The child won't talk, not that she can't talk, but wont. Some things there just aren't words for.

Even at 18 months besides all that's been suggested I'd get the kid in art therapy at some point. Maybe in the future when she's in a safer more supportive place.

www.arttherapy.org

These folks can use art to heal what words might not be able to express This may give the child some relief from the stress of what's going on and clear the way to communication.

Your city. county, state may have child advocates. Some do.

Find one, now.

These people, often volunteers go to bat for kids, stay with them through court and other dates and make sure well ... that someone advocates for the kids best interest. Familiar with "the system", they know how to navigate. They can help.

Be calm but insistent. Sure you don't need to yell or scream but if you run into a brick wall and you will in any of this you have a choice: go around them, over them (escalate to a higher level manager) or steamroll right through them.

As the undisputed queen of escalation I am the queen of "get me your manager".

You don't have the option to run away thanks for not taking it.

Good luck, keep us posted.