Question

Jacqueline was new to the Girl Scout Brownie troop. The leader, Mrs. Linnette, noticed that when Jacqueline sat down, she was very hesitant and did so gently. Being busy with twelve 8-year-old girls, the leader didn't think twice about it. The next week Jacqueline appeared with a broken finger that she injured when she "ran into a door." Mrs. Linnette filed the information in the back of her mind but again got busy with helping the girls complete a project. When taking attendance at the next troop meeting, however, the leader noticed that Jacqueline was not at the meeting. One of the Brownie members mentioned that Jacqueline had broken her leg when she "fell down the stairs" at home.Should Mrs. Linnette be concerned? What are her options? Discuss and decide what you would do if you were Mrs. Linnette.

Answer 1

In the given situation thrice we can see Jacqueline has different types of physical injuries frequently so its obvious that Mrs. Linnette should be concerned about her.

The options Mrs. Linnette can think of are either physical abuse or sexual abuse ( child abuse)

If I would have been Mrs.Linnette

firtsly, I would have called Jacqueline's parents to confirm the reason of absence and her health status.

Secondly I would have talk with Jacqueline and ask her how she got hurt / is there any particular person in home or school or any other area who is beating her or touching her in a uncomfortable way. During this I would have listen very carefully and try to understand any kind of fear in her voice I would have told them to confirm the pattern of injuries and the reason explained by Jacqueline is truetor not.

Thirdly, I would have asked the parents that even if they have noticed any changes of the behaviour in Jacqueline in home or school ( special fear towards any specific gender adults) in the specific area (school / home)

Fourtly, I would have asked the parents or other parents and students from troop try to find out the relationship between the father and mother with Jacqueline and family tree .

Lastly I would have expressed my consern to the parents and told them to communicate with the child . I would have also suggested them to consult a mental health nurse practitioner to find out the exact reason and take the necessary action followed by it (ex: confirming the pattern of abuse , counseling of the child, finding outothe culprit and legal action against )