Legal Question in Family Law in Ohio

help for my son

My son had thoughts of suicide and we contacted our pediatrician for help. She suggested we take him to the emergency room of our local children's hospital. We complied immediately. We were put in a room with a social worker who asked our son scripted questions, barely looked up and typed into her laptop. Our son did not want to talk to this woman and she threatened him by saying he would be admitted into the psych ward and that it would remain on his record forever if he did not start answering her questions. She even went as far to say he would never be able to serve in the military or apply at certain schools. At this point, we knew this was not the help our son needed and we refused admittance. She told us we needed to sign a paper so ''if he ever hurt himself, it won't come back on the hospital.'' We waited for awhile but it was 3am and we finally left and went home. The next day, our pediatrician' office called and threatened to call family services if we did not bring him in. Today they called and gave me a time limit to call back or they would contact family services. We are seeking private care for our son. We called asking for help and have only received threats. How do we stop these threats and protect our son


Asked on 5/22/07, 6:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward DiCato Edward DiCato Attorney at Law

Re: help for my son

If they call family services, two things can happen. First, they will come to your home and interview parents and child. If they determine the referal is not substaniated, they will close the case at that point. If they feel that the child is abused, neglected or not recieving proper medical attention to deal with the matter, they will go to juvenile court asking for temporary custody of the child. I would suggest you make an appointment for your son through a private psychiatrist or psychologist before your are contaced by child services. That should satisfy them that the problem is being handled. If they do file for temporary custody, you will need a lawyer. I do a lot of these cases, especially in Summit County, if you are intrested. I would also find another pediatrician, as the one you have seems more interested in covering her behind than serving her patients.

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Answered on 5/22/07, 11:40 pm


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