When a Child Protective Service (CPS) worker takes your child because of suspected abuse the last thing you want to do is get defensive and offensive. Stop and look at the workers perspective. It is hard to even think about doing but it is very vital. Put yourself in their shoes, you go to someone's home to take their children. That is very unnatural, you will feel defensive as you know the parents will be. Both of you will be at a heightened emotional state and very defensive.
As a worker you will have to justify your every move. You will be looking for every little discrepancy or excuse to back you up. You want to back out but you could loose your job and be on the blacklist for any similar job. You will note any bad behaviors on the part of the parents and your first impressions will stick like glue.
The only area of safety is the job itself, your colleagues will back you up, if you give them evidence. Even if you are doing the wrong thing by removing the child or children they will back you up. If you back out and the child is hurt or killed you can not live with yourself. You will go full steam ahead and take note of anything negative otherwise you are trapped between the parents and fellow workers.
Remember, CPS workers are not counselors, they are not on your side, their job is not to help and understand you. You have to gently help them understand that you are a good guy after all. Do everything you can to comfort your children, make it easy on them. Do everything you can to comfort the people who have your children. The politics have just begun.
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