CYA types, they might still report it, but I actually think the fact that they came and checked it out argues against it. If they just reported willy-nilly, they would have reported what they heard. If they report, then CPS would have to determine whether or not they will investigate. Even if they decide to investigate, if there are no bruises on the child, they would not substantiate it. So unlikely to go any further, but it could. Sorry for your friend. The fact that there is an unrelated person who is also a social worker in the cabin is very helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 Spanking is a poor discipline tool, but not abuse. I would not report *spanking*. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samiam Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I'd think if they are in positions that they are legally required to report it, ie "mandated reporters", they may well do so, to CYA. I mean, worse case scenario, mother goes home, does something horrible to children and it becomes a news story...and gets back to the fact that a situation was witnessed, questioned and never reported, the staff could potentially be liable, or at least smeared in the media, (which leads to loss of business). So I am saying they may follow through with an official report to CYA. I'm not saying they need to. I'm not a spanker, but it sounds like it wasn't abusive in nature. I would think that nothing would come of it if they did report. I think that it has to be a "SUBSTANTIAL" report for the CPS to act on it, ie very abusive situation, and they'd have to be able to find the family. That's the thing here. NY state is not going to chase after someone in another state, simply to follow up on a minor incident report. They don't have the manpower or $$$ to do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magnificent_baby Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 In my state, mandatory reporters are required report for signs (which it appears there were none), if they are in a working position (social worker was working/volunteering as a social worker or other licensed healthcare professional). It is optional if they are not working/volunteering with children, and happen to witness abuse. It doesn't sound like she needs to worry though. When my step daughters were teens, they claimed to their friends that they were being abused by their mother, so someone turned her in. They interviewed all of the family members separately at their home, didn't find any conclusive evidence and suggested counseling. We didn't notice anything either, it was a surprise claim to us. I think it takes some serious evidence for children to be removed. I think she should not worry, and continue disciplining her children as she sees fit (as long as it isn't abusive of course). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 Mandated reporters do not have to report legal behavior. What you have described is legal and non-abusive. Mandated reporters tend to under-report rather than otherwise, but there are always zealots in every crowd. If this is reported, then it would be referred to the alleged perpetrator's home state for local investigation. That's assuming the report would even be taken. Most reports are not referred for further investigation, particularly in large urban areas. While your friend probably has no reason to fear, she would probably be wise to refrain from spanking in public. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizzyBee Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 Is it illegal to spank in NY? If not then I don't understand why it would be an issue. If it is then one ought to gently tell the mother. I used to work with a woman whose husband is a social worker, and she told me spanking is legal in all 50 states. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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