Req'g Data 4 Usa Child Protection Services

[Recovery4Me]

I am requesting data from anyone that is familiar with Child Protection Services within the USA and the optimal method to produce effective resolution.

Some of us have suffered PTSD as a result of no one speaking out to protect us, as children. So I am asking for the expertise of anyone who knows the system and wishes to assist me in making a difference for a young teen woman.

I live in a large house with many people due to economic restraints and lack of housing. Each of us have their own structural bedrooms, although some rooms were converted from dens, dining rooms ect. However, one undocumented gentleman (unauthorized access to US) whom suffers great hardship, now lives with his two children that were perhaps (?) born within the USA. They rent the attached (two car) garage where our laundry room is also situated. The Dad works as hard as he can- for below our USA standard wage.

Due to this, sharing one room appeared somewhat acceptable. The young 9-ish boy sleeps on make-shift floor mattress, the girl on the couch and the Dad in a twin bed. But recently things went very wrong. The girl is often sleeping in the bed with Dad, the children are taking a shower together and she is now of the age with flow.

Make no mistake about it, I am facing the consequences to try to do the right thing. Yet, I have heard Child Protective Services can elect to give parenting classes and assist with them with housing. However, if I do this incorrectly, it may just end up that the children (whom barely speak English) are torn from him, possibly deportation (?) and let's not forget to add that my Land Lords are his friend.

I am seeing my therapist on Wednesday, so I know my T will also advise, but I am requesting among the members who may know the best manner to follow through to help the young teen and/or family.

Thank you in advance for not ranting and focusing on helping them first... :notworthy:

 

[Weemie]

Do the children attend school?

 

[Recovery4Me]

@lightraze

It seems like it -such as half days. I think they are learning English. No signs of foul play there...

 

[joeylittle]

Are there specific resources for (illegal/undocumented) immigrants in your community? I would reach out to an organization like that, first, if it were available.

 

[Recovery4Me]

@joeylittle I do not know, as I am stymied on how to ask. However, I will research that possibility.

Your wording above "undocumented" sounds much better. I think I will edit my original post and borrow that if you do not mind. Thank you btw Joey... *Keep me in the PC please...lol

 

[lostforgottensoul]

Wow, thats hard and bless you for wanting to report it. I know that children learn English fast. I once had a family that was helping the US in Irag that were brought here for their protection. The 2 boys spoke no English at first but very quickly was fluent in it. I think that had a lot to do with school.

I only ask as you can (and can still using google translor which speaks English to whatever and whatever to English) to maybe talk to her age approrate and see if she will give an sort of hint? Maybe just randomly ask if the couch was uncomfortable or something not hinting that direction and see if she will hint to something.

I also ask because we, as abuse victims can be too hypervilgent to these things. Im not saying they arent red flags as they are but maybe theres an explaination.

As for CPS, that varies per State (its called HRS here) so it really depends on the State and even the city that you are in.

There are also guardian ad litems. Though they are generally working for CPS or going to court...they are the voice for the child. Maybe google to see if you can contact a guardian ad litem without making an offical claim?

You can also make an annoymous claim to CPS so they dont know its you unless its very obvious but id get some sort of guidence for you local area. Even possiblly call CPS, block your call *69 i believe from most phones and dont give them your name and just ask would this be reportable, state you dont know anything is happening, and ask what would happen tl the kids. Likely, if they dont speak English, they were likely not US born.

Just some ideas. Good luck hun! You are amazing!

 

[Friday]

Child abuse laws (and therefore how CPS handles things) aren't nationwide. Not only do they very state to state, but county to county, & city to city... Both in how they're written AND in how they're applied.

Your absolute best bet will to be to speak with a Family Law attorney who specializes in Child Abuse & Neglect. Domestic Violence Shelters are usually the best bet for finding the good ones; either individuals or organizations.

The attorney should not only be able to give you the list of what to do, in what order, but also likely outcomes with each course of action, and what affects each course.

 

[Recovery4Me]

@lostforgottensoul :notworthy: (((hugs))))

I can not thank you enough. I will search for the guardian ad litem through my T if possible! (((hugs))) We (myself and my PTSD fluent Spanish speaking roommie) have tried. The teenage girl does not appear to understand boundaries and just rolled her eyes.

 

[Recovery4Me]

@FridayJones adding it to my list now... :tup::hug: Thanks friend...

1) Family Law Attorney (whom specializes in child neglect & abuse) ...contributed from FridayJ

2) Guardian ad litem ...contributed from @lostforgottensoul

 

[lostforgottensoul]

@Recovery4Me

It was a good idea if you could speak to one but you cant. They are court appointed only:

Dead Link Removed

 

[Friday]

Something to keep in mind :
***

One thing to consider, is that there may be no abuse whatsoever happening. When my teenage son has nightmares of his dad, the only place he can sleep is within arms distance from me. Even when I'm on the couch, Ive woken up to find him sleeping on the floor next to me. Ditto, there have been times as a teenager where I crawled into bed with my parents, although it was a lot more rare maybe a few times a year, not a few times a month. Most of my adult friends either have crashed out with their folks as teens, or even still do from time to time as adults during rough patches. Which parent (or both) doesn't really seem to matter. It's whomever makes them feel safe.

Ditto,,there can be totally non-abusives reasons for kids to shower together. From it's really normal in some cultures, to extremely limited hot water, and a whole bunch of others in between.

So, while I agree there may be something going on? It also may not be.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

But @Recovery4Me not all hope is lost. Google, a lot of area specific child welfare agencies. I would, until you know more, stay annoymous or dont give out whom, where etc.

There can be a welfair check done by CPS and they can bring a translator for the children and the Dad, but since they know you, thats why i thought of talking to them yourself like any adult would talk to any child of that age to see if anything has happened. You just might need google translor but if you have an android anything, that thing is awesome. Buf im sure there are just as awesome ones.

I dont mean grill to child. Just have a simple light conveesation. Is the couch uncomfortable? Is sleeping with Daddy more comfortable? Do you like the bef better? Just simple questions.

There might not anything going on and if there is, I think the children may hint to it or show shame or something of the sort.