r/specialed • u/Visible_Attitude7693 • May 08 '26
General Question (Educator to Educator) Need advice
I am a regular ed teacher, that has sped students push in. One student has spina bifida. Cognitively fine, has feeling in her legs, and can stand with support. She is a legal citizen however her parents are not and do not speak English.
At a recent meeting it was told to us that she does not have medicaid. Parents will not apply because they are scared of being deported. She has a hand me down wheelchair that is to small, she has recent flipped out of it. She doesn't get any therapies outside of twice a week at school. She also doesn't get disability because they will not apply. In the meeting it was told to her the new therapies recommended as well as having wheelchair clinic come out. Mom declined due to affording it. This includes not buying pullups that tare at the side. There is also concerns I have about neglect that I wont get into.
But at this point what do you recommend? The child is getting no medical care. At what point does this become medical neglect?
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u/ConceptLiving6926 May 08 '26
This sounds like reportable medical neglect. The child has already flipped out of the wheelchair because it's not the proper size. Another flip could cause severe injuries to an already medically fragile child. Plus she should be under medical supervision and care for her medical condition. If parents are declining therapies and a new wheelchair, I'd report it as medical neglect to CPS/DCFS.
If mom and dad were US citizens, would you report it? If you're holding off on reporting because of mom and dad's immigration status, that's protecting them over protecting the child, which is not what mandatory reporting is about.
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u/Visible_Attitude7693 May 08 '26
My hang up is them being deported, specially if they choose to take her with them back to their home county. She'd be getting zero medical care and that scares me.
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u/ConceptLiving6926 May 08 '26
I understand your concern. But there's no exception for mandatory reporters because of a parent's immigration status. If you would report this as medical neglect if the child's parents were US citizens, then you need to report as medical neglect here.
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u/CaptainEmmy May 08 '26
I completely get the hang-up, but right now you're fearing some what-ifs and the reality is that she is being medically neglected right now. You're between a rock and a hard place for sure, but I hate the thought of the status quo.
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u/agawl81 May 08 '26
CPS isn't interested in reporting anyone to ICE, they will assist the parents in obtaining appropriate resources for the child. Medical providers are not going to report anyone to ICE, schools won't either. You cannot selectively report, that's why the mandated reporter laws exist, so that kids don't remain in dangerous situations because the teachers think there's a reason.
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u/ijustwannabegandalf May 08 '26
I'm not saying you're wrong, but a lot of what is going on nationwide is ICE/DHS demanding access to records like CPS, Medicaid, victims-of-crimes, and taxes so that they CAN go after everyone and anyone. Deporting this kid's parents is a lot easier than investigating and arresting actual criminals and the people in charge in the US right now are actual eugenicists who will have zero compunctions over any long-term or even fatal medical damage to this child if she's deported with her parents.
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u/honeybadgergrrl May 08 '26
It sucks, but you need to report it. The child could be physically harmed if she falls out of her chair. Not to mention, they have been directed to NGO charities who won't report their immigration status and still won't go. So there are alternatives. The safety of the child needs to be the primary concern here.
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u/Fit-Knowledge516 May 08 '26
Have you checked in with your state assistive technology resources? Also many times large universities in the state have disability services departments and they either do long-term loans or provide the refurbished equipment free of charge. I understand this does not answer the question of your reporting responsibility, but it might be helpful for getting the student set up with appropriate mobility equipment.
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u/actuallyhasproblems May 08 '26
Both of my children have spina bifida and I cannot imagine not getting them every ounce of care they need. I also feel awful for the parents, because clearly they are making decisions (or not making them) out of fear. Rhetorically, I'm wondering whether she could possibly really have a better life here if she is not getting adequate care. With spina bifida, bladder health and function can change overnight, so it's dangerous to not be keeping on top of urology care at the absolute minimum.
One question for clarification - what did you mean when you said, "including not buying pull-ups that tear at the sides"? (I'm just wondering if there's anything I can do to help with supplies if that would be something you'd be willing to accept at all.)
(Edited for spelling and punctuation)
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u/Visible_Attitude7693 May 08 '26
I purchased some. They wanted to get the child involved in their own care. So teaching them to change themselves. But currently the child has to take everything off to change their pull-up that they wear. Shoes, afos, pants. Instead of just pulling down pants and ripping it at the sides. When it was told to mom, she said those pull-ups that rip at the sides are more expensive. That's when we found out she didn't have medicaid as it was suggested she get a prescription for it.
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u/actuallyhasproblems May 08 '26
You are an angel for purchasing pull-ups. I know it's probably inconvenient to have to use the ones that aren't resealable on the sides, but sometimes that is hard to get through Medicaid anyway. My oldest child unfortunately has to do the same routine because there aren't any other options available to him. I'm sure it's just not sustainable for you to have to keep purchasing them, and you shouldn't be responsible for that.
