Welcome back and thanks for joining us again for this difficult but necessary conversation about CPS. Specifically, we’ve been talking about how easy it is to get ‘red-flagged’ by CPS and end up being labeled as a “bad” parent, even when you’re doing your very best to be a good one. As we mentioned in the previous article, your methods of discipline can get you into trouble if you happen to choose to spank. While Michigan allows parents to spank their kids, hitting children is a potential issue and could lead to CPS interventions. But that’s not all…

Disagreeing with a doctor can get you into trouble, even if your reasons are good!

Every parent has a responsibility to care for and provide for their children. That’s part of what it means to be a parent. However, that means more than just making sure your child has food, clothing, and shelter. Medical care counts as a necessity as well, and anything you do that could look like refusal to provide your child with the medical care they need could end up with CPS on your doorstep. But what does that mean? How could a loving parent be accused of medical neglect? Easy.

• Skipping out on doctor visits or wellness checkups could easily be considered neglect
• Attempting to medicate your children without the oversight of a doctor (this could include the overuse of non-prescription medications, or the use of medical marijuana products)
• Deciding on what treatment best fits your children’s medical needs by disagreeing with a doctor and seeking out a second opinion. (This is a VERY common one!)

Leaving kids alone at home can also bring the agency to your door!

Michigan doesn’t have laws about when it’s a good idea to leave your kids home alone, but CPS has “guidelines” they use to determine if your children are too young to be left without supervision. For example, children under the age of seven should never be left alone for any reason, and a child 12 or under shouldn’t be left alone for more than a few hours, and definitely not if they’re in charge of other kids. CPS still views unattended children as potentially neglected. So our advice for you is this: Unless you’re certain that your kids are mature enough to be alone at home, don’t do it! The risk just isn’t worth the reward.

Even kid’s behavioral issues can be red flags for CPS

Children often struggle to manage their emotions, especially when they suffer from behavioral disorders or mental health issues. The same can be said of children who are adjusting to changes at home, like a divorce or some other change in their environment. However, children who act out are sometimes viewed as being the victims of abuse. And if your child has a volatile personality, or is struggling with personal issues, all it takes is one well-meaning call from a concerned teacher or guidance counselor bring CPS knocking.

Fighting CPS and their bullying tactics requires experience

Parenting is becoming more and more state-regulated these days, which isn’t a good thing for parents. 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 worker making accusations against you, 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!