Child Abuse in TN

As a former DCS attorney, I have a pretty strong opinion about child abuse.       A lot of people do not realize that neglect is considered to be child abuse in TN; if you think about it, it makes a lot of sense that neglect is abuse, for those people who should know better.     I am not talking having a sloppy house--for neglect it needs to be much more serious that that--failure to thrive situations, extremely filthy house, no food in house, no heat in winter, not taking the child to school--education neflect--lots of stuff.

There need to be more resources in town to help people who need it.    Drug abuse, both illegal and prescription is a HUGE problem in Chattanooga.      And the criminal justice system is still not fully set up to deal with drug abuse and helping people.

I represent some parents, and lots of grandparents.     It is very sad, that due to drug abuse, so many grandparents are put in the position of having to step forward and taking temporary custody of children.      The parents should be thankful, but they are almost always angry and resentful.      

I always say, I am cool with you being a drug addict, if that is how you choose to live; but if you choose to be an addict, I do not believe you should have custody of your children.   Sorry.  It is one or the other.   Children have to be in a safe and stable environment.