Abuse of my 16 yr old GD by her parent

[Anonymous]

Granddaughter has been physically abused by her mother...beat with a belt and more... she is here with us now,we called the police they came to the house last night,took her statement ,btw she is a16 yrs old and a National honor society member. Ffx county police tell us that if the mother wants her to come home she has to go ?.?? I can't wrap my head around this.... how is it that I should send this child back into this situation? They want her to actually be in the process of being beat before they will do something? .. I am at my wits end,no sleep last night crying, trying to figure out what to do... is there anyone with any thoughts

[Anonymous]

Call Child Protective Services.

OUR HOTLINE IS A HELP LINE
Child Protective Services Hotline: [phone], TTY 711 Fairfax County Child Protective Services (CPS)

We all need help taking care of our children. If you're concerned about a child's well-being - or want to report or discuss a possible abuse or neglect situation - or want advice, counseling, resources or help, please call.



Frequently Asked Questions about Child Abuse and Neglect and Child Protective Services

Q: If I think a child is being abused or neglected, what should I do?

If you're concerned about a child's well being — or if you would like advice, counseling, resources or help for yourself or others — call Fairfax County's Child Protective Services at the CPS Hotline: [phone]. You may give your name or remain anonymous.

Q: If I give my name, will it be released to anyone?

If you choose to leave your name, it will be kept confidential.

Q: What happens when I call the Hotline?

You'll be connected to a CPS Hotline social worker who will ask questions to determine if the situation you're reporting requires further attention. If so, a CPS social worker will respond to the situation.

Q: Will the child be removed from the home?

A child is removed from the home ONLY as a last resort. As defined in Virginia law, this would be when there is "imminent threat to the life or health of the child." In such cases, CPS social workers do not act alone. They must have court approval to remove a child from a parent's custody. Usually, approval occurs before the child is removed, however, in extreme emergencies, the court may approve after the removal.

Q: What happens to a child when he or she is removed from the home?

Every attempt is made to place the child with family members or relatives. If that is not possible, the child is placed in a temporary foster home.

Q: Does CPS become involved in child custody or visitation disputes?

Child Protective Services becomes involved ONLY when there is a legitimate complaint that a child is a victim of abuse or neglect by the child's caretaker (parent, guardian, etc.).

Q: At what age can a child be left alone — and for how long?

Children 7 and under should not be left alone for any period of time. Child Protective Services has published Child Supervision Guidelines which provides information on when a child may be left unsupervised.

Q: What types of abuse does CPS investigate?

Child Protective Services investigates suspected incidents of physical abuse and neglect; mental or emotional abuse; medical neglect; and sexual abuse by a child's caretaker (parent, guardian, etc.)

Q: How are you able to work with people who do not speak English?

Many of our social workers are bilingual. We also use interpreters from community organizations specializing in multicultural services. In addition, some of our written materials are printed in other languages.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for this info, I called CPS last eve6and left my # but this says it's a hotline so I will try to it.

[Anonymous]

I'm so sorry, OP. Your love and support are important to your granddaughter, and will help her endure her mother's abuse until she can legally leave home. I wish I could write something that would ease your pain now, but you may need to focus on the long term outcome, which will be brighter for your granddaughter because of you. She's very, very lucky she has you.

[Anonymous]

Lawyer/advocate

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for this info, I called CPS last eve6and left my # but this says it's a hotline so I will try to it.

They may not pick up the case, but the social worker will walk you through what resources are available.
When you talk with the hotline worker, have the information about your granddaughter written down in front of you:
-full name
-date of birth
-home address
-parents’ name
-date of abuse
-school she attends

Are there any marks? If so, did you take photos?

[Anonymous]

Can she file for emancipation? If so, maybe she can live with you while that plays out? If you can afford a lawyer, get one. If you can’t, contact a domestic abuse pro bono organization and see if they can help or connect you with someone who can.

[Anonymous]

Is her school aware? Pediatrician?

All are mandatory reporters if your GD disclosed abuse. Have your GD call the pediatrician’s service AND send an email to her school counselor.

[Anonymous]

First, you did the right thing by acting quickly! Your granddaughter confided in you and you upheld the trust by moving quickly to address it. Know that you did the right thing. Keep following up with the police and CPS. The people at CPS can help your granddaughter and you.

If you need another person to talk this through with, you can call the Boys Town National Hotline at 1-800-448-3000. They have Boys Town trained counselors answering each call. They may be able to offer you some suggestions on how to help your granddaughter deal with the trauma, be able to offer some suggestions for counseling, and may even be able to give you some advice for resources (like a lawyer or child advocate).

Your primary goal should be to make contact with CPS. But the people at the Boys Town National Hotline will be able to give you some moral support and resources, and even some suggestions about next steps.

Hugs to you and your granddaughter. Your next few days will be difficult as you figure out what to do and how to do it. Best wishes. Keep doing what you're doing to stand up for your granddaughter and keep her safe!

[Anonymous]

I doubt very much that Ffx police told you she had to come in such circumstances.

[Anonymous]

Update, OP? Were you able to reach CPS?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I doubt very much that Ffx police told you she had to come in such circumstances.

Why would OP lie?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I doubt very much that Ffx police told you she had to come in such circumstances.

Why would OP lie?

Either a troll or didn’t fully understand what was said.
I am a bit skeptical. How does a parent get to age 16 without abusing a kid prior to that? It’s not a like a parent wakes up to a 16 year old and decides to beat the crap out of them. Where has this grandparent been all along? What’s really happening?

[Anonymous]

OP here.... thank you everyone for your quick responses... I called the CPS hotline and am now waiting for 2 case workers to arrive at my home, we were given a case number and taken much more seriously by them then by the FC PD ....I do have photos,and granddaughter reported this to school and to her sub school yesterday and they said they would contact CPS , however our call is the 1st to CPS...
I am thankful for your help and will update asap. Blessings to all of you

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I doubt very much that Ffx police told you she had to come in such circumstances.

I'm very sorry that you don't believe me but that is what ledo me to post here to a message board for the first time in my life... I was so alarmed that they stateddy that she was a minor and if her mother wanted her to go home she had to go.... I told the officers what should my GD do if mother starts beating again answer was call 911,kind of hard to do when mother has stolen the phone that GD worked and paid for work her own money... I have no reason to lie .I am terrified for this child's life. Please if you have nothing to say to help me please kindly step out.