CONTRAVENTION OF STATUTE
Contravention of statute refers to the enforcement of a law in a manner that directly conflicts with the law’s own requirements and purpose.
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Charging a parent with “failure to protect”precisely when a parent takes the protective action of reporting abuse to the authorities whose sworn responsibility is to protect and serve.is enforcement in direct conflict with the statute.
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When a parent reports abuse to protect their children,
They should not be charged with "failure to protect."
PROTECTION
Taking reasonable and responsible action to ensure a child is safe from harm, danger, abuse, or risk — including seeking help or resources when safety is threatened (such as in the case of victims of domestic violence).
NEGLECT
Failure to provide necessary care, supervision, protection, or support that a child needs to remain safe and healthy. It involves inaction or insufficient action when a reasonable person would act to prevent harm or risk of harm to the child.
REASONABLE
ACTION
PROVIDES
NECESSARY CARE
PREVENTS RISK
OR HARM
REPORTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TO AUTHORITIES
*
*if laws were applied in the manner intended
CHARGING PROTECTIVE REPORTING PARENTS WITH "FAILURE TO PROTECT"
SEPARATING CHILDREN FROM PROTECTIVE REPORTING PARENTS
PLACING CHILDREN WHO HAVE PROTECTIVE PARENTS IN FOSTER CARE
When lawful protection is punished as neglect,
compliance is a liability, not a safeguard.