[jeepjay]

Hello my name is jay,

I am currently in the military and I am in Texas. My 7 yr old daughter visits me very often from Florida and this time around she had told me some disturbing things about her step father. She tells me he hits her really hard allot of times for no reason. And pulls her hair allot she cries really hard that she doesn't want me to say anything to them and that she does not want to go back . She currently is in my possession what should I do and where should start? If I had it my way she will stay with me. In the past yr she has been to 2 different schools 4 different homes. Now! The step father has a felony and has been encarserated. A few years ago I had custody of my daughter because her mother had gotten in trouble with the step father and my daughter ended up in foster care for 2 months until I was cleared to receive temp. custody of her. A yr later the court had returned my daughter to the mother because she finished her parenting classes etc. with that said there is record of all this. PLEASE HELP I need heart felt guidance in the rite direction, to keep the promisse I gave to my daughter and assure her that I will take care of it legally.

[amdub617]

Oh, no. As a survivor of abuse by my own step father, I know how it feels to receive unkind treatment from one who is supposed to love you, and treat you with tenderness and fatherly care. You have every right, EVERY RIGHT, to report this man and your daughter's mother to DSS, or CPS, depending on where you are located (Department of Social Services or Child Protection Services). If you wish to receive full custody of your child, it will help that she was already "taken away" from her mother and step father before. I am a woman, and not a mother, but it makes me sad and angry to know that court systems tend to lean in favor of a mother having custody, even under less than ideal circumstances. You must be beside yourself with worry, I can appreciate that. Is there anyone that can help you varify? A family member of your daughter's mom that you are still close with who may share your concerns? A friend or even former neighbor? As her father you should be able to get in touch with her school or teachers (although it is summertime and she may be out... does she go to camp or childcare during the day?). All teachers and many people who work with children are mandated reporters, it is there duty to call the authorities if they even suspect abuse, neglect or mistreatment.

Frankly, it has become your responsibility to prevent this kid from falling through the cracks. I am touched by your quarry and hope the best for you, and I honestly will try to help you if it is possible, even in the capacity of moral support and advice. Please let me know if you need any additional assistance. My name is Annmarie and I live in Boston. Sometimes life allows you to find people who you can impact, that you are meant to asssist in some way, and even though it might sound creepy, you two might be mine to help. Best of luck, and thank you so much for serving our country and helping to protect my family and me. You are appreciated.

[artlady]

I would not give her back.

When my son was in a similar position,I said I would go to jail before I let his father see him again.He did have visitation.That ended after a time.I was in violation of the court ordered visitation when I refused to let him see him again.

I filed an order of protection on my son's behalf (being he was a minor ) and they have to listen to you.
Being that you are in the military ,I would assume you have legal assistance at your disposal.

Talk to a lawyer and if need be file an order of protection on her behalf.

If you have to ,put her in a safe house where they can't find her until you can go to court.

Talk to a lawyer and get that order of protection.

If you have to go to jail ,I am sure you will so find her a place to stay.When the cops come ,she's not there,that's all.

Ask for an immediate hearing with a judge,explain it all.

You have every right to protect your child ,at any cost.

You have to keep fighting.The history of the Mom and step dad should bare well in your favor.

Best of luck ,I'm so sorry for your pain.

[N0help4u]

I agree you need to file emergency custody and tell the Judge that the mother is providing her with a safe stable environment.

[jeepjay]

I guess my question would be then does a 7 yr old have a voice by law in the courts. Or to any authority figure?
Also does any one know of any fathers rights group that I can verbally talk to?

[N0help4u]

She can tell what happens when she is at home and the Judge can take it into consideration.
Here are some links
http://www.fathers4kids.com/html/Home.htm\

Men and Fathers Resource Center

resources for fathers

Center for Successful Fathering, Inc. – 13740 Research Boulevard, Austin, TX 78750. Telephone: 512-335-0761. Its web site address is www.fathering.org
Faithful Fathering Initiative In Texas – Post Office Box 1702, Sugarland, TX 77487. Telephone: 281-491-DADS. E-mail messages can be sent to [email protected]
Fathers for Equal Rights, Inc. –1525 Elm Street, 1600 Pacific Building, Suite 870, Dallas, TX 75201. Telephone: 214-953-2233.
Texas Fathers Alliance, 807 Brazos, #315, Austin, TX 78701 512.472.3237

[s_cianci]

Check with your local Texas authorities about a temporary custody order, given the facts of your situation. There are probably support personnel on your base who could help. Then take it from there.

[artlady]

i guess my question would be then does a 7 yr old have a voice by law in the courts. or to any authority figure?
also does any one know of any fathers rights group that i can verbally talk to?

In some cases where there is a dispute between parents,the court will appoint her a law guardian.I am speaking of New York,I do not know if this would be the case in Texas.