Family Lawyer
Custody cases can be difficult enough going through them for the original custody order. But when there has been a substantial change in circumstances that indicated a change in custody is warranted, the battle can be even more contentious and stressful. If a parent suspects their child’s other parent is guilty of child neglect, they have the legal right to petition the court for a change in custody.
If you are going through a custody battle, contact a child custody attorney. They can discuss your situation and decide what your best legal options are. In the meantime, the following is a brief overview of how custody laws work.
Child Neglect
Neglect of a child can be just as harmful as the abuse of a child. Child neglect is the failure to provide proper food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. A parent can also be guilty of emotional neglect by ignoring or rejecting the child. Neglect can also be the failure to provide a clean home for the child or lack of supervision. There is also educational neglect, which is failing to make sure the child goes to school.
According to national statistics, child neglect is prevalent in this country, with more than half a million children suffering child neglect by a parent every year. It is thought that number is actually much higher since it is based only on the cases where an investigation or custody filing has taken place. There are tragically many more children who are victims of neglect and those cases never get reported.
Victims of child neglect are often left with long-term or permanent effects. Some of the more common frequent physical injuries or conditions include:
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Brain damage
- Cancer
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Diabetes
- Functional limitations
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Lung disease
- Malnutrition
- Obesity
- Stroke
There are also emotional injuries that children who are neglected can suffer:
- Alcohol abuse
- Criminal activity
- Drug abuse
- Emotional and mental health disorders
- Limited cognitive ability
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Poverty
- Social limitations
- Unhealthy sexual activity
Signs of Child Neglect
If you suspect your child’s other parent is guilty of child neglect, there are certain signs to watch for and report to your child custody attorney. These include:
- Your child complains about being hungry all the time. They may also get caught begging or stealing food or money for food
- Your child has anxiety
- Your child is abusing alcohol or drugs
- Your child is depressed
- Your child is frequently late or absent from school
- Your child is having legal problems
- Your child is having problems in school
- Your child is not receiving dental or medical care
- Your child is often unbathed or has bad body odor
- Your child is withdrawn
- Your child says the other parent is never at home
- Your child’s grades are rapidly declining
Contact a Custody AttorneyToday
If you suspect your child is being neglected, contact a legal team immediately. Having a knowledgeable and experienced family lawyer in Rockville, MD can make all the difference in the legal results. A law firm will do all they can to make sure your child is protected and safe. Call an office today to set up a free and confidential consultation with a member of a legal team and find out how they can help you get the best possible outcome available.
Thanks to the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright for their insight into family law and child neglect.