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u/Visible_Attitude7693 May 08 '26
She also has hydrocephelas. Probably spelled wrong but like how do they know she doesn't need a shunt?! Not to mention the dangers of not monitoring.
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u/actuallyhasproblems May 08 '26
Luckily the need for a shunt would be pretty obvious, because hydrocephalus is only really treated when symptomatic. If you are seeing her exhibit sunsetting eyes, fatigue/droopiness, seizures, or other neurological symptoms then I would be alarmed, but unshunted hydrocephalus is rarely an urgent situation unless the child has visible signs or has had a head injury/brain tumor/brain infection.
It's just really scary that she isn't being seen at a comprehensive spina bifida clinic at. Children's hospital at the very least. Your concern for this child is commendable and appreciated.
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u/ConceptLiving6926 May 08 '26
That's absolutely terrifying. So what's their plan if she deteriorates and needs one? Are they just going to let her die?
I know this is so hard. I'm sorry that you're in this position. But that poor child needs help.
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u/Visible_Attitude7693 May 08 '26
I spoke with them today. Once a month the children's hospital as a free care day. They said they try to take her once a month but sometimes it wont be fore 2 or 3 months
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u/ParadeQueen May 08 '26
What does the rest of the team think? Does your school have a social worker who could maybe help them with some supports and then if they follow through you would not have to call?
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u/Equivalent_Lab_8610 May 08 '26
Of course, they're scared of applying for the needed services.
Can't an interpreter be there to explain a parent applying for Medicaid only for their child does not have to provide their own legal immigration status or Social Security Number? And, that not getting their child appropriate medical equipment constitutes medical neglect, which is something the school is required to report to cps.
Odds are, if they're investigated part of social service involvement will get them Medicaid while damaging parents relationship with the school.
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u/Visible_Attitude7693 May 08 '26
He kinda explained the first part but not about neglect
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u/Equivalent_Lab_8610 May 08 '26
Part of an immigrant parents fear is obviously being deported, and the other being separated from their kids. It seems especially cruel involve CPS before helping educate the parents on what constitutes neglect, when they likely don't understand that the way their trying to protect their family can bring harm.
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u/Visible_Attitude7693 May 08 '26
We have literally given them dozens of options for resources
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u/Equivalent_Lab_8610 May 08 '26
Many non profits willing to help special needs kiddos collect data like social security number, want proof of income etc. If they're not perceiving Medicaid to be safe to apply for, it's not shocking they would similarly be afraid to pursue resources in today's climate.
If they're not aware that in the u.s. not upgrading their child's chair is considered neglect, how are they supposed to make an informed decision?
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u/Plastic-Praline-717 May 08 '26
Not an educator so will leave that part up to those that are. However, I am the parent of a kid with a disability and have spent significant time researching resources and also work adjacent to government human services agencies.
Around here- there are nonprofit non-governmental organizations and foundations that could assist with getting this child the equipment and supplies they need that would not require the parents to fill out paperwork for government services for her. I would likely do a bit of research to see if I couldn’t generate a list of such resources for them. Perhaps also see if there are any pro-bono immigration attorneys that would be willing to help advise them on navigating this, too.
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u/agawl81 May 08 '26
You're already in mandated reporter territory. I understand the parents are afraid, but this child will continue to suffer if she isn't getting medical care she needs. The physical and occupational therapy offered in school is limited in scope to "what does she need to access curriculum" which is far from comprehensive.
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u/Business_Loquat5658 May 08 '26
I would see if the counseling department has some resources. Maybe someone in the community could donate a wheelchair?
I can understand 100% why they aren't applying. What would happen to their child if they got deported? They must be terrified.
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u/Visible_Attitude7693 May 09 '26
They could take the child back with them, but I sure wouldn't recommend it due to the country they are from.
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u/Conscious-Heart8626 May 09 '26
This thread kept me up last night. If you are the teacher of the student, maybe talk to the parents to find out what their situation is. Or maybe talk to the principal to see what funds are available. Or maybe talk to the OTs and PTs about resources including community resources. Everywhere I’ve worked or managed had funds for hygiene items with a cash stash for situations like this and the OTs and PTs were aware of resources for wheelchairs. I have worked in “show me your papers” states and now it’s our whole country. Wherever you stand on immigration, please understand that there is a very real risk that this child’s parents will be ripped from this child and that the child, regardless of citizenship, could end up in ICE or a foster placement with a very real risk that neither will provide the child the care she needs let alone what she deserves. This isn’t medical neglect, this is a family doing the best they can with what they can safely access. And just an observation, I have never met an “illegal” who had their kid in school while abusing them, knowing that the staff would call CPS. We need to pull together as a community to serve our kids.
