10. After many unexcused absences and tardiness, the teacher contacts you to say that your influence might bring the mentee back to school. The teacher also believes he/she is an abused child. In calling the mentee, you reach the suspected abusive parent who suggests that you "leave them alone". Do you confront the parent and child, or contact a caseworker in Social Services?

Answer: You suspect the child is abused. Do not do the principal's job for him/her. Under State Law, educational and medical professionals are required to report serious suspicions of child abuse to the Department of Social Services. That is not your job, but if you do see evidence of such, you should report that to the Mentor Program Manager. Do not confront the parent(s). If your mentee shows up for a meeting with bruises, black eye, torn shirt, or shows signs of malnutrition, ask, "What happened to you?" Don't push for a response in this situation. If the child is abused, it will take time before he/she establishes rapport with an adult, to provide an honest answer to such questions.

If you have direct evidence of child abuse, you may want to contact Social Services if school officials refuse to take action, but it is not your job. Remember, the program cares enough about your mentee to involve itself in the Mentoring Program. Trust the Mentor Program Manager to do what's right and let them handle the situation.

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