As you’re starting to imagine your life with your new baby, you may also be thinking about what it means to be the parent of a child who isn’t yet here. How do you go about protecting the rights of both yourself and your child when there’s no law in place to protect them? As a father myself, I understand the importance of ensuring your child has every chance at success and a bright future, no matter what life throws at them. Contact our Houston family attorney today to find out more.
You have parental rights
There are five basic rights that all parents have by law.
1) The right to make decisions about the child’s education, including the right to select the school and determine what is taught.
2) The right to make decisions about the child’s health care, including taking them for regular medical care and emergencies.
3) The right to decide how other family members interact with the child.
4) The right to take care of the child’s day-to-day needs, like feeding and clothing them.
Start with your child’s safety
It is important for parents to understand their rights and how they can protect their children. It is illegal for any person, even a family member, to hit or abuse a child. A parent has a duty to exercise reasonable care, supervision, protection and control over their minor child. A parent’s failure to supervise or protect his or her child from an unreasonable risk of harm may be considered neglectful behavior.
Learn about your child’s school
There are many different ways you can make sure your child’s school doesn’t violate his or her rights. One way is by contacting the school and expressing any concerns you have about your child. If the situation doesn’t change, consider reaching out to an organization like the ACLU for help. They may be able to represent your child in a class-action lawsuit against the school district. Another thing you can do is contact a Houston family attorney who specializes in education law.
Understand how CPS works
CPS is a government agency that ensures the safety and well-being of children. If you have any concerns about your child’s safety, talk to your local CPS office. They will come out and make an assessment of the situation. CPS may take temporary custody of the child if they deem it necessary for their safety.