Our Experienced Lawyers Defend You Against Child Abuse Charges in Idaho

Protecting your parental rights in Boise and Nampa courts

Being accused of child abuse is a frightening experience. The accusations are often based on uncorroborated and circumstantial evidence. In some cases, the law interferes with your right to raise your children in a certain way that may not conform to other people’s childrearing philosophies. Sadly, untruthful accusations of child abuse sometimes arise during hostile custody battles.

Gulstrom, Roark & Govia PC was founded in 2001 to provide clients throughout Boise and Nampa with exceptional criminal defense. We fight criminal allegations of domestic violence and can help you protect your family in child welfare proceedings.

Federal and Idaho laws governing child abuse and neglect

The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003 define child abuse and neglect as an action or omission of action by parents or caretakers that results in death, serious physical injuries, emotional damage, sexual abuse or exploitation of children.

The Idaho Statutes’ Chapter 16 Child Protective Act governs proceedings involving child abuse, abandonment, neglect or endangerment. The act declares that the children are the primary concern in the courts’ decisions. Under the statute’s provisions, various departments participating in child welfare issues are tasked with:

• Preserving the family’s privacy and unity when possible
• Taking action to prevent the children’s abuse, neglect, abandonment or homelessness
• Helping to provide the children with permanency through concurrent planning and other means
• Clarifying the rights and responsibilities of parents who have joint legal or joint physical custody of at-risk children

Why the courts focus on family unity

Child abuse accusations are challenging for law enforcement, prosecutors, the courts and Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare, who have the dual mission of protecting children and keeping families together if it doesn’t put the children’s wellbeing, health, safety or lives at risk. Often, sentencing parents to jail can result in more harm to the children than working with the family to ensure a safe environment. If you have been accused of child abuse, neglect or abandonment, we consider what is in your family’s best interests and aggressively protect your parental rights.

Consult our dedicated team of criminal defense lawyers to fight your child abuse charges in Boise and Nampa

To protect your rights and your family from child abuse, neglect and abandonment charges, allow Gulstrom, Roark & Govia PC to represent you in criminal and child welfare proceedings.

To schedule your free consultation, contact us online or call 208-546-9933.