• Meet Our Team
  • Advertise on SCDN
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact Us
Thursday, July 24
Scioto County Daily News
  • Login
  • Register
Subscribe For $1/week
  • Public Safety
    SCDN File Photo

    Teen’s Tall Tale Unravels: Bizarre 911 Call Leads Deputies to Franklin Furnace 

    Good Samaritan 2

    Good Neighbor Nabs Wanted Man: Deputies Bust Suspicious Visitor at Vacant Home 

    Man Missing for 24 Hours Found on Stranger’s Porch

    DRUNK SON FIRES GUN AT DAD IN LATE-NIGHT DOMESTIC MELTDOWN  

    “Someone Out There Got Away With It” 

    Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

    Busted! 07/23/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

    Sheriff night 1

    Stranger on the Porch: Midnight Door Jiggle Lands Minford Woman in Jail 

    body found

    Double Tragedy Strikes Portsmouth as Two Found Dead Just Hours Apart 

    Portsmouth Boy Punches Dog In Stomach

    🐾 DOG DRAMA AT THE POUND! 

    chase police chase

    High-Speed Chase Ends in the Woods — Suspect Now Tied to Another Stolen Car at Speedway 

    Ryan Joseph Miller

    “Didn’t Take the Hint!” – Man Busted After Allegedly Trying to Kick In Door in South Webster 

    Elder Safety

    🚨 “Mom Needs Protection” — West Portsmouth Man Busted for Violating Protective Order Meant to Shield Elderly Mother 

    Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

    Busted! 07/22/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

    super mom

    The Gallia Street Incident — One Mom’s Love Shines Through 

    🚨 ‘She Hits Us With Sticks’ — Brave Girls Speak Out About Alleged Abuse 

    Forgotten Firepower: Loaded Gun Left in Rental Car Prompts Police Response 

    🚨 Banned, Busted, and Back Again: Homeless Crisis on Full Display at Local Businesses 

    Suspect arrested

    🎭 Busted on the Tracy Park Stage — Again! Homeless Man Arrested for Trespassing Amid Trash and Tallboys 

    Sheriff night 1

    Busted Before Breakfast! Deputies Catch Underage Duo Out at 4:30 A.M. in Wheelersburg 

    Weed, Whacks & Whoppers: Family Feud Ends in Pot Bust 

  • Lawrence County
  • Politics

    Who Will Carry Cathy’s Torch? GOP to Choose Coleman’s Replacement July 29 

    Cathy Coleman

    Commissioners Back Senior Housing Project Championed by Late Commissioner Cathy Coleman 

    “Bad and Quirky” Lucasville House Targeted for Demolition as County Cracks Down on Blighted Properties 

    ‘A Great Addition to Heaven’: Commissioners Honor Cathy Coleman, Reflect on Her Legacy and Who Might Carry It Forward 

    Cathy Coleman

    Scioto County Mourns Commissioner Cathy Coleman 

    🚨TRIAL TWIST! Horton Corruption Case on Ice—For Now 

    Cathy Coleman

    Remembering Scioto County Commissioner Cathy Coleman

    somc 2

    🏥 Scioto County Approves Hospital Tax to Keep Medicaid Dollars Local 

    No Kings

    Scioto Dems Snort at “Well-Funded” No Kings Protest Claim

    Cathy Coleman

    Cathy Coleman Still Fighting: Family Shuts Down Hospice Rumors, Says Recovery Still Underway

    County May Tap Opioid Settlement Funds to Finish MARCS Tower Project 

    Cathy Coleman

    ‘Small Steps, Big Faith’: Commissioner Cathy Coleman Edges Closer to Recovery 

    Cathy Coleman

    ‘Praise God!’: Commissioner Cathy Coleman Shows Remarkable Progress After Harrowing Weeks

    Cathy Coleman

    Cautious Hope and Harsh Realities: New Details Emerge on Commissioner Cathy Coleman’s Condition 

    Scioto County Commissioners Cancel This Week’s Meeting 

    Robert Horton

    Sudden Twist: Horton Court Dates Scrapped Ahead of Trial 

    Cathy Coleman

    ‘A Sign of Hope’: Commissioner Cathy Coleman Shows Small Improvements Amid Ongoing Critical Condition 

    Recorder Gary Jenkins

    Scioto County Recorder Gary Jenkins Unveils New Office Website 

    Staggering 236 Recovery Houses in Area — and the Fight for Reform Faces Pushback 

    Cathy Coleman

    Community Urged to Pray For Cathy Coleman as Family Faces Devastating Update 

  • Feel Good
    A family of two parents and a young boy and girl are playing laser tag with vests and laser blasters in an arena.

