In Michigan, one in five kids experience a child abuse or neglect investigation by the Department of Human Services before the age of three. These children are at increased risk of future maltreatment, poor school performance and foster care placement. Fortunately, many communities have come together to develop local programs that prevent child abuse and neglect.
A Michigan child endangerment lawyer could assist you in defending your rights if you are facing charges related to this serious offense. This charge is more than just a misdemeanor and can lead to fines, probation and the loss of your driving license. In addition, it can have a profound impact on your relationship with your child.
Programs help educate parents and professionals about parenting, recognizing that children in violent homes are at higher risk for abuse and neglect and that there are ways to reduce their exposure to violence. The organization also trains community members to become “trauma-informed,” which means they understand how to respond to children in a way that helps them heal.
The Parent-Child Development Center (PCD) is an evidence-based home visiting model that serves over a thousand children and their families annually. PCD focuses on promoting positive parenting skills through the use of a curriculum called Speak Up Be Safe, as well as addressing other child and teen health issues that affect their development. The organization works with other statewide home visiting models to promote best practices in preventing child abuse and neglect.
The Family Resource Information Education and Network Development Service (FRIENDS) is a national technical assistance provider for the Child Abuse Prevention Coordinating Councils funded through the federal Children’s Bureau grant program. The service consists of training, technical assistance and networking for local programs that focus on strengthening families through family-centered practice. The Michigan chapter of FRIENDS provides training and support to statewide and local child abuse prevention councils, including family team conferences.
They offer cross-professional training in the area of child abuse investigations, specifically focused on effective interviewing techniques. This includes training for prosecutors, police officers and social workers in the 83 counties of Michigan.
They offer forensic interview services in a safe, child-friendly environment to children who have experienced sexual or physical abuse or exploitation. The organization aims to reduce the trauma children experience during the investigative process of abuse or neglect by using a multidisciplinary approach to the investigation and intervention of alleged child abuse.
The 2-1-1 call center in Michigan is a valuable resource that connects people with essential services such as child care, health care, food assistance and housing.
A social worker from Child Protective Services (CPS) will investigate any allegation of abuse or neglect and will work with the family to ensure that all children are safe. This agency is sometimes referred to as the Department of Children and Families, but each state or tribe may have its own names for this program.
There are many reasons why a social worker from CPS might investigate your home. Some of these include a suspected case of physical abuse, neglect or exploitation of children, including sexual abuse. It is also common for people, such as teachers, day care workers, doctors and nurses to report suspected cases of physical abuse or neglect. These individuals are known as mandatory reporters and they are legally obligated to report this type of information.
During an investigation, social workers will examine the situation and interview everyone who has been involved in the abuse or neglect of children. They will also review any medical records relating to the child or children who have been abused or neglected. This is why it is so important that you always provide a full and complete response to any requests for information from a social worker.
If a social worker suspects that children are in danger, they have the legal authority to remove them from the home. They will then place the child or children in a foster home until they can safely return them to their parents.
CPS workers can also assist the teen's family by helping them obtain the things they need to provide a safe and healthy environment. This can involve assisting with food, clothing or medical needs.
In addition, a social worker can help the family learn how to properly supervise children and teach them safety rules for staying home alone. This is another reason why it is so important to never leave a child alone, even if you are only gone for a short time.
The police and law enforcement get involved in cases of illegal sexual behavior when there are criminal charges to be filed against a person. They will forward any information to a state's attorney who will determine whether or not the teen should be charged with a crime.
Although it is legal to make a false report, making one can tie up social workers and take their time away from investigations that truly need their attention. It is also considered fraud and could cause you to be prosecuted. If you are involved in a situation where CPS is investigating your home, it is best to have a lawyer by your side to protect your rights. An experienced attorney can discuss the legal issues with you, such as whether or not it is a good idea to make a plea agreement and what rules your teenager should follow while on probation. Your attorney can also help you navigate the legal system and represent you in court if necessary. They can help you understand the process of a child protection case and explain how it works in New York.
When a parent or adult is accused of abusing or neglecting children, the entire family can be thrown into turmoil. In many cases, the accusations are false or exaggerated, but they can lead to an investigation by Michigan Child Protective Services (CPS), which may result in criminal charges and removal of children from their parents’ custody. This is why it is so important to contact a skilled Michigan CPS Defense Lawyer as soon as possible.
The definition of child abuse is broadly defined under Michigan law to include any action that places a child in danger of serious physical injury or mental or emotional impairment. A child must not be harmed to be charged with abuse or endangerment, however. Instead, a court may find someone guilty of this offense if they engage in an act that places a child in a dangerous situation without the intention of harming them in any way.
Most states have what are known as “mandatory reporter” laws, which require certain professionals who regularly interact with children to report any signs of abuse to authorities. Doctors, teachers, school counselors, and church clergy are examples of these people. Michigan’s child abuse laws also include a number of “neglect” categories that could be construed as the same as first-degree child abuse. Neglect includes a failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, or medical care.
A person may also be found guilty of child endangerment if they drive while under the influence of alcohol with a minor passenger in their vehicle. Since the state of Michigan has a zero tolerance policy, this is considered a severe misdemeanor, even if the individual only has a BAC below 0.08.
Once police or CPS receive an allegation of child abuse or endangerment, they will usually refer it to an investigator for a preliminary inquiry. If the investigation determines that a child is in danger, it will be placed with relatives or emergency placement foster families and the petition will move forward. In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction for child endangerment can make it difficult or impossible to work and to participate in social events or trips with a child’s school in the future.
An experienced Michigan Defense Attorney can help you defend yourself against unfounded allegations. A dedicated attorney can review all evidence and work to not only refute the criminal charges at hand but prevent your children from being removed from your home as well. Contact a Michigan CPS Defense Attorney right away to fight for your freedom. Our lawyers understand the gravity of the accusations you face and will do everything possible to ensure your rights are protected.
Paul J Tafelski, Michigan Defense Law | Criminal Attorney and DUI Lawyer
2525 S Telegraph Rd suite 100, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, United States
(248) 451-2200