Hi there and welcome back. We’ve been talking about how foster care stays affect children’s mental and emotional wellbeing, and how even a very short stay in foster care can seriously hamper a child’s socio-emotional development. As we explained in the previous article, a recent study conducted by the Marshall Project showed that an astounding number of kids placed in foster care are reunited with their parents within 10 days of the initial separation (about 17,000 every year). 

Which sounds great, right? All those kids taken away who get to go back home so quickly. But actually it’s not great at all. Because they should never have been taken away in the first place. And the traumatic impact of that unnecessary separation from their families will have a lasting impact on them for many years to come. So let’s take a look at what that means.

Kids need stability, and being taken from their parents undermines that.

In Michigan, as in many other states as well, CPS workers are allowed to take children from their parents’ care if they believe the child is in imminent danger of further abuse. And given the number of children who die each year as a result of abuse, it’s easy to understand why CPS workers might make poor choices about which child is really in danger, and which child will be fine. But when they make a crappy choice, and take a child away from their family, even if that error is rectified quickly, the impact on that child can last a lifetime.

Studies show that children removed from their parent’s care, even if it’s only for a few days, suffer extreme trauma. Once returned, that trauma doesn’t suddenly disappear, and can translate into anxiety, depression, aggression, mistrust of authorities, and rage. Later in life, this trauma can manifest as substance abuse difficulties, behavioral problems, mental health issues, and self-harming behaviors.

Children should be left with their families whenever possible.

This is one of the many reasons why, when a Michigan court orders removal of a child, The Kronzek Firm fights so hard on behalf of the family in order to avoid that separation whenever possible. And when removing the child can’t be avoided, we fight for relative placement, so that the children taken from their family homes are at least placed with relatives who are known to them and care for them, to minimize the trauma they experience.

If CPS workers reach out to you and threaten to take your children away, know that you have rights. You don’t have to allow them into your home just because they say you do, and you don’t have to give up your children just because they say it’s for the best. CPS workers often don’t tell parents everything, and that’s where a good defense attorney comes in. So call 866 766 5245 today and get help from the experienced attorneys who understand exactly what you’re up against, and how to fight for your parental rights.