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I have a friend who is having problems with her father. Everyone we've talked to says there is nothing we can do unless he is doing serious physical harm. However, we are 99% sure what he is doing isn't legal. Does anyone have any idea of exactly how much control he has?

2007-01-09 03:32:39 · 8 answers · asked by Kaitlynn R. 1 in Politics & Government Law & Ethics

8 answers

Let's talk about what rights you and your friend have.

You can call Child Protective Services (it's referred to by different terms in different states, so you'll need to find out what it is for your state) and tell them what's going on. You don't have to give contact information, or even your name, but it will make the investigations go easier if CPS knows how to contact you for more detailed information if they need them.

They have to look into all cases that are even remotely plausible. I had to go through a CPS investigation because a preschool teacher called when my son had a scrape on his face from falling on the playground, and she didn't know why it was there.

Despite how "everyone you've talked to" seems to take it, CPS takes reports of child abuse very seriously, so if you give them some detailed information, they will look into it.

Your friend's father doesn't have to know who made the complaint, but he can find out what is said, word for word. A written transcript of a phone tip can be read to him if he requests it, but he can't see the details.

Your friend and her parents will be evaluated either in an office or in their home (depending on the individual case and the state it's in), and it's possible someone from your school could be involved, since she's around her teachers, they could be questioned as to whether or not they have noticed anything wrong, if they've had issues with the father, and other questions about the case and those involved.

If CPS doesn't think your friend is in danger, they will put her back in the home and do a few follow-ups. If they do, they will act accordingly.

If the nature of the case is something which could cause serious harm to your friend, she could be removed from the home temporarily or for good.

You don't mention who you've talked to, but I would be disturbed if you have talked to your teachers and they did nothing. They are legally bound to report ANYTHING that may be abusive, whether it's emotional, mental, physical, sexual, or a case of neglect. If you haven't talked to them, you should. That way, whatever is said to CPS is from a teacher.

2007-01-09 03:54:18 · answer #1 · answered by CrazyChick 7 · 0 0

You don't describe how you're "99% sure what he is doing isn't legal".

Tell your parents or a teacher at school who should get involved by contacting the local Department of Family Services or the police.

This link will provide you with more information and a direct hotline to the National Child Abuse Hotline.
http://www.childwelfare.gov/responding/how.cfm

You're a good friend to seek answers and help for your friend.

2007-01-09 03:43:56 · answer #2 · answered by ☼High☼Voltage☼Blonde☼ 4 · 0 0

Hello =)

Explain your concerns to an adult...

Ask them to call your local children's services office. They are required to investigate any and all complaints.

Parents have no rights in regards to such investigations, and are required to cooperate.

If your friend is 15 or under, they will take the complaint very seriously.

Unfortunately, there is a double standard out there, regarding older teens. For children who are 16 and older, sometimes the only option is to move out...... If they claim the reason for moving is abuse, usually the courts will not order them to return.

While this is not the letter of the law, in reality it is how it usually works....

Namaste,

--Tom

2007-01-09 03:42:29 · answer #3 · answered by glassnegman 5 · 0 0

Where's her mom when this is happening? I'm assuming you are still in high school or younger. If so, you could tell her to tell a school counselor or talk to a teacher. If they have any idea that any abuse is happening they have a legal obligation to report it. However, you don't really provide enough details to determine if his actions are illegal.

2007-01-09 03:42:47 · answer #4 · answered by Lady in Red 4 · 0 0

in all probability. yet keep in mind that some babies that age purely prefer to head into bogs in shops, play interior the sink for a couple of minutes, look into the automated paper towel dispenser and make a large number with the liquid cleansing soap. to not point out, see what happens once you flush the bathroom fifteen circumstances in a row. it might desire to ok be that the youngster you observed has already been taken to the bathing room 4 or 5 circumstances and desperate to play. consistently keep in mind that what you word won't be the finished tale. yet I do agree that refusing to take a baby to the bathing room whilst he/she extremely needs to apply it, is borderline abusive.

2016-12-15 19:34:30 · answer #5 · answered by forgach 4 · 0 0

Child abuse is an over used concept!

If your friend is not happy with her father, she needs to talk with him. If it's physical abuse or she feels threatened, she can somply go to the authorities.

Fathers are over abused in America as it is:

2007-01-09 03:48:47 · answer #6 · answered by government slave 2 · 0 1

Spill the beans what is he doing? If you want answers we need to know what the hell your talking about..We cant answer a bleak question

2007-01-09 03:41:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

just because he wont let his daughter run the streets does not mean he is abusing her. if you have no proof of psychical, sexual or mental abuse stay out of it.

2007-01-09 03:38:39 · answer #8 · answered by monreda 4 · 1 0

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