All posts in Child Protective Services (CPS)

I have recently learned information about my 4-year-old son's father that leads me to think that he is not providing a safe environment while my son is in his custody. We have no legal documents or custody orders of any kind. We all lived together along with my 8-year-old son from a previous relationship, until the summer of 2010. Unfortunately, I do have a history of prescription pill addiction which lead to several arrests. When I got out of jail my oldest son & I moved in with my parents so that I could put most of my focus on improving my way of living. During that time my 4-year-old was staying with his dad about 70% of the time. When his dad understood I was not interested in making things work with him he started to ignore my messages & it only got worse when he learned I was dating. A week or so ago I was advised by a mutual friend of ours that I may want to look into the ex's 'lifestyle.' Which is when I found he had been posting personal ads on craigslist & inviting men he'd never met before to the house to engage in sexual activities while my son is there. I also found emails of his where he was asking a guy for money and said he would perform oral sex. I know I am not educated in the law enforcement field, but I'm almost certain that would be considered prostitution. After consulting with someone I was advised to make an appointment to talk to the sheriff which I did. After giving all the printed information to a detective he interviewed my son and my son didn't give any indication of seeing any of this go on. I was told there was nothing that could be done. I was also told that it isn't illegal to be a homosexual and was pretty much blown off after that. They did however go out and talk to the ex and told him what I had done. I then called DCF and told them and I got the same response. They said they couldn't make a report just because he is having sex. My son has made several sexual comments and body movements. I am terrified that I am going to eventually have to let my son go stay with his dad. I am trying to do everything the right and legal way, but I'm not getting anywhere. I just don't understand why this is not a concern to the authorities. The last thing I want is for DCF to barge in my life, but I would't be doing my duty as a mother if I didn't look into this. I can't with 100% certainty that my son has been exposed to anything, BUT I can't say with 100% that he hasn't. I do apologize for writing so much, but I just don't know what to do. I haven't slept or ate or anything in a week. I have contacted and done all I could think of. I don't believe I'm making something out of nothing, in my heart I know I'm doing exactly what any mother would do. So, I guess my question would be am I correct in thinking what he is doing is criminal? Do I have a right as a mother to deny any requests his father makes to come get him? Who else could I call to have this looked at other than the county Sheriffs office & the Department of Children & Family Services? Should I look into getting an attorney? Any information you could provide will be gratefully received. Read more [...]