Kimm  0:01  
Hi, this is conversations with Kimm. And I'm Kimm Burger and we will be talking about neglect abuse of children.

Sarah  0:10  
What are some examples of abuse in children?

Kimm  0:14  
Some examples of abuse and children include the physical abuse, you know, broken bones, other injuries, bruises, things like that. Neglect is could be medical neglect, you're not taking your children to the doctor when necessary when there's something wrong. It could be unsanitary conditions of your home, it could be homelessness, it could be any number of things that affect the welfare of a child.

Sarah  0:40  
is abuse and neglect considered a criminal matter?

Kimm  0:45  
The abuse and neglect system is not criminal in nature, there could be underlying criminal charges that stem from something that brings the children within the realms of the court. However, the neglect abuse system, once you come into the court system is more rehabilitate rehabilitative in nature, meaning you're going to get services, counseling, helping you find jobs, helping you manage money, helping you get a home, drug treatment, anything. That's the reason why you came into the neglect abuse system.

Sarah  1:16  
What happens then at the court level?

Kimm  1:18  
Normally at the court level is once you've come under the jurisdiction of the court, meaning the court can tell you what you need to do or you have to do, then the court will set up different services for you again, they will monitor your progress for a drug treatment court if that's your, the reason you came in into the jurisdiction of the court counseling for those for domestic violence. Let's say you're a victim of domestic violence, they will get you counseling to help you cope through that and figure out how to get away from the situation if need be. So it just depends on why you come into the jurisdiction of the court as far as what the court will do for you.

Sarah  1:57  
What can someone do if they're worried about a child that might be abused or neglected?

Kimm  2:02  
If you are worried about a child that may be abused or neglected, you can always call the central intake for DHHS or what we commonly know as Child Protective Services. Or you can call local law enforcement and asked to do a welfare check on that child.

Sarah  0:01  
What happens when CPS is called?

Kimm  0:03  
When CPS is called or DHHS is called, then they will send a worker out whether it's immediately depending on the severity of the allegation is being made, or they may make contact within the day or so the investigator may say they're going to set up a safety plan, meaning you can do or you can't do XYZ and you'll follow that. Or they may say, we're going to do a full investigation, they have 30 days in which to comply with doing that. And they can say, we don't find enough information to bring you within the jurisdiction of the court. But we still want to do the safety plan. So please keep this up. Or they can say, you know, we do find enough information that there is neglect or abuse going on. So we're going to petition the court for either removal of your children, or that they're going to immediately take jurisdiction so that they can start getting new services. If they remove your children. They have 24 hours in which to file a petition with the court so that way you can be heard and say why the children should stay removed, or why they should be returned to you.

Sarah  2:18  
If anyone has any questions about abuse or neglect in children? How can they get in touch with you?

Kimm  2:24  
If somebody has a question about neglect or abuse or how that affects you? You can always call my office at 517-607-8260 or you can email at kimm@kburgerlaw.com.