What are the next steps a mother should take if she found out that the school counselor called CPS on her ex-husband for child abuse?

Answer 1

She COULD contact the local prosecutor, but CPS will take care of that. Coordinate your efforts with CPS. They'll have good information for you.

New AnswerPeople who deal with children (teachers, counselors, nurses, cops, doctors, daycare, MANY others) are MANDATORY REPORTERS who by law MUST report suspected abuse or neglect to authorities or risk legal problems themselves. However, they don't have to notify every person known to the child. The first step a mother should take upon hearing of a report is to contact CPS and get a dialogue going with the State officials and others. You might even consider drafting a letter to be put in your child's school record stating you want to be notified immediately if anyone suspects your child is neglected, abused, bullied or is disciplined for any behavior. This is not always automatically conveyed to a parent, causing bad feelings and angry parents. Try to work with the school and not against them. Your life will be easier and your child will have a good advocate.<>

Be proactive. Get a restraining order against the ex, keeping him away from you, the child, the home. The child's safety is very important here. Talk to a worker at CPS and let them know you will do anything to cooperate and tell them the steps you have taken to keep the ex away from the child. Talk with the child. Let them know that they can tell you anything at all, how much you love them and that what happened is NOT their fault. If they talk about wanting to see the ex, tell them he is sick and needs to get help. Let them know they have the right to be angry, sad, depressed...help them to cope with those feelings. Spend more time with them to let them know they are the most important thing in your life. This will help their self-esteem, as being abused often leads to low self-esteem.