Program for kids making changes after jump rope incident

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - The state Department of Education has released the findings of an investigation into an alleged assault on a child in a Northampton school for children with behavior problems, and the program's director says they are following the state's recommendations.

On July 19, Northampton Police say two people tried to hang a 9-year-old girl with a jump rope outside the Cutchins Program on Pomeroy Terrace.

Following the incident, the State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education conducted an investigation to find out how the child had been left unsupervised. They determined the program failed to notify the state of the incident, and also failed to keep a student safe because of a lack communication.

On that day, two thirds of the on-duty staff were substitutes.

The Cutchins Program serves children with behavioral and developmental problems.

Cutchins Executive Director Jay Indik says they have taken corrective action.

“So what we created was a check-in experience. Where they go in, we know where you are going, we know how you are going to contact us, and if they don't have a cell phone, they'll have a walkie talkie, and then you'll have immediate access to the person who's going to provide support if you need it,” Indik said.

Cutchins has also updated their supervision and emergency communication policies. The Department of Education will conduct an on-site review in November.