substance abuse and custody

[pennymuttmutt]

What is the name of your state? Illinois. I've discovered that custodial father is smoking marijuana in the presence on my kids ages 7 & 9. My 9 year old took a container of marijuana to school and turned it into her teacher. The sheriff nor DCFS will do anything. What are my chances of getting custody?

 

[snostar]

The sheriff nor DCFS will do anything.

If you report the incident to DCFS, they are required to investigate. Is the investigation still pending or has it been unfounded?

 

[pennymuttmutt]

I've called DCFS. They won't investigate unless I can give them more proof of neglect. Just because the father's smoking marijuana is not enough to get an investigation.

 

[CJane]

I've called DCFS. They won't investigate unless I can give them more proof of neglect. Just because the father's smoking marijuana is not enough to get an investigation.

Waitta minute. Your 9 year old took pot to school and showed it to the teacher and the teacher didn't call DCFS?

Something isn't working here. Teachers are mandated reporters of abuse/neglect. A child bringing drugs to school is obviously 'wrong' and something that would bear making a phone call to the police, and family services.

What EXACTLY happened, and what EXACTLY did you tell DCFS and what EXACTLY did they say back to you?

 

[blacknativ]

Can that be right?

I've called DCFS. They won't investigate unless I can give them more proof of neglect. Just because the father's smoking marijuana is not enough to get an investigation.

I live in Indiana, and on the news I sometimes hear about Illinois DCFS turning a blind eye to cases of neglect and abuse. But in a situation like this, where your child actually had the weed in her possession, how is that not endangerment? Can they really just do nothing with that information? Sheesh!

 

[pennymuttmutt]

My daughter took a container of marijuana to school on a friday that I was to have a weekend visit. When I didn't hear anything, I took her to the sheriff's dept. to file a report. They hadn't received it yet. They contacted the teacher who stated she gave it to the Principal. They called him and they told him he gave it to the Superintendent. When they contacted the Superintendent, he told them he didn't think it was marijuana. The sheriff got it from him and it tested positive. They wouldn't tell me for sure, but I had my attorney to call which he did and it was confirmed to him that it was marijuana. I've called DCFS twice now. The first time they just told me that smoking marijuana in front of the child is not abuse or neglect. After contacting my local State representative who said to call DCFS, I did. They wanted more information on whether the children were neglected while he was under the influence or other times. They said it was a police matter. They told me to contact the teachers to see if they see neglect. My daughter is in counseling at the school per my request and she has stated how her Dad smokes "weed". The DCFS agent I talked to was going to check to see if other reports were made, but other than that nothing was going to be done.

 

[poeypooh]

You know, cases like this really tick me off. When my x and I separated he would call Children and Families on me for no reason. He would tell them all kinds of things but in the same report he would tell them "If she would just come back home I would drop all of this." Anyway they would come to the house all of the time. All he had to do was call and they would be there the next day. I would ask them about harassment on his part for calling so many times and every single time they case was closed as unfounded. They told me they can not press charges on someone who repeatedly calls as they dont want to scare anyone into thinking that if they call for legitimate reasons, that they would end up being the ones in trouble. Anyway that went on until he ended up going to prison for something unrelated.

 

[IrishLady47]

Brings a whole new meaning to "show and tell", doesn't it?

I can appreciate your concern, regardless, but I'm wondering this--is Illinois one of those states that treats possession of marijuana under a certain # of ounces (usually referred as for "personal use") just a minor offense, a fine only? Is that why the police aren't taking any action?

I would still request a written report from the police and DCFS about the incident for possible future use if his behavior worsens or you have other indications it is affecting your children.

Does he grow his own? I'm not trying to be funny now, I'm asking for a serious reason. Although it still doesn't set a good example for the children since it is an illegal drug. But, if he is growing a little for his own use, I wouldn't feel the children are in any more danger than if Dad has a few beers. But, if he is buying from a dealer, somewhere along the line, a criminal element is involved and that would worry me more as far as children are concerned.

If you could find out more about how he obtains it, perhaps it might make a difference in how DCFS views it as a risk to the children.