Caring for Friends: A Call for Advice on Dealing with CPS
I wouldn't normally record a video in my car like this,
but this is urgent and I need some advice.
but this is urgent and I need some advice.
Sorry that the video quality is so grainy. I did find a nice video editing app for Android though. Slapped on some music tracks because I got sick of my own voice. Hope those aren't too distracting!
As the video explains, my wife and I have taken in another child (that makes six, when you count our five) on a temporary basis but for a currently undefined duration.
The girl is a friend of our daughter and they attend the same kindergarten. The mom was admitted to the hospital over the weekend and there is literally no family for the daughter to stay with. So she reached out to us.
We are more than happy to help. We have been blessed to have extra space and we love being able to share that with others.
The problem is that Child Protective Services has gotten involved. The thing is, they don't really like kids just staying where ever. My wife and I are not a certified foster family.
The tone from CPS has not been aggressive, and they have not stated that they want to take her out of our home, but I am also anxious that they are just keeping their hand close to their chest. I would like to be prepared for whatever they bring.
Thank you everyone for hearing me out and offering your support.
All of the profits from this post will go to help this family as they work through this time.
Until next time, be blessed.
~Sam
Image Source: Kids.
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Whatever happens, do NOT let them enter your home without a Court Order. They will try to find something to use against you and your own children if you let them enter. And if they do obtain a court order to legally remove the child that you are caring for, they do not need to enter your home for that or speak to your children.
I would get the mother to handwrite and sign a piece of paper that gives you guardianship until she is no longer incapacitated. It would be good if it was witnesssed by a notary or lawyer, but it seems that will not be possible if she is in hospital.
Do not converse with the Social Workers any more than is absolutely necessary. Keep answers brief and do not volunteer information. They will try to fish around for more information. Anything that you say can and will be used against you. They are not your friend.
All you should really need is the signed piece of paper from the mother saying that she has put you in charge of her daughter. And that is it. Unless somebody has made a report to them that your home is not suitable for children, then they have NO reason to investigate the situation in your household.
Yes, and the hospital should have a human resource specialist there on board and could help with notorizing a Power Of Attorney which stipulates who can take care of her child. As long as mother is of sound mind. I don't know the circumstances if she is awake or ? but a power of attorney would be nice to have.
Great advice from both of you. Thank you for taking the time to share these ideas and offer your support. Over the phone recently, the CPS worker sounded fine letting us care for her for now. I think that is at least somewhat a factor of our foster system in Southeast Michigan being totally over capacity. I'll keep you all updated as things change. Thanks again!
Ok! Finally I have a good enough signal and have been able to watch this video.
Firstly, I think what you are doing for this child is very commendable and I have huge respect for you and your family for opening up your home like you have.
I wish I had the magic answer for you, but as it happens I believe the reply from @canadian-coconut sounds like solid advice to me.
I really hope that cps stay away as it is clear to everyone watching this video that the child is FAR better off in your care!
I concider myself a VERY good judge of character and 5 minutes was enough for me to get a very good feeling about you, I just hope cps recognise this and don't just see dollar signs.
Please keep us updated on this situation and from now on Everytime I see a dtube post from you I will go for a ride up the mountain to get a good signal!
Bless.
Thank you, @markwhittam. That really means a lot!
It has been a wild week, but I actually have good news now! I'm going to make a post with the details, but our friend has been released and reunited with her daughter!
I like doing videos for the exact reason that you highlight here. I find it a lot harder to get a good read on someone just from their writing. Videos tell so much more, and that is essentially my goal on this platform.
Thanks again for the support!
Cheers.
It is so great that you were able to take this girl into your home and I hope that the service workers will not cause you much problems and the girl will be safe with you guys till the mom gets out.
Beautiful thing you guys are doing. Sorry I'm not much of help because I don't really know what to suggest, but @canadian-coconut answered you and she probably knows the best.
Thank you for the support! So far, it was gone smoothly. I'm hoping that continues, but preparing for the worst.
Excellent post! Creating a paper-trail and having records of all actions from here on out is a good strategy and mentioned in this thread.
That being said…
Investors who delegate SP to @thundercurator are entitled to 75% of @thundercurator income after curation. Get on-board early and grow with us!
Thank you! Those are good ideas and I am grateful for all of the sound advice.
This post has bn upvoted and resteemed by @thethreehugs. Thank you for your support of @familyprotection.
family post thanks
I hope that everything goes well and thank you for reaching out to those who need it, especially when it comes to children