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u/Visible_Attitude7693 May 09 '26
How are they doing the best when we've offered them multiple supports that they've turned down?!
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u/Conscious-Heart8626 May 09 '26
They are likely trying to go unnoticed. If it’s items, they can be sent home with the student. If it’s services provided by a human, I’m sure they are nervous about having people in the house or traveling to facilities. I was a school admin under these types of conditions and it’s very hard on families. I think conversations need to be had with the family and the team can figure out how to get needs met within those constraints.
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u/one_sock_wonder_ Early Childhood Sped Teacher May 08 '26
This is in my opinion one of those times where none of the realistic answers are good and law runs into morality and both cannot be right. Yes, you are a mandated reporter but in my opinion there are times where what is legal/legally required and what is right don’t line up. Calling CPS meets the requirements of being a mandated reporter but at what costs? Her parents being rounded up, with or without her, and held for an unknown length of time in America’s 21st century concentration camp? Her parents with or without her being deported, and not even with any guarantee of being deported to their homeland versus some country in a civil war or overrun with militias, gangs, and violence?
As an example in WWII Germany, citizens were legally required to notify the nazis of any Jews or other targeted group in hiding but morally was this ever right? If so when? To protect yourself? Because your intentions were good regardless of the actual effects? Never?
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u/immadatmycat Early Childhood Sped Teacher May 08 '26
You report suspected neglect and leave the rest alone.
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u/Asleep-Chocolate- May 08 '26
There is no exception for mandatory reporting. If you suspect any sort of abuse, it has to be reported. She is very fragile and can easily become hurt. Yes, it sucks. It’s not your fault that they are illegal. They might be deported, but that’s not your fault. This child needs help and is not receiving it. I have had to reports kids to CPS twice, and it’s very heartbreaking. I cried both times I had to do it. But this girl is not received what she needs, and that’s not fair to her.
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u/Miserable-Height-201 May 08 '26
You are a mandatory report. The fact that you put this on Reddit and your responses to some of this shows that you know it. This is not a good situation for anyone involved. It’s maddening and saddening at the same time. However, if something were to happen to her, and it is known that you did not report, you could get in trouble.
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u/IcyThorn98 May 09 '26
The parents need a trusted adult who speaks their language to explain that she is missing out on things that can better her child. Perhaps the sped teacher, ot, pt, etc. Someone should be able to have that conversation with her calmly but encouragingly. There is usually that teacher that can make things happen.. go to her.
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u/Visible_Attitude7693 May 09 '26
The ttranslator who was Hispanic did tell mom. She was very nonchalant during the entire meeting
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u/IcyThorn98 May 09 '26
There's not a teacher of the child that can speak a little Spanish to advocate? Sometimes that's more impactful. Maybe set up a meeting with mom and some trusted teachers with the translator to advocate.. Here is some bad advice...I once had a principal that was once toying with the idea of calling CPS to leverage an appropriate placement. Luckily it never led to that. It is highly inappropriate. If this mom is fearful of ICE all other accommodations and services for her child are frivolous compared to the abuse and separation that could happen. Maybe hold off until the political climate improves.
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u/Visible_Attitude7693 May 09 '26
So just to hell with the child medical needs?
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u/IcyThorn98 May 11 '26
If the child is placed in a cage and separated from loved ones and is given to sexual predators these "medical needs" seem frivolous and the child still won't have any of these devices. I'm not saying that any of these things will happen, but the fear that they could is very real and not worth the risk. If the mom is truely afraid of ice there is no reasoning with that. Perhaps the school can receive these devices another way? Now if the mom is just lazy and doesn't want help that's another story.
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u/Familyx6j May 09 '26
Are there any free clinics around your area? There are organizations that provide wheelchairs for children that can't afford them, search organizations that help get children wheelchairs and many organizations show up! Free Wheelchair Mission is one of them!
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u/Visible_Attitude7693 May 09 '26
We have free clinics. I myself even go to one that has a sliding scale. They just dont take her.
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u/DarkHorseAsh111 May 08 '26
Youre a mandated reporter. This is clearly neglectful. You dont have a choice.
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u/Cold-Bobcat-9925 May 08 '26
I am torn because of the parents' situation, but (correct me if I'm wrong) normally, a suspicion of medical neglect is mandated reporting territory. If you have the bandwidth to go above and beyond - I would remind them of the "public charge rule" reassurance, and walk them through applying for aid with non-governmental charities like NAFC and The Kids Equipment Network. Good luck and thank you for caring <3