Cousin Abuses Her Daughter - FamilyEducation.com


Find Baby & Family Names Slideshows Printables Activities Center Quizzes Videos Blogs Message Boards Advice from Parents Recalls Mom’s Coffee Break Family Entertainment Center Reading Readiness Screening Tool Multiple Intelligences Screening Tool School Search College Search Expert Advice Free Newsletters Family Fun & Entertainment School Resources for Parents Family Life	Add a Comment (0) Cousin Abuses Her Daughter Please read our General and Medical Disclaimers Family Safety Expert Advice from Gavin de Becker Question: My 21-year-old cousin has a five-year-old girl, whom I have cared for often. My cousin is unkind to her daughter, including being verbally and physically abusive. I'm only 18 myself, but I want to take custody of the girl because she deserves every opportunity in life. Can you help? Answer: Your love for the child and your interest in her welfare is admirable. It may be too difficult for you to successfully gain custody (given your age), but if abuse is going on, you can make an anonymous report to the child-protection agency in your area. They will investigate the matter and, hopefully, be able to improve the situation. You are a gift in this girl's life and, even without having custody, your role here is very important and brings her great benefits. Custody is not the only way you can contribute your love. Add a Comment (0) More on: Expert Advice Gavin de Becker is widely regarded as the leading U.S. expert on the prediction and management of violence. His work has earned him three Presidential appointments and a position on a congressional committee. He is currently co-chair of the Domestic Violence Council Advisory Board, and a Senior Fellow at the UCLA School of Public Policy. "Open" or "Closed" Adoption? Adoption: Children Waiting in Foster Care Adoption: Surviving Your Social Worker Comment: Your Family's Reaction to Adoption Comment: Discussing Adoption with Your Family and Friends Comment: Teen Boys and Violence More Community Related Topics Please note: This "Expert Advice" area of FamilyEducation.com should be used for general information purposes only. Advice given here is not intended to provide a basis for action in particular circumstances without consideration by a competent professional. Before using this Expert Advice area, please review our General and Medical Disclaimers.	Thanksgiving Craft Activities Thanksgiving Activities and Resources Toy Finder View All Brought to you by Baseball Blast!, the official game of family fun night for Wii! Enjoy over 20 action-packed baseball minigames featuring your favorite MLB stars. Rated E for Everyone. Click here for more info. Find the Hottest Toys of the Year Start your shopping early with our searchable Toy Finder -- you're sure to find the perfect toy for everyone on your list. Brought to you by Disney's Monsters, Inc. Are You Ready for New Moon? Take our quiz to see if you know your stuff about the newest Twilight release, plus find more Twilight and vampire facts and fun! Baseball Blast! The clock is ticking--can you spot the differences between the two scenes before time runs out? Brought to you by Wii's Baseball Blast! Thanksgiving Place Card Creator Spruce up your holiday table with custom-made place cards! Our Thanksgiving Place Card Creator can help you add that personal touch. Thanksgiving Crafts You and your family will gobble up the fun this Thanksgiving with these easy-to-make crafts and activities! Need ideas for this weekend? Visit our weekend planner page, and get ideas for family activities, games, and recipes -- everything you need for a weekend of family fun. H1N1 and Asthma Find out where your child with asthma stands when it comes to the H1N1 flu.