Call Us atChild protective services agencies aim to protect children by taking them away from unsafe environments where they could face harm or neglect. When caseworkers or social workers remove a child from their home and place them into the care of child protective services, the expectation is that a child’s life will improve. Sadly, the system does not always work. When the child protective services system fails, children could suffer devastating injuries or even die.
If a child sustains a serious injury while under the care of the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS), child protective services could be legally liable for a child’s injuries and a family’s losses. A Bothell child protective services lawyer could fight to hold the DCFS and other responsible parties accountable for their actions. A skilled personal injury attorney is ready to help a family start a claim.
Why Child Protective Services Fails Some Children
Even though most caseworkers have good intentions, some children in the care of child protection agencies slip through the cracks. Many problems happen because of another’s negligence. Caseworkers are often overworked because their agencies are understaffed. They are frequently in charge of too many cases.
While they might not intentionally ignore a child or a dangerous family situation, a caseworker might inadvertently forget to follow up with a family or check on a potential problem. They might wait unreasonably long to perform a thorough investigation or a welfare check. They could close abuse or neglect cases too quickly in order to clear their case files.
Because the agency is often understaffed, new caseworkers might not receive the training needed to help a child. Children can get hurt if an agency fails to follow the correct procedures or communicate with investigators and law enforcement. Some caseworkers might even try to falsify records to make it look like they were diligent to protect themselves and their reputations.
A seasoned attorney in Bothell could review a child protective services issue. Legal representation could perform an independent investigation to learn who was responsible.
Signs of Child Protective Services Abuse or Neglect
Children do not always willingly tell others that someone is abusing or neglecting them because they are often scared of getting in trouble. People need to look for signs of potential neglect or abuse.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse occurs when a parent or caregiver purposely inflicts bodily harm on a child. Sometimes children have unexplained new injuries or fading injuries that could indicate recent prior abuse. Children or caregivers might give differing or inconsistent explanations about how an injury occurred. Other times, children show fear in the presence of their caregivers.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse occurs when a caregiver damages a child’s mental well-being, such as bullying, insulting, or isolating them from their peers. Signs of emotional abuse include lack of self-confidence, inappropriate or childish behavior, withdrawal, depression, anxiety, or destructive behavior.
Sexual Abuse
When a parent or caregiver sexually exploits a child, there could be warning signs, such as a child exhibiting sexual behavior that is not appropriate for their age.
Neglect
Many children are under the care of DCFS because their family has not met their basic needs. Signs of neglect could be bad hygiene, weight loss, dirty or poorly fitting clothing, or absences from school.
If someone suspects a child is suffering abuse or neglect, a hardworking lawyer could help remove them from a dangerous child protective services situation in Bothell and hold the responsible parties legally accountable.
Work with a Bothell Child Protective Services Attorney
Child protective service agencies have a duty to protect children and look into claims of abuse promptly. If a child suffers abuse or neglect while under the supervision of child protective services, the state of Washington might be liable. A dedicated Bothell child protective services lawyer could ensure the state pays for its carelessness and no other child has to endure the same kind of suffering. Discuss your claim with an attorney today.
