Dear Scioto County CPS, please help me.
Mrs. “R”, my mom came to see you yesterday. She had with her a police report about a scary incident during visitation with my biological dad. On Friday afternoon, during a few hours of visitation, he was driving 79 mph in a 45 zone. I asked him to slow down. My sister and I were afraid. I felt I should call for help. When he discovered I was calling 9-1-1, he grabbed for my phone. While doing so, he also grabbed my leg and said he would break my jaw.
He was weaving in traffic and other people called the police about him nearly hitting several other cars. What those people didn’t know is that my little sister and I were in the truck with him. I don’t get to see him very often, but when I do, he scares me.
It was a long, holiday weekend. My mom took time off work on Tuesday to get the police report. When she took time off work again on Wednesday to come and ask for help, the first thing you said was “why did you wait so long?” Mrs. “R” I don’t understand why you didn’t take a copy of the police report my mom offered you. Why did you refuse to even look at the picture of my leg after my dad grabbed me while speeding down the road, trying to get my phone?
Look at the picture now, please.
My story was shared with your CPS Board member, Mr “H” who was appalled and suggested that my mom contact you as soon as possible.
You said, since there was no bruising, there was no abuse and wouldn’t even look at this picture. So, hair pulling is fine? Slapping, grabbing, and pushing are fine as long as there is no bruise? Threats to break my jaw are acceptable? Calling the police back to say I was being unruly in order to avoid them responding is perfectly fine even though other concerned citizens called in about the reckless driver having no idea that there were two children in the vehicle?
Then, Mrs. “R” called back to get my dad’s address and even said “I forgot to get a copy of that police report” but never said to bring it back in, fax it, or email it. Mrs. “R” has a supervisor, Mr. “J”. He is aware of the situation. He made no attempts to follow up with my mom.
After a board meeting, Mr “H” asked the director Mr. Mantell about the status of this investigation and was told that Mr “J” told him there was not enough to investigate further. Mr. Mantell told Mr “H” that there are limited resources.
Thank you, Mr “H” for trying to help me. I’m sorry that none of the other officials seemed to take my mom’s information seriously.
I’m 12 years old. I know that a person can be arrested for making threats. That’s talking. So, a person can go to jail for talking but not physically putting hands on a child because there’s not an immediate bruise? I’m very confused.
While I have your attention, please look into this situation. My family knows these people and this is terrible. I feel so sorry for her.
We don’t want any special treatment. We just want to be protected by the Children’s Protective Services.
Our families don’t want to hold candles and signs after it’s too late.
Dear Scioto County CPS, Please Help Me.
If you would like to help us, please contact the Scioto County Children’s Services. Their phone number is (740) 456-4164.