How involved do I get with a suspected child abuse case?

[Sillystunt]

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I am really sorry your family went through this!

 

[Dar]

thanks sillystunt....

and to wrap things up...because he was denied welfare he asked if he can move home again!

 

[HennysMom]

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Been there - done that right with ya M

Bottom line - dont believe everything KIDS say - sorry. Kids seek attention when they dont get their way, and they are taught in today's day and age in school - "call CPS" (sorry, true). I know all too well what its like - but for false accusations to be brought against parents by children who THINK they will gain the upper hand (and alot do by this method), they do not know what abuse IS. Taking a cell phone or grounding a kid because they refuse to follow rules is not abuse.

For children that are truely abused - by all means, if there is proof of such things - then absolutely call the authorities - as that is your duty to do so. However - that is as far as you should take it - do not get involved any further, that is not your job, nor your place. Remember too there are kids that lie and do it very very well....

 

[joebryant]

I think the chances are great that the real victim is YOU, a victim of a manipulative girl and her mother. Leave it to the authorities; there's nothing that you can or should do other than let the authorities know what and by whom you're being told information.

 

[Scoop]

Sounds like a girl reaching out for help if you ask me. I wonder who is listening...

 

[Dar]

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I agree with you 100% but how you help is the key...get her all the help she needs by calling CPS, or the police and provide her with the telephone number for youth shelters, crisis hotlines. but do not get involved as in taking the poor girl in or talking to dear ole daddy...

 

[Bridget399]

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Shes right! I work at a preschool and in PA anyone who works in the school system is a MANDATED CHILD ABUSE REPORTER. You need to report this.
I would lose my job if I ever let something like this go.

 

[hearthnsoul]

It's sad to say but the truth of the matter is, well you don't know what the truth of the matter is.
All you can do when you are brought into such a situation is to listen attentively. Report it to the proper authorities. The downfall of course is the proper authorities don't always do the right thing, they are overwhelmed. As well the girl may or may not be telling the truth. The situation with the mother,...well that could be a whole can of worms itself. Some parts of the story don't necessarily ring 100% true.
Someone did mention that teens are usually able to make a choice on whom they choose to live with. I for the most part think that rings true.
I also can not imagine that the mother can not access free legal counsel. She needs to do some of the work here herself, it's her child and she needs to be on the phone with the courts asking where she can obtain services to help them.
I am sorry you are in such a situation, because being on the outside looking in, makes it very difficult to know what you are looking at, or how you can proceed.