sorry to hear of this situation-just to provide some info. from social services perspective (i'm a prior foster care supervisor)-
child abuse can be reported via 911 (if immediate or emergent need), to the department of social services, a school/daycare/medical provider (all are mandatory reporters if they are advised of or witness-they have no discretion on if they believe or not, they must report it to the appropriate authorities for evaluation and potential investigation). in a public venue-you may request immediate security assistance and additionaly demand a written report be taken (this can be helpful in case documentation)-you can also take the additional steps of calling the local police if you meet resistance from a business owner's security staff and making a report.
yes, a child visiting a state other than thier home state is protected to the same extent that a resident child is. (i saw many removals based on among other issues, children being left alone and unsupervised in hotel rooms-the states will share information in pursuing an issue such as this).
all reports of child abuse to social services can be made anon.-however, always remember that despite horrible things done to a child they will often not tell. if you witness abuse please consider that your testimony could save that child's life or end the cycle of abuse before it continues to the next victim.
lastly-never believe that keeping a disfunctional, abusive family together is better than reporting child or spousal abuse. the primary objective of child protective services is FAMILY REUNIFICATION. it is always the court's objective to protect and preserve a safe and healthy parental child relationship (an unfortunate example of the negative issue with this is that many children remain in the foster care system for years because the courts will not sever the parental rights and allow these children into the loving adoptive homes that await them). however, social services will always make every attempt to place the child within their bio. family, and in many cases will assist a family friend in becoming eligible to foster the child. remember-child removal from the home is the exception, not the rule.
hope this helps.
child abuse can be reported via 911 (if immediate or emergent need), to the department of social services, a school/daycare/medical provider (all are mandatory reporters if they are advised of or witness-they have no discretion on if they believe or not, they must report it to the appropriate authorities for evaluation and potential investigation). in a public venue-you may request immediate security assistance and additionaly demand a written report be taken (this can be helpful in case documentation)-you can also take the additional steps of calling the local police if you meet resistance from a business owner's security staff and making a report.
yes, a child visiting a state other than thier home state is protected to the same extent that a resident child is. (i saw many removals based on among other issues, children being left alone and unsupervised in hotel rooms-the states will share information in pursuing an issue such as this).
all reports of child abuse to social services can be made anon.-however, always remember that despite horrible things done to a child they will often not tell. if you witness abuse please consider that your testimony could save that child's life or end the cycle of abuse before it continues to the next victim.
lastly-never believe that keeping a disfunctional, abusive family together is better than reporting child or spousal abuse. the primary objective of child protective services is FAMILY REUNIFICATION. it is always the court's objective to protect and preserve a safe and healthy parental child relationship (an unfortunate example of the negative issue with this is that many children remain in the foster care system for years because the courts will not sever the parental rights and allow these children into the loving adoptive homes that await them). however, social services will always make every attempt to place the child within their bio. family, and in many cases will assist a family friend in becoming eligible to foster the child. remember-child removal from the home is the exception, not the rule.
hope this helps.
