Child Abuse?

Question

My niece and nephew say their mother emotionally abuses them. She also keeps them in their house and has them do chores from 7 a.m till bed which is priority over school work during school. She moves them and hides them from us (Dad's amily). Their Dad is no longer a part of their lives' so I am lost on what I can do to help them. Next school year they begin homeschooling; my niece starts high school next year. They are both against it but fear saying that to their Mom in fear of punishment. They both want to live with me or their grandmother but we are at loss of what we can do according to California law. They also say their Mother does drugs but I have no physical proof of anything. Help please
My niece is cutting on herself and is depressed, my nephew is lost
They are 12 and 14

Answer 1

You need to report this to the police AND Department of Human Resources IMMEDIATELY. Your niece is involved in self-destructive behavior and THAT is enough to get her removed from the home. It will also force a detailed investigation into the mental welfare of the children. Do Not Wait At All. I also suggest you consult an attorney if you wish to gain custody. Keep a journal/diary of what the kids tell you and what you observe. I also suggest you take as many pictures as you can. (Get a digital camera and download them to CD - just claim it's a new "hobby") Turn the pics over to the cops. ALSO, If you speak to either child on the phone you can LEGALLY record the conversation because YOU have consented to it (only one party must consent). You can do the same to the mother or anyone else for that matter.

Answer 2

Sometimes emotional abuse is worse than the physical abuse. First of contact the police and child protective services. Cutting is a very serious in indicating emotional distress stemming from an abusive upbringing. Also consider contacting a support group for these type of situations because people in these groups tend to have experiance and be of help in regard to your questions. They can also offer a temendous amount of support. I'm not sure what california law dictates in this situation but from what you have told us your niece and nephew live in an abusive environment. If you took this to court they would most likely tesitify and being 12 and 14 would be able to choose which parent they prefer to live with. If you can prove the mother mentally instable she could lose her parental rights therefore have them given to your side of the family. I hope I was of some help and I wish you all well. Good luck.

Answer 3

If they are really being abused and are willing tell on their mother, they can start with the CPS. Or a therapist. I do believe that in order to be homeschooled, there is accountability that takes place. Either someone who comes to the house or a place whrere they go for tests/support or some such. If they tell someone there, it is required to be reported to CPS. Doctors, teachers and counselors are all required by law to report abuse.
However, it is not abusive to raise children differently from others in the family. So them not liking chores or not wanting to be homeschooled is not abuse. However, if your niece is cutting herself and her mother refuses to get her help I believe that could be considered abuse.

Answer 4

The only thing I would know to do is call your local non emergency police number and ask them what to do, also United Father's of America ( there's one in Orange Ca) could give you some free advice even though you are not the father, they know the law. Wish I could help more, I really feel for your situation...you all are in my prayers!

Also, in the front of your phone book are child services #s and such...good luck my friend.

Answer 5

If they cant or wont tell the school counselor, then you need to inform child protective services. I expect their school grades could be some form of evidence that something may be wrong in the home. Their dad should be reporting this to the court as well. He has rights as their father, especially if they are being mistreated.

Answer 6

I would call child protective services and let them check in on it.

Answer 7

Please call a child abuse hotline. Get advice and follow it. It's so great that you care enough to help them. Don't give up!

Answer 8

http://www.childsworld.ca.gov/
http://www.fightcrime.org/ca/caissue_can.php

Answer 9

http://www.childsworld.ca.gov