By Arlington Criminal Defense Attorney Steve Duckett with Price Benowitz LLP.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has signed two teacher child abuse laws following a News4 I-Team investigation into a former Virginia teacher. It was discovered that a teacher sexually abused a student in Virginia and was able to obtain a teaching position in Maryland.
The new laws signed by Governor Northam require child protective services notify the state department of education and school districts when it is discovered that a child has been abused by a teacher.
The I-Team investigation came to light in August 2017, which spurred the creation of the legislation and heated debates throughout Virginia.
“Child abuse is a serious allegation that can have long-lasting repercussions,” Steve Duckett, a Virginia child abuse attorney said. “This new law can make it difficult for someone to find employment after facing accusations.”
The investigation discovered that a teacher from Arlington County had sexually abused a student and still kept his teaching license. The teacher then obtained a position at a school in Prince George’s County in Maryland just months after Arlington Child Protective Services made the discovery.
Arlington Child Protective Services failed to notify not only the school board but also the Virginia Department of Education about the abuse by the teacher.
The laws signed by the governor apply to the more than 130 child protective agencies that operate in Virginia. Other supporters of the new laws claim that they will help not only students in Virginia but also all other states.
The laws may prevent teachers seeking jobs outside Virginia following alleged abuse or other misconduct involving students since the agencies will now be forced to issue warnings.
If you are a teacher facing allegations of abuse, it is important to take every action possible to fight these allegations. An attorney can work with you to help you tell your side of the story and help you fight these allegations that could threaten your livelihood.
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