Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas
My son's girlfriend (they are 14) has told him she is being sexually abused by her step-father but does not want to go to any authority because she is afriad her mother could be prosected for not going to police or CPS before now. I assume the mother does know this has happened. So, what are the legal ramifications to the mother? I want to have something to tell her when I confront her before I go to the police or CPS.
1 Answer from Attorneys
If I know that a child has been sexually abused - your child or my child - I have a legal duty to report it to the authorities. FALURE TO REPORT child abuse is child abuse. Take a look here:
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/FA/htm/FA.261.htm
Believe it or not, people have been arrested for failing to report child abuse.
As much as I dislike CPS, I have to tell you: You have a legal duty to contact them.
Related Questions & Answers
-
How can my friend be charged with manufacturing and delivering if they never found... Asked 11/08/12, 1:44 pm in United States Texas Criminal Law
-
I was arrested 10/31/12 for theft then I bonded out 11/1/12 then I was told by... Asked 11/08/12, 1:21 pm in United States Texas Criminal Law
-
My son is in jail on a MTP. He has been there since Sept10 and went to court on Nov... Asked 11/07/12, 3:00 pm in United States Texas Criminal Law
-
In the state of Texas does the husband-wife privilege apply even in an informal... Asked 11/06/12, 2:33 am in United States Texas Criminal Law
-
Have a no bond warrant,been trying for a week to get a hold of my lawyer to see if i... Asked 11/05/12, 4:04 pm in United States Texas Criminal Law