Child Protective Service Matters

A child is to be nurtured and cared for as they grow. Unfortunately situations occur in which a child must be protected from a stranger, friend, family member, or even a parent. While this is a terrible situation it is not uncommon, which is why the government has enacted services to help when necessary. In 1912 President Taft established the Federal Children's Bureau to deal with issues relating to the welfare of children. Protective Services, Social Services and The Department of Children and Family Services are all government systems established to defend the rights of a child. The name of the government agency implemented to protect children can differ depending on the state.

A child being abused or someone who thinks a child may be abused can contact a local child abuse hotline to notify authorities. Social services may be called if some sort of neglect or abuse is suspected; this can include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. The abuse typically needs to be non-accidental such as negligence; leaving a child inside a hot car unable to get out, or intentionally abusing a child. Threatening a child even if never acting upon it may also be considered a form of abuse.

The specifics of the laws fall to the states discretion. They can determine if it is safe for the child to remain in the care of their guardian or if they need to be moved to a new location. The government agency may decide that there is no abuse occurring and no need for interference, or they may determine that there is abuse but it is not substantial enough that the child needs to be immediately moved. In this case they may penalize or warn the guardian and require checkups to ensure the abuse does not persist. If the situation is severe enough the child may be immediately removed from the home and placed into government custody.

When a parent fails to protect their child or is the one committing the abuse themselves, the state takes on the defensive position to protect the child. Some professions such as teachers or doctors are legally bound to report abuse and may be fined or given jail time if they do not. It is important to report suspected abuse to the authorities, and in some instances a person may face legal trouble for failing to do so.

Click here to find a family law lawyer who will be able to help with child protective matters.