    What Activities To Offer at a Family Fun Center

    Shawnee State University SSU

    Shawnee State University Joins New Athletic Conference, Adds Football to Lineup 

    BREAKING: Commissioners Make Shocking Decision—Halloween to Remain on Halloween 

    Escape to the Hills: A Summer Reading List Set in Appalachia 

    Scioto County Champs: Lady Trojans and Word Wizards Bring Home the Gold 

    “I Held Those Keys Tight” — One Man’s Harrowing Journey from Addiction to Hope 

    Three girls in quinceañera dresses stand beside one another. The one in middle has a gold dress while the other two wear pink.

    Tips for Selecting the Color of a Quinceañera Dress

    The Day the Streak Ended: Lakers’ 1987 Record Broken

    An angler standing at the edge of a lake just after sunset with three fishing rods resting on the ground next to him.

    Night Fishing: Who Is It for and How Do You Start?

    good cops

    Cops Rescue Lost Man 

    good cops

    Kid Misses Bus, Deputy to the Rescue 

    A group of people stands outside with their arms in the air. They hold their hands together, making a pyramid shape.

    Hidden Gems: Community Strategies for Mental Wellness

    good cops

    Man Says He’s Trapped in Armory 

    Good Samaritan 2

    Good Neighbor and Officer to the Rescue 

    Portsmouth Flood Wall Stars

    Meet the New Flood Wall Stars! 

    A bearded man is sitting on the floor and comforting his dog in a wheelchair. The dog has his ears pinned back.

    Training Tips To Help Your Dog Get Used to Their Wheelchair

    U.S. housing market

    Tips for Making Your New House Feel Like a Home

    The Best Freshwater Fish To Catch This Summer

    The Best Freshwater Fish To Catch This Summer

    A man approaching the bowling lane with a red bowling ball as his three friends in the background cheer him on.

    How Bowling Can Improve Your Mental Health

    good cops

    Lost Kid Calls Cops for Help 

  • Obituaries
    James L. Slone, 86, of South Webster

    James L. Slone, 86 of South Webster

    Gary Lee Meade,70 of West Portsmouth

    Lilly Ann Elliott

    Lilly Ann Elliott, 53 of Portsmouth

    James D. Hannah

    James D. Hannah, 60 of Greenup

    obit-infant-small

    Bristol Rafalowski, 3, of Wheelersburg

    Walter Logan

    Walter Logan 56 of Portsmouth

    Paul H. Parker

    Paul H. Parker 85 of Portsmouth

    Ralph Burton Speck

    Ralph Burton Speck, 90 of West Portsmouth

    Barbara Williams

    Betty Lou Little Mullins, 91 of Franklin Furnace

    Shirley Ann Wheeler

    Shirley Ann Wheeler, 88, of Minford

    Betty Lou Ratliff

    Betty Lou Ratliff, 82 of South Shore

    Katherine Kay Bates

    Katherine Kay Bates, 76, formerly of Sciotoville

    Carl D. Cook

    Carl D. “Pork” Cook, 64 of South Webster

    Rachele Lynne McLaughlin, 44 of Minford

    Carol Lorraine Schmid

    Carol Lorraine (Meenach) Schmid 88 of Wheelersburg

    Darrell Kevin Lore

    Darrell Kevin Lore, age 69 of Portsmouth

    Helen Waughtel

    Helen F. Waughtel, 84 of Portsmouth

    Victoria Jane Lucas

    Victoria Jane Lucas, 73 of Portsmouth

    Wayne Pace

    Wayne Franklin Pace, 43 of Wheelersburg

    Yani Marcellus White

    Yani Marcellus White, 28 of Portsmouth

  • More News
    • All News
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Education
    • Economy
    • Food & Drinks
    • Local Business
    • National
    • Opinion
    • Regional
    • Strange But True
    • Trending
No Result
View All Result
Scioto County Daily News
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Register
Scioto County Daily News
No Result
View All Result

When a Child Reports Abuse: How Schools, Police, and CPS Investigate Allegations 

Cyn Mackley by Cyn Mackley
4 months ago
in Public Safety
ShareTweetEmail

When a young child tells a teacher they’ve been hurt at home, it sets off a carefully structured investigation involving school officials, law enforcement, and child protective services (CPS). A recent case at a local Elementary School offers a look into how these cases unfold—and how authorities determine if a child is truly in danger. 

The Report 

On a Wednesday morning, a local Elementary student told a teacher that his father had punched him in the nose while they were in the car before school. The teacher immediately took the child to the principal, who noticed some dried blood in his nose and a possible mark on his cheek. 

School officials followed protocol for suspected abuse cases by:
✅ Sending the child to the nurse for evaluation
✅ Reporting the incident to Child Protective Services (CPS)
✅ Notifying law enforcement 

RELATED POSTS

James L. Slone, 86 of South Webster

Teen’s Tall Tale Unravels: Bizarre 911 Call Leads Deputies to Franklin Furnace 

Good Neighbor Nabs Wanted Man: Deputies Bust Suspicious Visitor at Vacant Home 

Since there was no School Resource Officer on duty at the elementary that day, an officer from the high school responded to take a formal police report. 

