Has anyone had any success getting social services to intervene...read on?

Question

My 15 yr. old son has been complaining with a medical problem for a year now, so when he came home for X-mas break, I took him to see our pediatrician. She had some tests performed on him and called me on Jan. 2nd to let me know she had conferred with an endocrinologist and oncologist from Kosair's children's hospital because she was puzzled by the results. The specialists recommended he have follow-up tests to rule out cancer as soon as possible. I immediately called his father and told him the information and the seriousness. A week later I called to see if he had scheduled him an appt. and he said he had been too busy because they have a new baby and he had taken him to a dr. a year earlier and that the doctor looked at it and said he was okay. Since I was getting nowhere with his father I called social services for some assistance. He has still not been seen by a doctor and I can't get SS to return a call. What are my options? I do know they have had contact with his father

....but I don't know the details. I did make the report open so I could be contacted with any information. My son has lived with his father by choice for two years now and is 600 miles away. I am just scared for his health and need some help.

Child protective services was formerly known as Social Services. I did call CPS and gave them all the information and the diagnosing pediatrician also called. I have called the caseworker and she has not returned any calls. Talking with the father is liking talking to the wall.

Answer 1

Who has legal custody? If I were you, I would be concerned also. Perhaps, since Social Services are probably overwhelmed and back logged with cases, you might talk to a Family Law lawyer about what your options are. Your son might be seriously ill and in dire need of proactive attention right now! His Dad might not want to face the prospect. I wish your son the very best.

Answer 2

Perhaps calling Social Services is not the option for you. Social Services has many different areas that they serve, including welfare, food stamps, Medicaid, and other issues. If you contact Child Protective Services in the area that your son lives, and tell them about the seriousness of the doctor's recommendations, and tell them that your son's father is claiming to be too busy to make follow-up exams to rule out cancer, then you are letting them know that you are concerned for your son's health and his life. Because cancer can grow so quickly and it is vitally important to get treatment right away if that becomes the diagnosis, it is important that your son be seen ASAP. I don't know how your relationship is with your son's father, and it's possible that calling CPS could seriously harm any relationship you might have, and could even affect your relationship with your son. That is something you have to consider. Still, if you want action quicker, then that might be the route you should take.

Answer 3

try to get your 15 year old to understand the seriousness of the situation. you could even have the doctor call his father and speak with him about the seriousness of the results of the testing.
this information coming from a professional might make a difference.

Answer 4

Go to an attorney immediately--or legal assistance if you qualify. You can get info on both from your states' bar association.
Legally, medical necglect is child abuse. Both parents, the custodial, and the absent parent who regularily visits, as well as the new stepparent are responsible for the child's welfare if they are informed of the condition present. Please do not delay, for your child's health is at stake.