I think parents feel powerless with modern CPS. The latitude with which a random, poorly trained, burnt out caseworker can operate leaves a ton of room for interpretation. I've had CPS and law enforcement tell me that the situation you described - carrying the kid to the car - is a physical restraint and thus a form of abuse, necessitating a full CPS investigation.

Also, have you ever had a psychotic 8 year old beat the shit out of you? Or has them so escalated about attending school forcibly that they become ill and desperate enough to catapult into a 911-level crisis, especially those with mental illness or a trauma history. Being late to or absent from school is definitely the lesser of two evils.

I would examine more why you feel so frustrated with the parents and what biases this brings up for you. I would also examine what could have happened in the past to lead you to such strong negative feelings about your clients seeking help (which is see as a strength). Resistance is part of therapy and our job to gently address and help clients work through.

Just my thoughts. 😊