Child Beaten by Mom's Friend with Extension Cord

[MrsSYM]

My question involves child abuse or neglect in the State of: Mississippi

My husband's son is being abused and neglected by the child's mother. My husband's mother picked the child up for the summer on May 26, 2012 and immediately noticed neglect. The child was wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and rain boots in 90 degree heat. Upon further inspect of the child later that evening, bruises and various scars were located on his hip, shoulder, and arms. When asked where did the bruises come from, the child stated the mother's friend beat him with an extension cord. My husband and his mother photographed his bruises and scars and were just heartbroken on what the child said. Upon speaking with the child's mother, she did admit to letting her friend beat him because she felt he was "bad enough" for it. This child and mother live in Hinds County, Mississippi. If reported to the authorities, will he automatically be placed in state custody upon determination of abuse by CPS? We would like to know what do we need to do to obtain full and permanent custody of the child. Please help!

[Dogmatique]

And the reason he didn't call CPS IMMEDIATELY is what?

Yes, he needs to call! And the child needs to be taken to the ER or Urgent Care to have the injuries documented - your husband taking photos himself proves nothing.

It doesn't matter what happens after that (at least immediately) - your husband can worry about that later; what is important is that CPS are notified. Your husband (not you) can file for emergency custody, but it might not be granted; much will depend on the determination. I'd go ahead and file.

[aardvarc]

The court isn't going to think much of dad being the custodial parent either, if he didn't IMMEDIATELY seek medical examination of the child AND make a report to authorities. The word IMMEDIATELY is VERY important. Dad needs to not count on self-taken photos either. They're almost never admitted because there is no chain of evidence and can be easily altered/fabricated. Courts want documentation of injuries from neutral third parties...parties who will be able to later testify with a relevant MEDICAL opinion on what the photos are OF. Child needs to be in front of a medical professional NOW.