There are many instances when CPS gets involved with a family that doesn’t want or need their help. Situations when a family needs resources or assistance, not government oversight and parenting classes. But there’s a big difference between CPs inserting themselves into your family’s private life, and CPS breaking up your family. When children get taken away from their parents by the state, it’s both terrifying and heartbreaking for everyone involved.
Many parents, in addition to being scared and angry, want to know what’s happening to their children. Where are they being taken? Who will care for them? When will you be able to see them again? And how long will it be before they can come home again? The truth is, many of the answers to those questions depend on the unique circumstances of your case. But when it comes to where your children are going, we can help you understand that right now.
Can my kids stay with a relative if CPS takes them away?
For most parents (and their kids) staying with a relative or family member is usually much better than staying with a complete stranger. So if someone you’re related to is available and willing to take your children in the event of CPS removing them from your home, it makes sense that you would prefer that option. But how do you ensure that’s what happens? You can start by having the contact information of several nearby relatives available to give to CPS.
Tell the CPS worker your mother or cousin or whomever is willing and able to take your children. Give them the name, address and contact number of the people who you know will readily take your children. Obviously, having a relative be prepared by getting licensed in advance as a foster home would be best, but most people rarely have that much time to prepare. So start by having contact info on hand. If you make it easy for a CPS workers to reach out to your loved ones, it’s much more likely to happen.
If they can’t stay with relatives, do they have to be with strangers?
When a relative isn’t willing or available to take your children, but a CPS worker removes them from your care, they will be placed into a licensed foster home. This means they will be given to a caregiver who has gone through the state’s required foster training program. In most cases, this is called an emergency placement, since it happened without warning. Most children don’t stay in the emergency placement homes they initially stay in, and are soon moved to a more permanent placement.
For some children, they stay in one foster home for the time it takes their parents to complete whatever requirements the court places on them. Other children are bounced around from one home to another until they’re able to go back home. This process can (and usually does) take months, and can be very unsettling and distressing for a child. Whenever possible, they should be allowed to stay with relatives or loved ones they know, as the familiar relationships will make the entire process less scary for them in the long run.
Don’t let CPS break up your family – get help from the best!
At The Kronzek Firm we know that many situations where CPS steps in and removes kids from their families, were situations that could easily have been solved by providing services or information. As CPS defense attorneys who’ve been battling to protect parent rights and keep Michigan families together for decades, we know how quickly a CPS “intervention” can become a family torn apart. Don’t let it happen to you! Call 866 766 5245 right now, and let us help you keep your family together!