Thanks for joining us again. We’ve been talking about other reasons, beyond actual abuse or neglect, for why a CPS worker might try to take your children away. As we discussed in the previous article, disagreeing with a doctor about what treatment is right for your child could be seen as medical neglect. And disciplining your child can be confused with abuse (and often is!).

There are actually LOTS of reasons CPS could take your kids!

Children who are found to be burned, bitten, punched or kicked, are often taken from their parents. In many cases, that removal is completely justified. The same goes for children who are being starved, or left to fend for themselves to the point that the neglect puts them in danger. But those aren’t the only cases where CPS steps in and breaks up a family. There are lots of other reasons, and many other them are very ordinary, everyday scenarios…

Leaving your children home alone can be viewed as neglect

While there isn’t a specific law here in Michigan about what age is right to leave your kids alone at home, CPS still views unattended children as potentially neglected. So if we have one piece of advice for you, it’s this: Err on the side of caution and unless you’re certain your kids are mature enough to be alone at home, don’t do it! Whether it’s in your home, at a neighborhood park, or even in your own backyard. Don’t think that just because you know where they are and what they’re doing, you’re okay. Because you’re not.

The news is full of examples of parents who were accused of abuse or neglect by CPS, simply for parenting their children in the way they thought was best. Like the Meitiv family, who were harassed by CPS for allowing their children to play in a park down the road, everyone is at risk. Laura Browder was arrested for child abandonment when she was no more than 30 feet from her children in the food court of the mall. Sadly, no one is safe from the prying eyes and accusing fingers of the state.

Your child’s behavioral problems can lead to CPS reports

Children are often volatile and struggle to manage their emotions. It’s part of being a child and not having learned to self-regulate. However, children with behavioral, emotional and mental disorders can sometimes be viewed by teachers or other adults as being the victims of abuse.

A perpetually angry child can be viewed by school teachers or coaches as suffering from depression, anxiety, or aggression (which are common symptoms in sexually abused kids). A child with oppositional defiant disorder is sometimes assumed to be the victim of domestic violence. Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders are often believed to be neglected. All it takes is one well-meaning call from a concerned teacher or guidance counselor…

You should have to fight CPS just to parent your own kids!

Parenting is becoming more and more state-regulated these days, which is very sad, because the government has no business telling parents how to care for and raise their children. So, if you or a loved one have been accused of abuse or neglect, or have a CPS agent knocking on your door, contact us immediately at 866 766 5245. The skilled and experienced CPS defense attorneys at The Kronzek Firm have been successfully defending parental rights for decades. We’re here to help you!