Help!!
Show your support
I had some experience with CPS after our son passed from sids and they were investigating because it was a child death on a military base so it was mandatory for them to open a case because they wanted to make sure our toddler was safe at home. I will say that making sure their bedroom is clean, outlets have safety covers, and making sure dressers are anchored goes a long way, even if they don’t spend a lot of time in their room or they’re still in a crib. My social worker would look in my toddlers room and converse with me the rest of the time. Make sure your house is clean for the visits. It can be a little messy from toys and things but they will look at the upkeep of the house. Try and remember their routines and schedules, like times your baby eats, nap times, tummy time,etc. Remember to breathe. These things happen and proving to people who don’t even know you that you love your child undoubtedly is really unnerving/unsettling and i’m so sorry you’re in this position.❤️
@Clarissa since my son is in his own room and doesn't go into mine, are they still going to look at my room as well? I'm not sure if you know or not, I'm just trying to make sure I have everything taken care of😅 And I'm so so sorry for your loss 🤍
They might, they did one time in the beginning at the first visit, but the rest of the visits they didn’t because they saw he had his own room. I don’t know why they even went in my room at all. I’m just glad I cleaned it too because I wasn’t expecting them to open my bedroom door honestly😂
I honestly don’t think you need to let them in unless they have a search warrant. I was taken by CPS as a child as they made my mom an example. Luckily other family members took me in until I was 17. I’m traumatized by it and I told myself I’d never let them into my life. But if you do let them in make sure there’s food in your fridge as they’ll come around and check every room. They won’t check too deeply, just kinda walk around and check each room with their dumb clipboard 🙄
I don’t have experience personally but my cousin’s kid got taken by CPS but both of his parents were on drugs and were actually giving them to him too (at 6/7 he had tested positive for meth) and then my brother’s baby momma just got CPS sent to her because 2 of her kids have marks like they’re being abused and their case was quickly dismissed since they were “accidents” and honestly none of them family believes they’re accidents (her boyfriend is known to be abusive) and their trailer is legit run down without proper flooring and has mold in it yet they were dismissed so I’m sure you’ll be fine
I haven't had cps called on me, but I'm the second oldest of 8 and cps was called on my family a lot growing up. The most important thing to remember is that CPS does not want to take your children away. They recognize the harm that has on the child and it is always their last-step-worst-case-scenario. So just breath. A home being cluttered isn't abuse, just make sure any choking hazards and anything toxic is put away. The biggest concerns are always going to be if the child is fed and if their environment is healthy. So worry less about if their toys are off the floor and more about whether or not there's mold on the window sills. Since your child is a baby they're also going to be concerned about your health and habits, so Make sure your bathroom is neat, your medications aren't expired, your bed is made and buy yourself some nutritious food. A full fridge, clean sheets, and a happy baby go a long long way.
If you’re kid is fed, clothed, taken care of and healthy then my only advice is take care of what you need to care of around the house. Being a single mom most of the time is hard and they should have grace for that. But that being said- if they have concerns listen to what they have to say but do not get defensive. That will just make you look like you’re not willing to work with them. If you feel like they were inappropriate during the visit- escalate it to a manager. Also, checking if the lights are on- water is running and general looking around is standard and for the well being of the child so just be ready for that.