Parent committed child abuse by making false claims of sexual abuse

Parties going through a divorce often seek out any advantage they belief will give them the upper hand and increase their chances of realizing a favorable outcome.   When dealing with the emotional issue of child support and custody, parents often feel compelled to exaggerate or even fabricate allegations which would render the other parent unfit.  Recently, the New Jersey delivered a stern warning to ay parent who may decide to fabricate allegations of sexual molestation or abuse by the other parent.  In the case of DYFS v. C.O., A2387-11, the mother not only lodged false claims against the father, she also coached the daughter on how to corroborate the false claims.  As a result, the child was required to submit to physical and psychological exams as part of the sexual abuse investigation.  By forcing the child to play a key role in her deception, the Court found that the mother showed a reckless disregard for the child’s well being.  Such conduct on the part of the mother constituted child abuse.