REASONABLE CAUSE TO SUSPECT D:

Mary, a bright and outgoing third grade child in your class, has recently become quiet and withdrawn. The child has also been coming to school late and in a disheveled state. Usually well prepared, her homework of late is not complete. In talking to Mary you learn that Mary’s mom recently took a new job, requiring her to work late hours, leaving Mary in the care of an older sibling who is rarely home to supervise Mary. Mary has been getting herself up in the morning, preparing her own breakfast, and getting herself to school. The mother gets angry with the children if they wake her up to help with homework or to prepare a meal. You have attempted to contact Mary’s mother to help resolve this situation, but she has not returned your calls or responded to notes sent home.