emergency?

[hotrodbaby21]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? ok


Yes, I am a step-parent and I am ready to take whatever comes with it!! lol I have posted on this forum regarding my own children, so since I am already a registered user I would like to ask a question on behalf of my husband if that's ok. (This question could apply to me also, since I am also a custodial parent, as I would expect the same from their dad if MY home was in the same situation)

OK, my husband's son, 7, is visiting for his two week visitation for the month of June. At dinner today, he told my son, 9, that he is moving again. Fine. (although IMO far too many times too soon, but hey, NOT MY BUSINESS) My son asks him why and he said because they don't have elecricity. THAT caught dad's attention.

Dad asked how long this has been and how they have been living without(preparing meals, lights, etc.) Mind you he is 7 but dad ask him if he understands how long a week is and he said 7 days. he understands that he will be staying here with dad for two weeks. OK he understands that concept.

He Informed dad that it had been a week with no electricity and they were "borrowing" electricity with a really long extension cord from the neighbor.

I understand THAT'S NOT OK, but, the part where he was living without, is that enough of emergency for DAD to get an ECO?

Any help would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance!!

 

[Proserpina]

If his child is being neglected Dad needs to report it.

That aside, can Dad prove anything?

 

[hotrodbaby21]

Errrmmm, just here say from his son, but can you suggest? I'm drawing a blank. Dad said he plans to report, (not that it does any good)

He has reported some other things to DHS a few months back but nothing happened OR they inspected and found nothing wrong.

 

[Proserpina]

Errrmmm, just here say from his son, but can you suggest? I'm drawing a blank. Dad said he plans to report, (not that it does any good)

He has reported some other things to DHS a few months back but nothing happened OR they inspected and found nothing wrong.

Without proof he will find it very difficult to change the current custody arrangement, specially since DHS were involved earlier and found nothing untoward (or at the least nothing that would justify removing the child from the CP).

Did Dad speak to the child's mother about the lack of electricity?

 

[hotrodbaby21]

No, he hasn't spoke to her about it yet, but she will probably deny it. Like you say, there really is no hard core proof and that's what he needs. So, what if she DOES admit it, what could that mean?

He is just very frustrated that he sends his child support religiously every week (actually he set it up through CSE as a safe-gaurd to him after she cried "no support" for 8 months) and isn't that what it's for?

That's what I use the support I get from dad for, Bills(to keep a roof over my kids' heads, water, electricity, food, etc.)

He understands that the economy is tough now(I got laid off even) but he still pays. That's HIS responsibility. Isn't it HERS to keep necessities avaiable to their son?

 

[Proserpina]

No, he hasn't spoke to her about it yet, but she will probably deny it. Like you say, there really is no hard core proof and that's what he needs. So, what if she DOES admit it, what could that mean?

He is just very frustrated that he sends his child support religiously every week (actually he set it up through CSE as a safe-gaurd to him after she cried "no support" for 8 months) and isn't that what it's for?

That's what I use the support I get from dad for, Bills(to keep a roof over my kids' heads, water, electricity, food, etc.)

He understands that the economy is tough now(I got laid off even) but he still pays. That's HIS responsibility. Isn't it HERS to keep necessities avaiable to their son?

Yup.

But without proof, without both sides of the story it's impossible to know exactly what's going on.

It could even be argued that electricity isn't always essential to kiddo's welfare (unlikely, but bear with me); there are still folk out there who have (for example) gas heating, gas oven, etc etc. And Amish families.

(yes, I know I'm reaching but stranger things can happen!)

 

[CJane]

Yup.

But without proof, without both sides of the story it's impossible to know exactly what's going on.

It could even be argued that electricity isn't always essential to kiddo's welfare (unlikely, but bear with me); there are still folk out there who have (for example) gas heating, gas oven, etc etc. And Amish families.

(yes, I know I'm reaching but stranger things can happen!)

Not having electricity for a week is NOT going to be seen as neglect. Especially since Mom apparently did SOMETHING to ensure power was available at the house. (The extension cord)

Ideal situation? No. Neglect? Not by a LONG shot.

 

[Proserpina]

Not having electricity for a week is NOT going to be seen as neglect. Especially since Mom apparently did SOMETHING to ensure power was available at the house. (The extension cord)

Ideal situation? No. Neglect? Not by a LONG shot.

That's pretty much what I was thinking, yep.

 

[hotrodbaby21]

well, I do appreciate the assistance, as dad wasn't sure if it could be seen as a form of neglect or not.
Thank you