Navigating the Challenging Journey of CPS Involvement Due to Domestic Violence and Neglect
As soon as your
divorce is due to abuse, the system gets involved to completely destroy the family and ensure your children are given to abusive parents. This pressure can be overwhelming and often leads to heart-wrenching decisions for parents.
From what I've observed in my experience, issues such as domestic violence, neglect, abuse, mental health issues that lead to behaviors not suitable for child development, and intertwined with poverty and lack of education, can trigger a cascade of interventions by Child Protective Services (CPS). In regions such as Oregon, it is alarmingly easy for a female to trap a male with a baby and claim abuse, opening the door for CPS.
The Perceptions of CPS
Unfortunately, you don't need to do much more than have a low income to trigger these actions. Some states are far worse than others. It is quite the rabbit hole to delve into the corruption of CPS, which is not always out for the best interests of the children. States like Texas, California, Florida, New York, Minnesota, and Ohio are notorious for CPS corruption. Many resources are available on platforms such as Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, and even this one, detailing the corruption in CPS.
System's Response to Families
The system always aims for reunification, so parents need to prove that they can provide and meet minimum care standards. Lack of education and poverty are not grounds for extending foster care. Children are determined to be with their primary caregiver, no matter what. Teachers and others who work with children are mandated reporters, and this role often leads to the involvement of CPS.
Personal Experiences and Insights
My experience in Atlanta with a mother who was a serious drinker and always got arrested provides an example of the complex nature of such situations. In a nearby city, the same mother's behavior led to near CPS involvement. Yet, she managed to retain custody on some occasions. Similarly, in Ohio, mothers who engage in drug abuse and neglect can find their children taken away.
The key to ensuring your children's safety and custody is to fight back. Many parents, like me, are given chances to improve their situations before CPS involvement becomes necessary. In my case, both my mother and a friend's mother’s neglect led to almost taking their children. However, the ones who fought to maintain custody are often heartened by the efforts of the parents who are willing to change and improve their lives.
Examples and Lessons Learned
My ex-partner with a child was allowed to keep the child while I moved out, so they could return home. Despite the hard work and commitment required, it is indeed possible to get children back. In my own experience, my children were hospitalized for malnutrition and dehydration during their time in foster care. The content of the first few visits with their new caregiver shows a stark contrast compared to their home environment, emphasizing the importance of such environments for children's wellbeing.
Ultimately, when faced with CPS involvement due to domestic violence, neglect, or other issues, it is crucial to understand the system, prepare well, and seek support from legal and community resources. With determination, it is possible to navigate through these challenges and ensure the best outcomes for children.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the system's aims for reunification and minimum care standards. Recognizing the impact of poverty, lack of education, and mental health issues on CPS involvement. Seeking legal and community support to fight for custody and improve living conditions.