Online Parent Support Chat

What is the process for CPS investigations and is this rumor true?

My neighbor who lives in the same townhome unit had CPS called on them because their neighbor on the opposite end said they heard a child screaming. My question is I thought CPS only investigates based on 'serious' issues, this sounds more like something to do with a domestic issue that would involve the military police (we live on a military base). I just wondered because I know for a fact that this neighbor is a really good parent to his kids and really don't believe anything abusive happened.

I am also concerned because I am at home with my two babies all the time and afraid now. Could someone really report to CPS about me just because my kid has a temper tantrum and the walls are thin? Scary thought indeed but logic tells me that there was much more to that story, perhaps the neighbor saw him leave the child unattended a few times or something much more severe... Just wondered because it doesn't add up to me.

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5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think maybe that person had words or something with this person and chose to call CPS in spite I think if i were you i would not worry as long as you are taking care of your kids and you no you are then if someone does it to you the CPS wont find anything wrong. that happens to allot of people believe it or not woman are the worst for calling DHS or CPS if they get mad at another woman or don't like her. Its stupid i even no people like this i am ashamed to say. That's why i mind my own business and i don't try to be best buds with any one. Maybe they have heard the child screaming and the parent hitting them or maybe they had another good reason like you said for calling CPS on them

Anonymous said...

someone can report you to cps for anything they see as abusive at anytime, and cps has to investigate all claims. However, most claims are found to be unfounded and if someone did call on you there is little to worry about unless you actually are abusive or neglectful. there is the sad possibility that your neighbor is abusive and the call was made in good faith, there is also the possibility that someone holds a grudge against your neighbor and made a false claim. or it could just be a misunderstanding.

Anonymous said...

I am not sure how things are in your state or on a military base but in my state the investigators are obligated to make a visit with in 24 hours of any complaint. As long as nothing unusual is going on then you will be OK - investigators are very good at knowing exactly what to look for and they also know what is normal behavior.

Anonymous said...

Well people can report anything to CPS and they'll check it out. A friend of mine had them at her house because her three year old daughter told her teacher at preschool that her mommy hits her with a dolphin in the bath tub (yes I'm serious lol). They came to her house, checked the bath tubs for dolphins and interviewed the parents and then checked for basic neccessities- groceries, whether the kids were clean, etc. It was dropped, they're great parents, but my friend was terrified, nonetheless. So yes, someone could report you if your kid throws a tantrum but hopefully your neighbors aren't that crazy.

Anonymous said...

CPS has to investigate all complaints.Most of the time, its some jerk of a neighbor getting even. But on occasion, it turns out to be serious. I have a special need child and have been reported to CPS 3 times. The investigator talked to neighbors, looked around the house and quickly determined that the reports were without merit. He even helped arrange for asistance with my son.
Two of the three calls were obviously the work of some vindictive people, and the third was by a neighbor who believed she was being helpful. She just did not understand the nature of his disability.