Suspected child abuse, I have no money for a lawyer?

Question

Help, I am suspecting child abuse with my 3 year old son. Split custody/legal and physical with the father.

Son has been displaying aggressive behavior, hitting and yelling. He also told me that daddy hit him and locked him in the room, naked.

Where can I get legal aid? I am in California

I have no money for a lawyer to modify the child custody agreement. I want supervised visits. I wake up every morning with a gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach. I need to do something about this, and what should my first step be?

Answer 1

you dont need legal aid, you need to call the police NOW! they will talk to the child . if you suspected abuse from a stranger would you not call the police ? you can file papers with family court for a change of visitations, its an emergency petition, you can file a restraining order and temporary full custody with no visitations for the father untill a hearing , but you have to have proof, call the police if you really suspect abuse and your child says they have been abused. get your son therapy also

Answer 2

Mam,

The first thing you need to do is pray and ask God if you should speak with the father about this. If so, approach the father in a kind way, not judgementally, because men sometimes know how to discipline boys best. Maybe the reports from your son are exaggerated. Remember, you do not need to agree with the father about his disciplinary tactics, but it might help if you had an understanding about what those tactics are.

Also, agressive behavior, hitting, yelling could be misplaced hostility cause by the fact that your son is tossed around between his two parents all the time. A child who is tossed back and forth between two parents that don't trust each other is already being abused. Think about it!

Answer 3

I'm not in California, but I have to believe that there is a child protective services there too.

If you suspect your son is being abused, you MUST ACT! You cannot wait for a more definitive clue. It is better to act in the best interest of protecting your son than close a blind eye on the situation.

However, remember, 3 year olds are story tellers and tend to be aggressive. If your son watches much television he can be picking up on that. Also, just because you know what he is watching at your house doesn't mean he isn't watching Daddy's tv programs, with hitting and yelling.

If you have the type of relationship that allows it, ask his father if he is seeing the same type of behavior. DO NOT ACCUSE HIM OF ANYTHING! You will lose the ability to talk rationally if you do.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

It's amazing how this subject keeps popping up after a divorce. Kids go ballistic, stop minding parents, and the person who started the divorce doesn't want to accept the blame. Your kid is doing everything you want. He is giving you ammunition to cause pain to his father. Hurting him will be the punishment for him creating an atmosphere for divorce, he is also giving Daddy ammunition against you! Dad will get mommy punished for the divorce and junior is then happy. You know what is going on but want us to help you decide to cause pain when there should only be a unified front between you and your husband.
The responsible thing to do is call your ex, inform him of your sons wild stories and confront junior together.
This isn't what you are going to do though is it? No, lets waste our tax dollars by getting another under paid social worker involved, letting your son (a 3 y/o) manipulate his parents. When all is needed, is communication with the father. Sad situation, my tax dollars wasted again!

Answer 5

Talk to your son's teacher or doctor. In most states, they are legally obligated to report abuse if they suspect it. That will get the ball rolling with state agencies whose job it is to protect children, and they will investigate your husband (and you, too- just be prepared for that and don't worry if you have nothing to hide). I'm not sure where things go after that, but don't wait until you can afford a lawyer to protect your little boy. If they find that there is abuse, they can take away custody from your husband right away.

Answer 6

Call Child Protective Services. Since your son is three, take advantage of the No Child Left Behind Act. Contact your local regional center for children. they have therapy programs that are free of charge that can qualify for a behavioral therapist. my youngest was enrolled because of the physical and emotional abuse inflicted on him from his father and his grandmother for two years. he's now 5 and doing fantastic. still a little work, but no longer physically violent.
once he is evaulted bring the report to court. demand full cooperation from the father in doing what is best for your son. such as attending parenting classes and attending therapy sessions with your son. this will help in him learning how to properly discipline your son. and keeps parents on the same page.

Answer 7

We know our children and if that's what he said happen it happened!! try The social worker at the hospital u take him to for check ups and call 911 get off of this and handle ur business and I say that with love never harsh I have a 2 and a 6 year old so I can imagine what you are feeling do it before the father turn it around on you! GOOD LUCK

Answer 8

Go to legal aid. Document EVERYTHING your child says. Take pictures if your child has ANY marks, bruises or injuries that weren't present when he went to dad's. Go to a doctor and have your child checked out. A 3 y.o. child will not make comments like that unless there' s something going on.
Don't drop the ball. Your son is depending on you and your husband sounds like a train wreck waiting to happen. Good luck and be strong. You have a long road ahead of you.

Answer 9

I think the first step would be to talk to your son. Don't pressure him, or anything. Just see what he has to say. Next, take him to your family doctor to be checked out and talk to child protective services if you feel the need. They should be able to advise you what your options are in your area. This is a big accusation, so, please make sure you have grounds before you accuse.At the same time, make sure you aren't overlooking something that will harm your son too.

Answer 10

Child Protectice Services, get a file going, get proof documented at your pediatricians office, etc, you don't neet a lawyer just yet, you need to get documentation going, then CPS can step in and take over, they can help, ask them for advice.