Can CPS Take One Child and Leave the Other At Home?
The decision made by Child Protective Services (CPS) often has far-reaching and profound effects. One such case involves a mother who was left with seven of her nine children following the removal of her son by CPS due to multiple emotional and behavioral problems. This article explores the complexities and challenges faced by CPS in making such decisions, with a specific focus on the scenario where only one child is at risk.
Case Study: A Mother’s Struggle
The story begins with a mother whose son, diagnosed with hyperactivity and other emotional challenges, was 12 years old when CPS took him into custody. This dramatic event occurred 38 years ago. Before this drastic step was taken, the young boy had been enrolled in a special school for children with emotional and mental difficulties. He also received frequent psychiatric and psychological support since he was just three years old. At the time, the mother was raising a large family, including eight children from her previous marriage, her son from a previous relationship, and two daughters born to her current husband.
After a court hearing, the judge deemed the mother unfit to care for her son and ordered his removal by CPS. This decision was based on the absence of specific laws or labels for “bad children,” leaving the mother in challenging circumstances. She was allowed to continue raising the other seven children, who were deemed to be in a stable and safe environment.
The Journey of Reunification
Upon receiving the notice of the removal, the mother did not give up hope and sought every possible avenue for reunification. She collaborated with CPS to complete the necessary steps for reunification, devoting significant effort to ensure her son could return to her home. However, despite her best efforts, she never regained custody of her son. Over time, he was placed in a Therapeutic foster home named Kid Peace in Massachusetts. Eventually, he was evicted and left homeless on the streets. The pressure to make a decision was immense, as the mother was warned that if her son returned home, her two daughters would be removed from the home by CPS.
Implications of CPS Decisions
Decisions made by CPS can have severe and long-lasting impacts on families. In this case, the hesitancy to intervene when needed, and the consequent overreach when acting, highlight the challenges faced by the agency. The article suggests an example where such decisions can be justified if only the danger exists for one child. Parental allocation of blame to a single child, particularly the oldest son, can be a valid reason for intervention. However, CPS must remain vigilant, recognizing the risk of shifting blame to other children.
The author, having worked in healthcare and interacted with numerous families, underscores the complexities of CPS decisions. While some families need external support, CPS is often criticized for unnecessarily removal policies. The personal anecdotes and professional experiences of the author shed light on the nuanced nature of these cases and the human factors that influence CPS decision-making.
The article poses a crucial question: can CPS take one child and leave the other at home without causing irreparable harm? It highlights the agency’s challenging task of balancing child safety with family cohesion, a task that requires careful consideration and support for affected families.