Mom wants answers after special needs child goes missing from Cumberland County school

CUMBERLAND COUNTY (WTVD) -- A Cumberland County mother is upset, claiming her special needs child went missing from class and the school couldn't even find him.

"I kind of feel like all the blame was placed on him and nobody took accountability on pretty much losing an EC (exceptional children) student," said Michel Bain-Hernandez.

On Monday, Bain-Hernandez's 11-year-old special needs son walked out of a classroom at Southview Middle School and wandered off school grounds.

"They couldn't find him," she said. "They said that he could have left the school or could be in the school. They didn't know where he was at. I started crying."

She quickly sent her dad to the school to look for her son. However, she later discovered that a sheriff's deputy found him 30 minutes later.

"I just want to make sure this type of thing does not happen again. I want to make sure they're accountable as well."

"I'd like to say it's my fault because I'm the principal of the school, and I'd like to ensure we do our best to keep every child safe," said Southview Middle School Principal Chris Qually.

According to Qually, the classroom had about 10 students which were overseen by two teachers.

"He just decided to walk off and didn't tell anybody where he was going," said Qually.

The student was suspended for two days.

Still, Qually said he understands the mother's frustration and will work to make sure it doesn't happen again.

"My goal is to treat every one of them like they are my own children," said Qually. "I will do everything I can to protect every child in this school."