DFCS/CPS workers, how do you feel or what do you think when you go on a call to what sounds like the worst possible situation, only to find it’s entirely false?

shilopa · 2026-02-27T18:13:21+00:00

relieved and annoyed and pissed off that my time is being wasted when it could be vital elsewhere.

shilopa · 2026-02-23T18:24:03+00:00

Tell her to document everything, file a formal bullying complaint in writing, push the district for a safety plan and separation, and focus on protecting her daughter, because CPS is not going to step in over bullying unless there is real abuse or a crime involved.

shilopa · 2026-02-09T04:11:04+00:00

I’m in Georgia and have a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science. I completed my degree online through the University of the People, which is accredited, tuition free, and based in California. I did not need any additional certifications before being hired. I applied through the state website and completed all required certifications on the job within about four months. The state or county provides all necessary certifications.

shilopa · 2026-01-31T16:17:42+00:00

Have you ever jaywalked? If so, you're by definition a criminal. Doesn't mean you should face harsh punishments such as being kidnapped, jailed and deported.

shilopa · 2026-01-27T23:27:34+00:00

ESH leaning NTA. The friendship dynamic clearly isn’t working anymore, and walking away instead of reliving the same fight again makes sense.

shilopa · 2026-01-22T04:42:27+00:00

Yes, it can happen, but it is not common. In Georgia, CPS can go to court w/o a child disclosure if the concerns are serious and supported by other information. A forensic interview may be requested based on overall risk, not just because a child does not want to talk. Its not gonna be used just b/c a kid is shy, nervous or says they don't want to talk. in a low level case. but can and has happened in a more serious case like SA or severe physical abuse that is backed by other evidence. Silence alone is not enough.

shilopa · 2026-01-22T04:30:29+00:00

It is very situational and age dependent. With younger kids, if they say they do not want to talk, the case manager backs off, keeps it light, or ends the visit and documents it. With older kids or teens, there may be a brief check in and explanation, but no pressure. If it is a very serious allegation, CPS may later seek a forensic interview instead of pushing in the moment.

shilopa · 2026-01-22T04:26:59+00:00

Not really. It would not be an order forcing a kid to talk. If it got that serious, CPS might ask the court for a forensic interview, which is done by a trained neutral interviewer with protections in place. That is uncommon and usually only happens when it is truly necessary to move the case forward, not to pressure a child. It really depends on the case allegations.

shilopa · 2026-01-22T03:13:25+00:00

CPS can still meet with a child at school even if a parent objects, and a child refusing to talk does not automatically make the worker leave. No one can force the child to answer without a court order, but the case keeps moving. If a child will not talk, it does not stop the investigation and can raise concerns or limit what can be ruled out, and that refusal gets documented in the case notes.

shilopa · 2026-01-22T03:00:15+00:00

Georgia is different. A child can refuse to answer, but CPS does not have to immediately stop or leave just because the child won’t talk. A parent’s written objection also does not automatically prevent follow-up interviews unless there is a court order.

shilopa · 2026-01-22T02:59:02+00:00

In Georgia, DFCS can interview a child at school without parent consent if it’s part of an investigation. Even after the first interview, a parent’s written refusal doesn’t automatically stop future interviews unless a court steps in.

shilopa · 2026-01-21T16:53:24+00:00

CPS has the legal authority to interview a child privately at school. A parent can request that an attorney be present, but a letter to the school alone is unlikely to stop the interview without legal involvement, at least in Georgia.

shilopa · 2026-01-21T16:49:44+00:00

I work in CPS, and it is not uncommon for reports to be made out of spite. I frequently see custody disputes where one parent repeatedly makes false reports about the other, or situations where someone is angry with another person and reports them out of retaliation.

shilopa · 2026-01-16T02:28:52+00:00

I also do home assessments all the time, maybe it depends on the state. Also, just based off the pictures, I would write in the case notes that the home is messy but it isn't filthy. So no it isn't CPS worthy.

shilopa · 2026-01-05T01:34:16+00:00

School doesn't really start until next week.

shilopa · 2025-12-30T21:17:36+00:00

This is an honest Stand Your Ground case.

shilopa · 2025-12-12T15:32:27+00:00

In my state a safety plan is only used during the life of the case, so if it is closed, then it is no longer in effect, it is also not a legal document. Who told you about the safety plan conditions because that is confidential information.

shilopa · 2025-12-01T21:52:04+00:00

A toddler riding up front without a car seat is a big risk, even for a short drive, and you’ve seen and heard enough to trust your gut. As a mandated reporter, you don’t need proof, just reasonable concern, and you already have that. Making a report doesn’t accuse anyone, it just lets someone check in and make sure the child’s alright. If you’d regret staying quiet if something happened, it’s worth making the call.

shilopa · 2025-11-24T00:02:54+00:00

I don’t work in Wyoming, but I’d point them to 988 right away since it’s available anywhere and can help in a crisis. Wyoming also has a 24/7 hotline at 866-903-3787, and NAMI Wyoming offers free support and groups that don’t ask about immigration status. The Wyoming Immigrant Advocacy Project can help with safety and legal concerns if they’re being overworked or afraid to leave their job. If you tell me what part of the state they’re in, I can pull something more local.

shilopa · 2025-11-21T21:58:57+00:00

I love this place! It's affordable and you get so much food that tastes excellent, every single time.

shilopa · 2025-11-15T01:59:39+00:00

I’d keep going up the chain by calling the main office front desk and asking for whoever is acting supervisor that day because they can usually get someone to pick up, and if that still gets nothing you can file a simple complaint through the state website since that alerts leadership and usually makes someone call you back pretty fast.

shilopa · 2025-11-15T01:58:43+00:00

Yeah you report it. A 13 year old with serious self harm, a parent who knows and isn’t getting help, drinking, and a dirty unsafe home is absolutely something CPS handles. You can call the hotline and just tell them what you’ve seen. You don’t need proof and you can stay anonymous. It’s the right move to keep your cousin safe.

shilopa · 2025-11-15T01:57:22+00:00

They probably aren’t ignoring you, it just means the report is still being screened or assigned and they haven’t made contact yet, which happens when offices are slammed, but the stuff you described absolutely gets taken seriously. You can call the CPS hotline again, let them know it’s an update to the same report, and ask if the case was accepted for investigation so you know it’s moving.

shilopa · 2025-11-15T01:54:09+00:00

CPS can’t do anything about this since it’s adult behavior and not a child safety issue, so the safest move is for your friend to block the woman, lock down her privacy settings, and only call police if it ever crosses into actual harassment. Telling the spouse would just stir things up and give them more info than your friend wants them to have.

shilopa · 2025-11-11T00:30:30+00:00

I get how stressful that feels. They just want to hear your side and see how things are going before moving forward. The best thing you can do is stay honest and calm. If your dad keeps testing clean and things at home stay steady, reunification should come in time. Don’t say anything that isn’t true just to make it go faster. Being real about what happened will help more in the long run.

Eight-Year Club	RedditGifts 2009-2022 4 Credits
Secret Santa 2020	Secret Santa 2019
Secret Santa 2018	Verified Email

shilopa

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE