After devoting over 33 years to child abuse investigations, we have found that they are very different than others that we conduct, simply because of the emotion that is involved when any child is being subjected to abuse of any type. For that reason alone, it is not unusual for clients to want the investigation conducted immediately and the evidence obtained instantly so they can "get to court."

In some cases, clients with very little or no patience will "shortcut" the investigation, then lose their case and the child is forced to remain in the abusive environment.

We will not "shortcut" any investigation where the welfare of a child is the issue. When real abuse is present, there is absolutely no excuse whatsoever for not obtaining adequate and proper evidence to prove that abuse to the courts. Any parent who honestly loves their child will do what is in the best interest of the child. That does not suggest "shortcutting" any investigation.

I have been amazed at some of the contacts we have had over the years regarding these cases, especially from some men. Their first and really their only concern is, "How much do you get for a child custody case?" While I do understand that finance is an important issue, most of these men were "price shopping" on the telephone on an issue as important as the safety and welfare of their child. To be quite honest, most of those contacts were from men who were angry at their wives or ex-wives and simply wanted to initiate a custody investigation simply as a means of "control" or "getting even."

Child abuse is a very serious issue and not one that we take lightly. Please do not waste our time because you are "angry" with someone and want to "get even." A child's life is worth far more than that. If, however, there is a real problem, handle it properly and obtain the evidence necessary to have the child removed from any form of abuse.

It is not my intention to sound rude or insulting, but we as adults have a choice in what we do and where we live. A child, living in an abusive situation does not.