Parental Rights In Pennsylvania

Summary

Parents in Pennsylvania are legally obligated to protect their children from emotional abuse by a stepparent. They should report suspected abuse to ChildLine, seek professional help for the child, and consider legal actions like filing for sole custody. Stepparents generally dont have legal rights over the child, but their involvement can still impact the childs well-being. Parents have the right to access their childs educational records under FERPA, including report cards, transcripts, and disciplinary records. Confidentiality rules may limit access to certain documents, such as school counselor notes. In Lancaster County, PA, parents should contact the childs school directly to request records dating back to 2017. Consulting a family law attorney is advisable for specific guidance.

Full Conversation

in pennsylvania, should a parent be expected to recognize emotional abuse to their child by a step parent
Yes, Desiree. In Pennsylvania, parents are legally obligated to protect their child from any form of abuse, including emotional abuse from a step-parent. They're expected to recognize and respond appropriately.
in what regard?
In regard to taking actions such as reporting the abuse to authorities, seeking professional help for the child, or pursuing legal actions to ensure the child's safety and well-being.
what does the state of pa say a parent should do if their child is being abused emotionally or verbally by their spouse (stepparewnt)
In Pennsylvania, if a parent suspects that their child is being emotionally abused by a stepparent, they should:
- Report the situation to ChildLine at *-*-*-*.
- Seek professional help for the child, such as counseling.
- Consider legal action, like filing for sole custody.
filing for sole custody? its a step parent they have no rights to child
While it's true that stepparents generally don't have legal rights over a child, it doesn't completely eliminate their involvement. Filing for sole custody can help ensure the child's safety. Do consult with a local family law attorney for better understanding.
anyways my situation is this: im the mother and i have shared legal custody of my daughter with my ex husband and he married a woman who is abusing our daughter emotionally and verbally
I'm sorry to hear about your situation, Desiree. In Pennsylvania, you can consider filing for modification of custody orders. It's advisable to document instances of abuse and seek assistance from a family law attorney. Your child's safety is paramount.
will pa legal aid contact cps if i report suspected abuse
In Pennsylvania, anyone who suspects child abuse is encouraged to report it. However, it's important to note that PA Legal Aid is not mandated to report abuse. They can guide you through the process of reporting to Child Protective Services (CPS) yourself.
how do i obtain my childs school documents? and what all am i entitled to view regarding school doumnents and can i see any documentation from the school counselor?
In Pennsylvania, under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), you have the right to access your child's educational records. This includes:
- Report cards
- Transcripts
- Disciplinary records
- Contact and family information
- Class schedules
However, confidentiality rules may limit access to certain documents, such as notes from a school counselor. It's advisable to consult with a family law attorney or your local school district for more specific guidance.
its lancaster county pennsylvania. and i need to obtain ALL school records for my child dating back to *
In Lancaster County, PA, you should contact your child's school directly to request the records. You may need to fill out a form and there may be a waiting period. Please consult with a family law attorney for specific guidance.