Why aren't Mandatory Reporters listened to?

by Name Undisclosed
(Oregon, USA)

My two sons have been repeatedly abused physically and emotionally by their non-custodial father who has every- other-weekend and two-weeks-out-of-the-summer visitation. Numerous reports from myself, counselors, physicians, etc., over the course of 8 plus years; and SCF (Services to Children and Families) has repeatedly stated they won't open a case. At one time, one of their supervisors stated that since the abuse was happening from a non-custodial parent, that was why!

I have been to court several times. There is no protection afforded by the court.

My 12-year-old son recently told a social worker at the hospital and the treating doctor of the abuse. They called SCF, who once again stated they won't open a case!

What good does it do to have mandatory reporting when nothing is done? Any ideas on what else I can do to protect my sons?

Note from Darlene: My answer to this Ask Darlene question "Why aren't Mandatory Reporters listened to?" can be found below. If you do not see the comments I've written, please be patient, as there is a system glitch regarding comments going live on my site. I replied to your query June 8, 2008, comments titled "OUTRAGEOUS and incomprehensible..." Keep checking back to this page. I thank you and my other visitors for your understanding while I work at getting this minor malfunction resolved.

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