Legal Issues Surrounding Child Neglect
When the court creates a child custody arrangement, it does so with the child’s best interest in mind. The child’s best interest is a living situation where he or she can spend quality time with each parent and have access to a safe and secure home, nutritious food, medical care and an environment that provides academic and social enrichment. When a child does not receive these, he or she can suffer mental and physical health problems that can last into adulthood.
If you suspect your child is being neglected by his or her other parent, contact the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families about the neglect. This does not mean your child will be taken away and put into foster care. What will happen is there will be documentation of the report, which is an important piece of evidence you can use to support any requests you make to modify your child custody agreement. Resources for parents and families are provided by the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Neenah.
Reporting A Case Of Child Neglect In Wisconsin
If you file a report of child neglect with the Department of Children and Families, the report must be filed in the county where the child lives or where the child’s family lives. When you make this report, notify your lawyer so he or she has it on record.
When a report is made, the Department determines the urgency of the child’s situation and appropriate response time. Although some reports are investigated within two hours, all must be investigated within five days.
If You Are Accused Of Neglecting Your Child
Facing an accusation of child neglect can be frightening. It can also cause you to feel angry and lash out in response against the accuser or the investigator, which can reflect badly upon your case in the long run. If you are facing an accusation of child neglect, the best way to handle it is calmly and cooperatively.
Notify your attorney as soon as you can so he or she can help you defend your case. You will need to provide proof that your child is not being neglected, such as testimonies from others in his or her life and documentation that you are providing for all of his or her needs sufficiently. Your lawyer can help you obtain this evidence and use it to defend your case.
Work With An Child Neglect Lawyer
Child neglect is a serious accusation. If you are facing an accusation of child neglect, you need to defend your case with help from an experienced child neglect attorney. Conversely, if you suspect your child is being neglected, you need to be an advocate for him or her and have your child custody agreement changed with the help of an family law attorney. To learn more, set up your initial consultation with an lawyer at Hammett, Bellin & Oswald, LLC. Contact our team online or call 920-202-8872.