Another VERY SERIOUS work dilemma

DavidnAadynsMama

For those who dont know, I work with the developmentally disabled. In my job, I am a mandatory reporter. If I see or hear of any kind of abuse, I must report it or face punishment myself. So heres my problem. My participant is 54 with downs syndrome. He jokes very inappropriately, even sexually. Well, recently he said " **** touched my peter. I dont like it". I have to stress that I DO NOT believe this is true because I know how my participant is. However, after thinking hard on it, I reported it to my supervisor & now have to fill out an APS report (adult protective services). I dont want this person to get in trouble or suspended while they do an investigation, but I felt like I had to do it. Do you think I did the right thing? Would you do the same? I feel like crap. Like ill be known as the "narc", but its my job to protect this man. He said it twice, so I didnt feel like I could ignore the situation.

mom924

I think you did the right thing. Trust your gut!

DavidnAadynsMama

@mom924 thanks. I wouldnt have second thoughts at all if I truly believed it, but since I dont, thats where its bothering me. Its a very serious accusation even though I made sure to stress I didnt believe it.

mom924

I believe its better to be safe than sorry.

mommyof3girls

U did the right thing! More people need to report thing they r suppose to instead of just letting it slide. U were just doing ur job... Hopefully no one touched him where they shouldnt have.

natashalynn

You did what you had to do. People are always worried about getting in trouble for 'tatteling' or 'getting in someone's business' but if more people did it, (when its needed) then the world would be a safer place.
To have a peaceful world, we have to hold people accountable for their actions. And to do that, we have to make sure were on their ass! Lol.

moodymommie

i have repoted ppl at my work for multiple reasons ( i work at daycare) if its real or not its not on my mind i did all i could do. think of the what ifs or what it could lead too. i am not happy to report anyone but i believe if a person, child or not, cannot speak up for themselvessomeone has too & if that person gave you the information then they are reaching out to you, even if it may be fake you dont want to have a heavy mind.

Granny2B

You have to protect yourself. Not reporting would set you up for huge potential liability. You did the right thing.

Janet_2011

You did the right thing

DavidnAadynsMama

Thanks everyone. I just feel like crap but I do believe I did the right thing. Just because I dont believe it, doesnt mean im not responsible for reporting it. Its not my job to prove its true. Thanks again

jnlelrod

Yes I believe you did the right thing for sure. Your just doing your job Hopefully it isn't true and probably not from what you are saying but better to be safe than sorry!

tryin4babymoore

You did the right thing! If there wasn't anything inappropriate going on then it should be determined by their investigation. Always good to report cause you never know...you'd feel worse if you didn't say anything thinking he was just making it up then you find out in a few months or so that it was true. So dont beat yourself up over it. You did the right thing hun!