Parents expressed their discontent after 20 Pennsylvania school staff members were arrested for alleged child abuse conduct dating back to November 2024.
The Delaware County District Attorney's office revealed that nine of the suspects were charged with simple assault and other offenses. These were reportedly related to "techniques to restrain and punish children."
Child Abuse of Students
On the other hand, 11 other individuals were charged with at least one count of failing to report the crime of endangering the welfare of a child. Investigators added that the abuse of the students was traced back to at least late last year.
Many of the accused school staffers were confirmed to be employees of Peak Performers Staffing, LLC. This is a company that was co-founded by Jennifer Woodhouse and Emmanuel Gilbert of Chester.
In a statement, Woodhouse said that Peak Performers staff members were given training in safety care techniques. However, when investigators asked for the records of training in restraints and crisis prevention techniques, it was found that none of the individuals received up-to-date training, according to CBS News.
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The Chester Community Charter School said that the employees of outside companies were "completely unqualified to manage children." A spokesperson added that the school was already working with investigators and has committed to cutting ties wit the staffing agency.
Since the reveal of the arrests and charges, the website of Peak Performers has been taken down and it has not answered requests for comment regarding the issue. Amid the issue, two parents, who asked to be anonymous, talked about what happened to their kids, which included assault.
An Official Investigation
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said this particular case is every parent's nightmare for their children. He added that the official investigation found that some suspects physically abused kids while other adults simply stood by and watched, the Associated Press reported.
The district attorney also noted that the alleged abuse happened in a program for children who needed help with their emotions when it came to dealing with school life, fellow students, and other stressful situations.
Investigators revealed that they found consistent accounts that school staff members used "shoulder work." This included pinching pressure points on children's necks, placing them in holds with their arms crossed in front of them, and pushing their knees into the students' backs to restrain them.
The attorney for the dean of students Dakheem Williams said they "take great exception to the District Attorney's statement that 'all the adults charged are equally guilty in failing to protect these children,'" as per NBC News.
