Appeal results

We received notice of our appeal determination today.  Evidently the only people who can appeal the decision is the person found to have committed the abuse or neglect.  Our appeal was denied because we weren't the ones who had been accused of the abuse of neglect.  

So evidently, in the state of North Dakota, it is acceptable practice to lock a child with special needs in a room all by himself as a means of restraint or control.  

For some reason, I have a huge problem with that.
1.  the room was on the second floor, and by the school's own admission, our son was banging on the windows with a chair.  what would have happened if the window had broke out, and he had gone through the window?

2.  in the room there was a desk, in that desk our son found two pairs of scissors, and by the school's own admission, he threatened to use them. Granted the principal later qualified her statement and said that our son just wanted to cut some paper. But still, he had access to what could have been a dangerous weapon.  

3.  If our son had developed a medical emergency of some kind while locked in that room, would they have been able to get the room unlocked fast enough to save him? 

decision regarding the abuse and neglect complaint

Somehow the abuse and neglect complaint was decided without talking any witnesses.  The decision is that no services were required, because no evidence was found to substantiate that claim.  I guess it is ok to lock a child with mental heal issues in a room with furniture and other things such as scissors which he could use to hurt himself or others.

we are going to appeal.  I can't see how this can be acceptable practice.

new opportunities?

So I was in Denver this week doing a Title V Block Grant review for the Department of Human Services Region VIII.  It was an incredible experience.  I learned so much about what the state level has to go through in order to get funding from the federal government.

In the process, I shared a bit about myself and my efforts to develop a non-profit organization for Father's of Special Needs Kids. A lot of interest from the state.  In that they are going to be doing some leadership training for fathers in the next year.  So we traded contact information.  Whether or not it will open a door or not, I don't know.

While it is nice to have a break from the normal routine, I sure can't wait to get back to the family.  Going to stop and see Marc tomorrow.  Liz passed her driving test yesterday.  School starts next week.  We won't have a child at the elementary school until January or so. 

It will be nice to not have to deal with the crap and what not from the administration at the elementary.  Wonder what is going to happen with the abuse and neglect complaint.  Time will tell.  more later.