Britney Spears' 'concerning' parenting

Dec 5, 2007, 13:30 GMT

12/02/2007 - Britney Spears - Scandinavian Style Mansion - Private Residence - Bel Air, CA, USA © David Gabber / PR Photos

Britney Spears' parenting abilities have caused welfare investigators to express "concerns".

Los Angeles' Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has noted worries about the "safety and welfare" of Sean Preston, two, and 14-month-old Jayden James while in Britney's care, a court document has revealed.

The 300-page document - which was released by the judge overseeing Britney's custody battle with ex-husband Kevin Federline - states: "Based on its investigation to date, it should be noted that DCFS has concerns of its own regarding the safety and welfare of the children if the children are left in the mother's care."

The investigation was sparked by allegations of "neglect and child abuse" involving Britney and Kevin.

Meanwhile, another document shows Britney filed a request for details of the custody battle to remain private in order to protect her children.

The 26-year-old singer said: "I try to keep the children's travel and transportation plans as confidential as possible in order to minimise the chances that unscrupulous journalists will gain unwelcome access to me and the boys.

"Such information greatly increases the chances that the actions of the media could threaten the safety of the children by, for example, causing a traffic accident or by exposing them to criminals who might target them for financial gain."

Britney's driving has got her into trouble in the past.

She is currently under investigation for injuring a sheriff's deputy while exiting the downtown courthouse in her white Mercedes.

In 2006, she was photographed driving with Sean Preston on her lap, not strapped into a child seat.

Kevin currently has temporary full custody of Sean and Jayden and receives £15,000-a-month in child support from Britney, while she has three supervised visits a week.

To keep her visitation rights she must undergo regular court-ordered drug testing.

The next court hearing in the case is scheduled for January.

(C) BANG Media International