When many people think of domestic investigation they think of infidelity investigations. However private detectives look into many other domestic situations and are often instrumental in helping children get out of dangerous home situations.

Child Abuse and Neglect

Unfortunately, child abuse and neglect cases are skyrocketing. The Department of Family and Protective Services handles as many of these cases as they can but they are sometimes limited as to how much information they can uncover or how much help they can give. Friends, ex-spouses and extended family members who suspect abuse or neglect sometimes hire private investigators to look into the situation.

Private domestic investigation can uncover situations of neglect and abuse. Investigators can find information that helps DFPS cases or allows families to seek help outside of the agency. These investigations can be carried out discreetly without alerting the family using methods such as covert surveillance. More direct investigations can include questioning friends and neighbors to confirm the situation.

Substance Abuse

A special subset of child-related domestic investigations deals with ascertaining whether any drug or alcohol abuse is occurring in the home. There are a number of ways investigators can uncover substance abuse such as trash monitoring and surveillance of the subject.

Substance abuse carries unique dangers unlike other cases of child neglect and abuse. Illegal drugs can cause dangerous and violent behavior in individuals who might otherwise not be prone to such actions. The culture of secrecy that builds in the household may be used to hide other activities. Children raised in houses with substance abuse are far more likely to have substance abuse problems in the future.

In these cases, getting help for the parent is as important as ensuring the child is in a safe environment.

Nannies and Day Care

While domestic investigations are a tool to ensure a child is safe from family members, children today face other threats. In many households both parents leave the house for work while childcare is turned over to third parties. Even licensed professionals are capable of actions that could endanger a child.

Complete background checks should always be performed before a parent allows a nanny to care for the child. Leaving a child in the care of a stranger -- even one with childcare experience – presents a potential risk.

Day care centers are arguably safer, particularly if staffed by multiple people. However, neglect and abuse still occur. Centers might be under investigation by the state but still allowed to operate, and parents should know a center's history before entrusting a child to their care.

Domestic investigation is inexpensive and discreet. Any citizen who suspects a child may not be in a safe environment should not hesitate to contact an investigative firm. It is better to hire and investigator and be wrong than to ignore the situation.