When the System Fails a Child: Nathan’s Story & A Mother’s Bill

Content Warning: This conversation includes descriptions of child abuse and institutional failure. Please take care while listening.

Ashley and Mark sit down with advocate and mom Jennifer Baptista, whose son Nathan was harmed at school. After investigations stalled and accountability faltered, Jennifer began pushing legislation to require cameras in Massachusetts' sub-separate/special-education classrooms. We talk about what happened, why cameras are controversial, how families can document concerns, and what listeners can do to help.

Jennifer Baptista is a realtor, wife, mother, & special needs advocate. After her son's abuse in 2020-2021, she’s been fighting for the safety of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable.

Key takeaways

• Trust your instincts; sudden behavioral shifts or phrases may be signs of disclosure.
• Document everything: follow every phone call with an email summary.
• Cameras in sub- separate classrooms can protect students and staff by adding context and verifiable records.
• There's opposition is around privacy, union concerns, and funding, yet many spaces in public schools already use cameras.
• Advocacy is a marathon: bills need stories, coalitions, and persistent constituent pressure.

How to support Jennifer’s bill

• If you’re in Massachusetts, contact your State Rep/Senator and the Joint Committee on Education; voice support for classroom cameras in sub-separate classrooms.
• Share your story: Caregivers willing to testify or submit letters of support can email Jennifer (contact below). Lived experience moves votes.
• Coalition help: If you’re with an autism or disability-rights org, consider grants/pilot funding, legal review, or testimony.
• Educators: If you see something, say something. Know your mandated-reporting obligations and your options to report directly.

Connect with Jennifer

• Email: [e-mail]
• Instagram: @jen_bap_spiritualrealtor

Disclaimer
This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.

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