Across the States
CPS Finds No Evidence
A Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworker recently contacted a Home School Legal Defense Association member family in Allen County regarding a report of child abuse and neglect.* The caseworker stated that she was investigating a report that the Cooper family (name changed to protect family’s privacy) had three cats, a dog, an old mattress lying on the ground, and cobwebs and cockroaches inside their home.
Unsure of their rights, the Cooper family contacted HSLDA for assistance. They spoke with staff attorney Thomas Schmidt who informed them of their legal rights in this situation and answered all of their questions about their options.
After discussing their options together, the Coopers decided to allow the caseworker to see their children and briefly look inside their home. However, they declined to allow the caseworker to interview their children.
After seeing the children and viewing the home, the caseworker informed the family that she did not see evidence of abuse or neglect and would close the case.
Please don’t hesitate to contact HSLDA for assistance and advice if your family is contacted by CPS.
— by Thomas J. Schmidt
* See “A plethora of forms”
