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Hi - I’m Reed. I am a lawyer licensed to practice law in Kansas and Missouri, and my office is located in Kansas City, MO. My team and I fight every day for the rights of sexual abuse victims. We are ready to help.
The Kansas City Star reported that a court order has been signed by a judge to shut down the Agape Boarding School located at 12998 E 1400 Rd, Stockton, MO 65785.
This court order stemmed from the failure of the school to confirm that a registered abuser was still employed at the boarding school. DSS gave a staff member until September 6, 2022, to appeal evidence suggesting they physically abused a child at the school. Neither the school nor the staff member responded by the deadline causing the staff member to be placed on the state’s Child Abuse/Neglect Central Registry. Per state law, the school can not employ a person listed as an abuser on the Central Registry as it creates a risk to the safety of students.
On Thursday, September 8, 2022, Judge David Munton had the Cedar County Sheriff go to the school to verify if the staff member was or was not still employed. Munton stated that should it confirm the staff member is currently employed, the order to shut down the boarding school will be executed.
Even though this is the first Agape staff member to be placed on the Central Registry, the school has a history of abuse allegations. The school is currently facing 21 civil suits filed by former students. All allege they were abused by either staff members or other students while residing at the boarding school. Many claim they were victims of neglect in addition to statutory sodomy, rape, and physical abuse.
To learn more about the ongoing lawsuits and allegations against the boarding school:
Attorney contributor Reed Marten of Monsees & Mayer P.C. represents several former students who have filed lawsuits against Agape Boarding School in Missouri. In light of the new details, Reed shared his thoughts regarding when a boarding school can be held liable for abuse.
"Parents send their children to boarding schools for many different reasons but all expect that their children will be kept safe from danger. Unfortunately, boarding schools across the nation have been exposed for hiding abuse. As more and more victims step forward revealing the secrets kept behind these guarded doors, lawsuits like those filed against Agape can help to prevent further abuse."
"Public schools have a legal responsibility to report any misconduct. They also must conduct background checks on all staff members to avoid employing known predators. For too long these schools lacked the same regulations to safeguard their students. By allowing a known abuser to remain employed, the school is putting the children in danger. Fortunately, negligent schools and school officials can be held accountable."
Victims of boarding school abuse can seek justice by holding these negligent schools accountable. If you or a loved one has suffered at the hands of a boarding school staff member or even a fellow student there is time to seek justice. Our legal team of experienced boarding school lawyers can help victims explore their legal options."
