Post by Jennifer on Aug 3, 2006 17:51:13 GMT -5
CHILD ABUSE: Not sure? Check here for Signs
What to do next:
1. Stay CALM!!! Do not let your emotions dictate your actions, and do not release your emotions onto persons who are supposed to investigate your case (CPS, Law enforcement, etc.)
2. IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY: If you are in the state of Texas and the child is in imminent danger, click here.
3. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING from this point forward, including times, dates, and places. COLLECT and KEEP all documents from all professionals who have an opinion about the child abuse. This includes therapists, doctors, policemen, and teachers. If a professional informs you that they have an opinion or a suspicion of child abuse, have them document that suspicion, preferably in the form of an affidavit. Be sure to get a copy of any opinions from professionals regarding your child's case.
4. HAVE YOUR CHILD EVALUATED. Talk to medical and psychology professionals. If possible, have your child evaluated at a Child Assessment Center (CAS).
5. BEGIN INVESTIGATION. Talk to Law Enforcement to initiate an investigation into the allegation of child abuse. Any reasonable belief of abuse or neglect should be reported to the police.
6. TALK TO Child Protective Services (CPS). If the abuse is not criminal, talk to CPS to initiate an investigation into the allegation of child abuse.
7. GET AN ATTORNEY. Get an attorney and start proceedings to gain full custody of your child and terminate the abuser's parental rights, if any.
8. CALL JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN. If you encounter a problem with completing steps 3-6, call JFC so that we can help! Call us at 1-800-733-0059. Office hours are M-F 8-5pm central standard time.
What to do next:
1. Stay CALM!!! Do not let your emotions dictate your actions, and do not release your emotions onto persons who are supposed to investigate your case (CPS, Law enforcement, etc.)
2. IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY: If you are in the state of Texas and the child is in imminent danger, click here.
3. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING from this point forward, including times, dates, and places. COLLECT and KEEP all documents from all professionals who have an opinion about the child abuse. This includes therapists, doctors, policemen, and teachers. If a professional informs you that they have an opinion or a suspicion of child abuse, have them document that suspicion, preferably in the form of an affidavit. Be sure to get a copy of any opinions from professionals regarding your child's case.
4. HAVE YOUR CHILD EVALUATED. Talk to medical and psychology professionals. If possible, have your child evaluated at a Child Assessment Center (CAS).
5. BEGIN INVESTIGATION. Talk to Law Enforcement to initiate an investigation into the allegation of child abuse. Any reasonable belief of abuse or neglect should be reported to the police.
6. TALK TO Child Protective Services (CPS). If the abuse is not criminal, talk to CPS to initiate an investigation into the allegation of child abuse.
7. GET AN ATTORNEY. Get an attorney and start proceedings to gain full custody of your child and terminate the abuser's parental rights, if any.
8. CALL JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN. If you encounter a problem with completing steps 3-6, call JFC so that we can help! Call us at 1-800-733-0059. Office hours are M-F 8-5pm central standard time.