Child Protection

[Treasure]

Not sure how to summarize this situation.............I need information on laws concerning child protection where a court order is not yet in place. If you need more details I'll be happy to provide them. Just didn't want to ramble on and on when I'm really not sure about any of this or where to go to be educated on it. Any information you can provide would be helpful. Thanks.

[Guest Biblicist]

Speak softly and carry a BIG STICK...

[GloryToGod!]

Here is Michigan we have a Children's Protective Services group. They have been able to give me good info many years back. Do you have something like that where you live?

Kathy

[Treasure]

We're looking into this. Just hard for me to believe and accept that there is nothing to protect a child between the time of legal separation and actual divorce without a piece of paper that's been signed by a judge.

[ladypeartree]

different countries /states have different laws but most will allow you to ask for protection for a child if oyu beleive he or she is in danger from an estranged spouce ...best thing may be to talk to a solicitor

in the meantime I will pray for you as I have been in such a difficult position myslef and had to get a court order banning my ex husband form coming near the children ...not an easy situation to be in

[Treasure]

Thanks LPT I've been searching off and on most of the day today trying to find direction. There has to be some sort of recourse she can take to protect her child before there are court ordered documents in place. I just can't find it!

[Scarletprayers]

Thanks LPT I've been searching off and on most of the day today trying to find direction. There has to be some sort of recourse she can take to protect her child before there are court ordered documents in place. I just can't find it!

Call the local DHS/DCS which ever its called in your area, they can go before a Judge anytime to get emergency stays, or petitions.

Just want to add this, once they are involved, your stuck with them, so make sure!

Edited October 27, 2007 by Scarletprayers

[Rebecca2]

It may be true that once you involve the Department of Health/Human Service in a case involving a suspected abused, neglected, or endangered child that the child remains in the radar zone of the courts. However, which is worse - having the child being monitored by the courts or being abused / neglected / endangered.

Typically, if someone reports suspected abuse / neglect / endangerment, the local Child Protection Agency will remove the child from the situation. The child could be placed in a CPS run 'safe house' for up to 90 days. During this time, an initial hearing is held placing the child in temporary state custody, the situation is investigated, and a second hearing is held to present the findings of the investigation and allow involved parties testify. These hearings are usually held in juvenile or family court. At the end of the 90 days, the judge could order the child placed in foster care or give custody of the child to a family member.

In some states, you also have Community Child Protection Teams who investigate suspected cases of endangered children. They usually do not remove the child from a home, although they can contact DHHS to have the child removed if needed. They also offer advice and counseling to family and community members who are concerned about a child.

To find out what services are available in your area, go to your state's government page and look up the DHHS or CPS. Their websites should provide contact information.

I pray that whatever the situation is that it is resolved without harm to a precious child.

[Treasure]

Thank you all for your support and information. We're checking out and praying for the best option for my sister and her son.