DCF and Coaches, When Trust is Broken
A confusing aspect of DCF is the lack of key individuals who can be Mandated Reporters. Mandated Reporters are required to make reports to DCF about suspected child abuse or neglect. While teachers and police officers, as mandated reporters, must promptly report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect, coaches, in contrast, lack the same legal obligation.This distinction in roles and responsibilities stems from the fact that teachers and police officers work closely with children in educational and law enforcement settings, whereas coaches primarily focus on sports and athletic development, making them exempt from the legal requirement to report such incidents.
It is confusing for some why coaches are not included as mandated reporters. There are many stories showing coaches are not as trustworthy as some believe, especially in cases involving DCF parental alienation and the fight against DCF. While it is a widely debated topic, there are contrasting opinions on whether coaches should assume the role of Mandated Reporters. On one hand, some argue vehemently in favor of this idea, highlighting the importance of safeguarding athletes’ well-being.
Conversely, on the other hand, there are those who firmly oppose this notion. They cite significant concerns about the potential invasion of privacy and its profound impact on the coach-athlete relationship. Moreover, proponents of this viewpoint assert that these practices not only pose risks to trust but also have the potential to undermine the athletes’ holistic growth and overall performance. In addition to these concerns, it is important to consider that a breakdown in trust between coaches and athletes can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate training environment.
Furthermore, some argue that coaches should prioritize fostering positive relationships with their athletes in order to create a supportive and conducive atmosphere for improvement. Additionally, when coaches implement practices that prioritize trust-building, athletes are more likely to feel valued and motivated to excel. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the multifaceted impact of such coaching practices on the athletes’ development, performance, and well-being.
diverse perspectives, as demonstrated by these stories, shed light on the complexity of the issue at hand. One of the most notorious cases of child abuse was committed by Jerry Sandusky, who was the assistant coach of Penn State’s football team, the Nittany Lions. Sandusky was a defensive line coach, and linebacker coach, and a defensive coordinator. Sandusky was convicted of 45 counts of sexual abuse, including molesting boys during showers. The revelation indicated that then Head Coach Joe Paterno knew about Sandusky’s crimes but took no action to stop him. scandal caused outrage among the public and led many to question the trustworthiness of coaches.
Furthermore, shedding light on yet another lesser-known but equally serious instance, we have the case of Barry Bennell. This instance starkly reminds us of the grave consequences that arise when we discover a coach. Guilty of committing child abuse, Barry Bennell’s case, in particular, stands as a harrowing example. This case vividly illustrates the urgent need for addressing child protection issues within the realm of sports coaching. Furthermore, it not only underscores the severity of the problem but also highlights the pressing importance of implementing robust safeguards.
Barry Bennell, a youth soccer coach in the United Kingdom, faced convictions for sexually assaulting boys aged 8 to 15 from 1979 to 1990, as reported by Richard Pérez-Peña in a New York Times article.
” (Pérez-Peña).
Prosecutors alleged he lured boys with video games, animals, and fast food, then abused them in his home and car. High-level coaches are not the only ones who commit abuse. (8%)
Pam McLoughlin reported accusations of abusive coaching by former high school hockey coach Sal Follo in Milford.
(McLoughlin).
The school fired Follo from this position after receiving these reports.
Bianca Padró Ocasio, a reporter from the Orlando Sentinel, reported that Tim Manes, a coach at Orangewood Christian school in Maitland, faced accusations of sexually assaulting three young boys attending the school. Ocasio also mentioned that he faced an accusation of lewd and lascivious molestation in an unrelated case involving a boy. He pled no contest and is now a registered sex offender.” (Ocasio). This sexual assault of the three boys was part of a bigger issue at the high school.
Several staff members willfully disregarded these assaults when they occurred.”
We reported.
This brings up questions regarding not only the trustworthiness of coaches, but of other school and church officials as well. fight against DCF: In the context of the article, you can include a sentence like, “In some cases, parents and guardians may find themselves having to fight against DCF allegations, which can be a challenging and emotionally taxing process. Assigning child protection responsibilities to coaches requires caution despite their potential as great Mandated Reporters.
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Works Cited:
- “Jury Convicts Jerry Sandusky.” ESPN, ESPN Internet Ventures, 23 June 2012
- Mathews, Zoe. “Andover Coaches Cleared in DCF Investigation, Will Return to Hockey Duties.” Eagle-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2018
- McLoughlin, Pam. “Report Reveals Alleged Abuse by Fired Milford Hockey Coach.” New Haven Register, New Haven Register, 16 June 2018
- Ocasio, Bianca Padró. “3 Accuse Former Orangewood Coach of Abuse amid Investigation of Church and School’s Past.” OrlandoSentinel.com, 11 Mar. 2018
- PÉrez-peÑa, Richard. “Ex-Coach for English Soccer Teams Convicted of Molesting Child Players.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 13 Feb. 2018
DISCLAIMER
You find yourself in this situation, it’s advisable to seek legal representation from a qualified attorney, like those at the Law Office of Kevin Seaver, who can advocate for your rights and guide you through the complex process of a DCF investigation.
Remember that the ultimate goal of DCF is to ensure the safety and well-being of children while supporting families in crisis.
Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers.
Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from the attorney based on personal circumstances. Thank you.
Kevin Patrick Seaver is a Massachusetts DCF Defense Lawyer who represents parents against false child abuse allegations.
Massachusetts DCF Defense Lawyer Kevin Seaver has been successfully fighting false child abuse allegations since 1991.
