The recent furor over the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (aka Child Protective Services) raids on the Texas Yearning for Zion Ranch polygamist group reminded me of a nice primer on CPS by Texas criminal defense attorney Paul Stuckle (pictured). It is particularly interesting in light of the recent ruling that the raids were unlawful.
I often get letters from parents who are targeted by CPS, and their stories can be horrific and heartbreaking. Stuckle writes:
“Many parents find themselves overwhelmed when contacted by CPS and for good reason. CPS investigators and caseworkers are able to manipulate parents through fear and intimidation, making the innocent parent feels helpless. CPS has the legal power to take children away from their parents.
“Under these circumstances parents who are not aware of the underhanded nature, shoddy investigative techniques, and financial motivations of CPS readily sign safety plans, service plans, allow CPS into their homes, submit to interviews, and essentially do anything the CPS investigator asks. The innocent parent naively believes that by doing what CPS wants they will be left alone.
“The parent soon finds out they were wrong.”
Below Stuckle provides a list of questions to ask yourself when dealing with CPS.
Are You Being Treated Fairly By CPS and the Court System?
By Paul Stuckle, Esq.
1) Was your child contacted by the authorities, questioned or photographed without your knowledge or consent?
2) Did CPS have your child remove his or her clothing without your knowledge or consent?
3) Was CPS contacted by an anonymous informant whose identity was not disclosed to you?
4) Was CPS contacted by a mandatory reporter (teacher, doctor, counselor, etc.) who may lose their job if they don’t report even the slightest suspicion of abuse? (more…)
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