Of course it's not made explicit--it never is--but this is obviously a custodial father or a father with joint custody/visitation. Daddy is identified as PAUL JASON THOMAS.
http://www.wset.com/story/20487722/lynchburg-father-charged-after-child-found
Lynchburg Father Charged With Felony Child Neglect
Posted: Jan 02, 2013 3:24 PM CST
By Angela Hatcher
Woman Finds Toddler Wandering in Lynchburg
Lynchburg, VA - A Lynchburg father is charged with felony child neglect after police say his 3-year-old son was found wandering the streets Friday morning.
Paul Jason Thomas, 36, is being held on $7,500 bond at the Lynchburg Adult Detention Center.
A couple driving to work early Friday morning spotted Thomas' 3-year-old son, wearing only a diaper, at the corner of Pierce and 15th Streets.
Police determined the father lives on Pierce Street.
The child was released to his mother, who does not live with the father.