The Investigation Begins 

At 12:15 PM, after speaking with school staff and gathering a statement from the child, the officer visited the child’s home to interview the parents. 

  • The father denied hitting his son, saying the child often experiences nosebleeds due to anxiety. 
  • The mother was visibly upset, stating that if her husband were an abuser, she wouldn’t allow herself or the child to be around him. 
  • The father admitted to using a belt as discipline but denied ever punching his child in the face. 

The officer checked the father’s hands for redness or injuries consistent with a recent punch but found none. 

Examining the Evidence 

To determine the credibility of the child’s statement, investigators reviewed school security footage from the morning drop-off. The video showed:
The father’s car arriving late to the drop-off line
The child exiting the vehicle without crying or appearing distressed
The child hugging a teacher and showing no visible injuries or bleeding 

The school nurse was also consulted and confirmed the child had never previously been seen for routine nosebleeds or suspicious injuries. 

Child Protective Services (CPS) Steps In 

When a Lawrence County CPS agent arrived, they conducted their own interview with the child. The child’s responses changed multiple times: 

Initially, the child stated that his father had never hit him before.
Later, when asked again, the child said, “A couple of weeks ago.”
Finally, when pressed, the child claimed, “Yeah, he punches me all the time in the face.” 

After comparing notes with police and school officials, CPS determined that the child’s changing statements made it difficult to establish credibility. While they did not find enough evidence to remove the child from the home, they decided to implement a protection plan to monitor the situation. 

No Arrests, But Continued Vigilance 

Due to insufficient evidence, police did not file charges against the father. However, the officer documented the incident in case of future concerns. School officials were also advised to keep a close watch on the child for any new injuries or signs of distress. 

How Abuse Investigations Work 

When a child reports abuse, authorities must act quickly but carefully. Investigations follow these key steps: 

1️⃣ Immediate Action – Teachers and school officials are mandated reporters, meaning they must report suspected abuse to CPS and law enforcement.
2️⃣ Medical and Physical Evidence – Nurses check for visible injuries, and security footage can help verify claims.
3️⃣ Interviews – Police, CPS, and school officials interview the child and parents separately.
4️⃣ Evaluating Consistency – If a child’s statements change, it may indicate coaching, confusion, or exaggeration.
5️⃣ CPS Protection Plans – Even if there isn’t enough for an arrest, CPS can still monitor the family and offer services or interventions. 

Please Support This Local Business

What to Do If You Suspect Child Abuse 

Look for signs – Unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, or extreme fear of a caregiver can be warning signs.
Report concerns – Call 911 or CPS if you suspect a child is in immediate danger.
Trust the professionals – Schools and authorities follow strict procedures to ensure child safety while avoiding false accusations. 

This case highlights the challenges of abuse investigations—but also the importance of reporting concerns, even when the truth isn’t immediately clear. Authorities remain committed to protecting children while ensuring fair investigations. 

Tags: ArrestsChildrenFamilyinvestigationLawLawrence CountyNewsletterPoliceprofessionalssafetyschools
Please Support This Local Business

TRENDING NOW

SCDN File Photo

Poolside Tragedy in Wheelersburg: Toddler Rushed to Hospital  

July 19, 2025
Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

Busted! 07/18/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

July 18, 2025

Mayor Call Cops on Fired Police Chief After Missed Deadline

July 19, 2025

Rachele Lynne McLaughlin, 44 of Minford

July 19, 2025
Busted Arrests Portsmouth Scioto County Mugshots

Busted! 07/17/25 New Arrests in Portsmouth, Ohio – Scioto County Mugshots

July 17, 2025

ABOUT US

We are a grassroots team of local journalists on a mission to give our community up-to-the-second news and events for Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Western West Virginia. We believe progress inspires change and we believe our reporting has become the front-lines of Portsmouth, Ohio's comeback.

CATEGORIES

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Casino
  • Economy
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • Food & Drink
  • Local Business
  • National
  • Obituaries
  • Ohio
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Public Safety
  • Regional
  • Strange But True
  • Video

AREAS SERVED

  • Portsmouth
  • Wheelersburg
  • Minford
  • Waverly
  • Friendship
  • Ironton
  • West Union
  • Piketon
  • Coal Grove
  • South Point
  • Vanceburg
  • Grayson
  • South Shore
  • Greenup
  • Raceland
  • Ashland

SITE SEARCH

No Result
View All Result
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Home
  • Trending
  • Public Safety
  • Lawrence County
  • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • All News
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise on SCDN
  • Legal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Home
  • Trending
  • Public Safety
  • Lawrence County
  • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Feel Good
  • All News
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • FAQ
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise on SCDN
  • Legal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service

© 2025 Scioto County Daily News. All Rights Reserved.