Q: I need advice to help an abused teen
She is 13, a neighbor of mine. She has told me that her father pins her against the wall and smacks her face and that he and her mother beat her with a belt, not stopping until she cries. She has told church officials, family, and teachers but the situation persists. I want to help her, her mother keeps telling her if she tries to call cps that they will just believe the parents and take the 13y/o to jail. I have an idea for a solution but not sure if there is a legal way to do it, the minor has expressed a desire to just move in with my family, this would leave her close to her siblings and parents but will allow me to protect her. Any advice for the situation would be appreciated.
A: Nobody is going to take her to jail. What firsthand knowledge do you have of her abuse? Did you witness it? Can't you go to CPS with her to file the report? Have church, family, and school already tried that? Does she have siblings that also are abused or can go with her to CPS with you to support her statements? CPS has to take the lead. That is where a solution must start. Perhaps you could obtain temporary custody. Use the Find a Lawyer tab and talk to a local family law attorney.
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