It was policy for the schools I taught in, both north and south, for a teacher to report to administration, not children's services, and let administration take it from there. I got in trouble for reporting directly - and I would do it again under the circumstances. I had tenure, and was following the law, so there wasn't much they could do to me.
My report turned out to be completely founded. I could not get the school to do anything about it, so I took it in my own hands.
What should be reported differed regionally also. Physical beatings are reported in the north - not so much in Alabama, where paddling is legal in schools, and can result in bruises.
I haven't had ever had to deal with a teacher abuse report, but I don't think Children's Services would get involved? That is actually a very good question. I don't remember CPS being involved with any of the teacher abuse cases I am aware of.
I am posting about these differences because I think what one Websleuth member may see as odd might just be a regional difference. As a Yankee here in the South, thought I might shed some light. I think this whole case is odd, but most of these cases are.