If you are the noncustodial parent who suspects the custodial parent of child abuse do you have to return the child to the home after scheduled visitation?

Answer 1

Yes, unless you have the approval of someone in authority who has made a preliminary determination that abuse has taken place, and has made an official report. Simply contacting family services is not always a good idea as most often they will take the child into the system, rather than allow the child to remain with the non-residential parent.

The suspecting parent should not extensive question a child about abuse, as children will say what they think the parent wants to hear, and an older child may be simply trying to manipulate the parents. Take the child to a doctor or ER Room to be examined. Do not shop around to find a doctor that will simply agree with you.

If a week day, file am Emergence Child In Need of Care and Emergency Temporary Change of Custody Motions.

To simply retain possession of the child could result of being charged with parental abduction.

Answer 2

If you suspect abuse you can call ChildProtective Services and report it. You will need to have valid suspicion and incident date. They have to investigate within 24 hours of report.