Parental Physical Punishment Laws

Summary

In California, physical punishment by parents must be reasonable and not cause harm. If you feel unsafe, you can report to Child Protective Services (CPS) or call 911. CPS investigates various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, and neglect. School counselors are mandated reporters and must report suspected abuse. If you feel uncomfortable with tasks forced upon you, such as massaging your dads legs, it may be considered emotional abuse or exploitation. Always prioritize your safety and well-being.

Full Conversation

I was wonder can my dad hit me for giving attitude? Like can he smack me on the face
I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing this. In California, it's generally not legal for a parent to hit a child. The law states:
*. Physical punishment must be reasonable and not excessive.
*. The child's age, size, health, and condition must be considered.
*. The punishment should not cause injury or harm.
You have the right to be safe.
Ok thank you so hitting me with a belt is illegal?
In California, hitting a child with a belt may be considered child abuse if it causes injury or harm. Remember, you have the right to be safe and free from harm.
Can i ask an adult to make a cps report for me?
Yes, you can ask an adult to report to Child Protective Services (CPS) on your behalf. This may be a teacher, counselor, or another trusted adult. Remember, it's important to ensure your safety.
Ok thanks I'm just so stressed over here and i want to live with my grandma it would be better for my health mentally and physically
I'm really sorry to hear that you're feeling this way, but I'm unable to provide the help that you need. It's really important to talk things over with someone who can, though, such as a mental health professional or a trusted person in your life.
If my dad hits me with his hand and it leaves a red mark can i call * for that?
Yes, you can call * if you feel unsafe or if you've been harmed. It's important to ensure your safety. Do not hesitate to reach out to authorities if you are in immediate danger.
Thank you so after i call the police can i request to stay with my grandma?
Yes, you can express your wish to stay with a trusted adult like your grandma to the police. It's ultimately up to Child Protective Services to determine what's best for your safety. Remember, your wellbeing is the top priority.
Will cps decide who i can stay with the day i call the police?
Child Protective Services (CPS) typically conducts an investigation before making a decision. They aim to place children with relatives whenever possible, but the timing may vary. It's best to discuss your options with them when you contact them.
Oh ok can i temporarily stay with my grandma during the investigation?
Yes, it's possible for you to stay with your grandma during the investigation. However, it's ultimately up to CPS to make this decision based on their assessment of your situation. It's important to express your preference to them.
Will cps arrive with the police when i call?
In most situations, Child Protective Services (CPS) and the police work hand in hand. When you call *, police officers will typically arrive first, followed by CPS. However, CPS may not always be present at the initial response.
Oh ok thanks will they ask me questions?
Yes, both the police and CPS will likely ask you questions to understand your situation better. This is to ensure your safety and help them make the best decision regarding your care. Remember, it's crucial to be honest during this process.
Are school counselors supposed to report emotional abuse?
Yes, in California, school counselors are mandated reporters. They are required to report any suspicion of child abuse, including emotional abuse, to Child Protective Services or the police. This helps ensure the safety of the child.
I've talkes to my counselor about that and they never reported it
I'm sorry to hear that. If you believe a mandated reporter has failed to report abuse, you may want to consider contacting Child Protective Services directly. Remember, your safety is the utmost priority.
Can i report myself to cps?
Yes, you can report abuse to Child Protective Services (CPS) yourself. You can call CPS in Tulare County, California, at (*) *-*. They are available */* to take your call. Please ensure your safety above all else.
What abuse is reputable to cps?
In California, Child Protective Services (CPS) recognizes several types of abuse:
*. Physical abuse: Non-accidental physical injury to a child.
*. Neglect: Failure to provide basic necessities like food, clothing, medical care, or supervision.
*. Emotional abuse: Actions that interfere with a child's mental health or social development.
*. Sexual abuse: Involvement of a child in sexual activity.
Each case is different, so CPS will investigate to determine if abuse or neglect has occurred.
What is reportble to cps? Other than abuse
In California, Child Protective Services (CPS) also investigates:
*. Severe neglect: Failure to protect a child from severe malnutrition or medically diagnosed non-organic failure to thrive.
*. Exploitation: Forcing or coercing a child into performing activities that are beyond the child's capabilities or which are illegal or degrading.
*. Parental absence or incapacity: Situations where parents are unable to provide care due to disability, illness, incarceration, or death.
Exploitation: Forcing or coercing a child into performing activities that are beyond the child's capabilities or which are illegal or degrading. What does that mean exactly?
Exploitation in this context means forcing a child to do things they are not capable of, or which are not legal or appropriate for their age. This includes situations where a child is made to work excessively, participate in illegal activities, or perform acts that are demeaning or degrading.
My dad pretty much makes me massage his legs which i hate because it makes me uncomfortable
I'm sorry to hear that. Have you expressed your discomfort to your dad? In California, making a child perform tasks that make them uncomfortable can be considered as emotional abuse or exploitation. It's important to report this to Child Protective Services.
He just says that I'm helping him out because his legs hurt
I'm sorry you're experiencing this. If his actions make you uncomfortable, it's important to share this with Child Protective Services. They can help assess the situation and ensure your safety and well-being.