Question for Flist Re: Foster Care
So, I'm working on a fic that has grown from the 1500 words I assumed it would be (all I wanted to do was give teen!Neal a concussion) to 4800 words so far and it's probably only about half completed. This is kind of massive for me - my longest fics, and they are few and far between, tend to top out at 6000 words. It's eating my brain, and it deals with some sensitive subject matter (foster care and child abuse) that I want to handle properly.
If you've read my Stand By Me fic - this takes place in the same 'verse, where Neal, Peter, Mozzie, Sara, and Diana are all teenagers in the Ellington's foster home. Neal's been injured and taken to the hospital, and the doctor notices signs of old breaks (common child abuse breaks like posterior ribs and a forearm break) as well as some scars. I've done some research, though I'm not sure how realistic this scenario is outside of TV. Should I even mention this? I'm considering eventually, not in this particular story, bringing in James, who abused Neal when he was a young child and then left Neal and his mom to fend for themselves.
Also, would a social worker be involved at any point since Neal is in the hospital? He was beaten up after hustling pool, so his injuries were clearly inflicted by an adult. Though, June and Byron's reputation as kind, caring foster parents keeps them from being suspected of hurting him.
If you've read my Stand By Me fic - this takes place in the same 'verse, where Neal, Peter, Mozzie, Sara, and Diana are all teenagers in the Ellington's foster home. Neal's been injured and taken to the hospital, and the doctor notices signs of old breaks (common child abuse breaks like posterior ribs and a forearm break) as well as some scars. I've done some research, though I'm not sure how realistic this scenario is outside of TV. Should I even mention this? I'm considering eventually, not in this particular story, bringing in James, who abused Neal when he was a young child and then left Neal and his mom to fend for themselves.
Also, would a social worker be involved at any point since Neal is in the hospital? He was beaten up after hustling pool, so his injuries were clearly inflicted by an adult. Though, June and Byron's reputation as kind, caring foster parents keeps them from being suspected of hurting him.