[Gondring]

A teacher cannot release a child to someone who is not a close relative or legal guardian - let alone someone who is just a family babysitter.

You're right, but this was out of the teacher's hands at this point, I believe.

Of course, the same is true with the administration. However....

Ortiz routinely picks up Dennis from class.

So there was already prior approval of this babysitter. If the conditions did not fit under the prior approval, then the child should have been held until the mother could arrive (she had left work and was on the way) to release the child to the parent.

There needs to be an explanation of a legitimate reason to transport the child to the psych ward rather than release the child to the parent. In cuffs, was he an immediate danger to himself or others? If so, how could they remove the cuffs for transport?

In loco parentis abuse, IMHO, but IANAL.

[Sacajaweau]

The police should have taken the child...TO HIS MOTHER, period!!

[wideawake]

So there was already prior approval of this babysitter.

Picking up a child after the school day has ended is different from taking a kid out of school on a school day.

was he an immediate danger to himself or others?

That's the question - and he has certainly exhibited behavior that meets that standard.