Child Abuse

If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, you should first report any suspicion of child endangerment to Child Protective Services or the police. You can make a report over the phone or in person. Ideally these reports need to be made within 48 hours of the suspected abuse (and in the case of child safety, at the earliest, safest opportunity) in order to provide the best chance to collect evidence and ensure a child’s safety. If CPS receive a report of danger to a child, they are required to also engage he police, who will conduct an investigation.

If the responding police officer believes a child is in immediate danger, they have the right to remove the child and place them in protective custody. Child Protection Services (CPS) will look into the current family situation, and can also remove the child and place them with an appropriate relative or in the foster care system.

Any close family member who believes a child isn’t safe and healthy, and should not be in the care of their parents should speak with an experienced child abuse laywer immediately.

The way that a victim deals with their abuse experience is individual and not always linear. Some victims may not be able to process their experience and seek resolution within a certain timeframe.

Washington state’s statute of limitations on cases like these are not as limited as you might think. If you suffered abuse even many years ago, you or your loved one may still be able to make a case. Talk to us today about your options. We promise to handle your case with the utmost discretion and care.

When a parent does not communicate with their child for an extended period of time this is classed as Abandonment, and is deemed a form of child neglect. While technically both parents have the same rights related to their children, Washington State child abandonment laws allow a judge to terminate those parental rights on some occasions. Ultimately the courts want to act in the best interests of the child, and if the judge believes the parent’s neglectful behavior poses a threat to the child’s wellbeing, they can act accordingly. Speak to our child abuse lawyers if you find yourself in this situation and want to talk through your options.

Any accusations or convictions of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse may lead a judge to limit the amount of time a parent is able to spend with their child, and may mean visitation limitations or requirements to be followed.

The judge will also likely consider If there is a history of domestic violence, sex crimes, drug or alcohol abuse or emoitional and physical problems that might impact the ability or responsibility of a parent to care for their child before making decisions on custody and visitation rights. Please speak to our chid abuse lawyers about your specific case so we can discuss options with you.

Being wrongfully accuse of child abuse can be absolutely devastating. Child abuse cases are very emotive, sensitive and distressing, and your options for child abuse defense depend on the facts available and the claims the Petitioner has made against you.

As delicate as the situation may be, our child abuse lawyers would work with you to find inconsistencies or inaccuracies in the opposing case, looking at what evidence, witness statements and other information they may have presented to try and find the facts and advocate for you to have your voice heard. If you have been accused of abuse, please contact us immediately to evaluate your case.