Comments on: Special Ed Teacher Charged with Abuse; Is Still Teaching

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:40:56 +0000

McCarthy’s trial started yesterday. From the Chicago Tribune:

Prosecutors said Patrick E. McCarthy, 32, dragged students around his classroom and once slammed a child’s head into a cabinet after he overturned a desk. McCarthy also allegedly forced a student to wear a weighted vest and bounce on a trampoline for 40 minutes.
…………
…………….defense lawyer Thomas Breen argued that McCarthy used methods commonly employed to calm students. Breen also said the investigation by police and school officials was faulty, and he denied that McCarthy had abused students.

Breen said students in the classroom had meltdowns and were disruptive. He said one student head-butted staff members.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 04:42:45 +0000

From the October 24th New Britain Herald: Parents have formed an advocacy group. The teacher, Michelle Campbell, has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges stemming from the incidents.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 14:28:22 +0000

And why is the teacher still in a classroom despite the charges, which are felonies?

By: Regan

Regan — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 06:23:03 +0000

Correction and my apologies,
Coalition Against Institutionalized Child Abuse (Caica.org)

By: Regan

Regan — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 06:07:23 +0000

Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA.org) “There are hundreds of incidents. The most sensational make the news, but that is the tip of the iceberg.”

Coalition Against Institutionalized Children (Caica.org) has documented 128 deaths of children nationwide from the use of restraints and seclusion, many in residential facilities, but some in schools”…

By: Another Voice

Another Voice — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 03:13:07 +0000

On the list of locations that have allegedly engaged in restaint, seculsion, or abuse some 141 cases are listed. Among them 29 cases resulted in the death of the child. That is sickening. I hope some of the responsible parties have faced criminal charges.

By: Regan

Regan — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 22:58:01 +0000

Friday, October 10, 2008
State by State Listing of Locations that Have Allegedly Engaged in Restraint, Seclusion, or Abuse
The Coalition for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Blog

As far as more incidents than reports–of that, I have no doubt.

By: Storkdok

Storkdok — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 22:23:00 +0000

I wonder why it took so long to charge her with 7 felony counts? I sure hope the two boys who got the most abuse haven’t been near her since May. It’s just revolting, how could she live with herself? UGH! I hate hearing stories like this! But it’s necessary.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:11:28 +0000

It’s really good you said something—-one suspects these incidents happen a lot more than they get reported.

By: Marla

Marla — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:03:01 +0000

I witnessed a teacher do way worse than that when I was an aide years ago. I reported it and she was asked to resign. That was it. Nothing more. Argh.

Yes, these incidents have to stop. One reason I think the language we use in regards to Autism and special needs is so important. Also, how the media portrays families raising special needs children.