My daughter is 14 and has younger half-siblings (ages 9, 4, and 1) from her father’s previous relationship. Despite his history of abuse and his ex-wife’s struggles with substance issues, he won full custody. My daughter recently tried living with him to mend their relationship, but her mental health suffered significantly. Now, we’re hearing from her 9-year-old brother that he’s experiencing similar treatment. He’s been left alone for days, not allowed to eat without permission, and faces verbal abuse from the girlfriend. They’ve even installed a camera in his bedroom. My daughter wants to help, but I feel powerless as I’m not his parent. Is there anything we can do, like a wellness check or involving school staff, that wouldn’t alert their father?
It sounds like a serious situation, especially with the lack of food. This needs to be dealt with by the authorities ASAP!
You should report this to CPS or social services. They can investigate the situation and take appropriate action.
Consider contacting the school as well; they may have resources or be able to keep an eye on the situation.
Document everything you hear from your daughter and her brother. This information could be crucial for any future legal actions.
If you feel it’s safe, you might also consider a wellness check through local authorities. They can assess the situation without alerting the father immediately.