Poppagator said it best, "The worst of it is, the craziest and most zealous members of such a bureaucracy tend to find their way into positions of authority, because they are the most dedicated (albeit delusional) staff members, and have no life outside of their careers as "crusaders."

This principal sounds just like the admin. that drove me out of teaching. Socio-paths are very good at rising to the top and do not like their authority questioned. That said, the social worker should have contacted you immediately. You shouldn't have had to contact them. Whoever told your son to keep a secret from his parents is very, very wrong.

I would definitely contact the Supt. of your school district and demand an explanation (leave the rest of your complaints out of it and focus on this incident). I also think that the school is responsible for counselling services. Remember that this principal does not represent all school staff.

Yes, school staff must report suspected abuse and have a right to confidentiality but social services also has a duty to handle such cases in a sensitive and responsible way. I would also talk to the supervisor of the case worker to find out why you were not informed and why your son had to endure such trauma.

I certainly hope you are demanding an explanation of your son's inuries at school. All students are entitled to learn in a safe environment. That is the responsible of the school. Obviously, your son needs closer supervision and the school must provide it.