Homeschooling in the U.S. continues to rise. Reasons range from parents wanting to spend more time together as a family to protecting their children from the defiling content being taught in public school systems. Seattle Public Schools is even considering shutting down some schools because so many students have been withdrawn to homeschool. “‘Initially it […]
Category: news
Holding False Reporters Accountable
Bearing false witness against one’s neighbor is an act so grievous that God explicitly prohibited it in the Ten Commandments. Being falsely accused of doing something wrong is serious business. It is especially dangerous when it means you could lose your liberty or your children. It seems obvious that false reporters of child abuse or […]
Member Story: “Their dog bit my child, then they reported us to CPS.”
At times, relationships with neighbors can be complicated. Relationships with the neighbors’ pet can sometimes be even more so, like it was for Amanda Fairfield.* When the neighbor’s dog harassed and eventually bit one of her children, Amanda called the police. Afterwards, the family moved on with life, little anticipating that the issue would resurface […]
Percentage of CPS Referrals Screened-In
A child protective services (CPS) investigation forever impacts the lives even of those who are falsely accused of child abuse and neglect. Yet the decision of whether or not to launch an investigation can hinge on just one CPS worker–or even a computer algorithm. Anyone can report someone for abuse, the reporter can even be […]
When can I leave a child home alone?
The issue of when a child may be left home alone is a serious matter with which every parent must grapple. The question must ultimately be decided on an individualized basis for each child using parental discretion. It certainly is not an issue that should be dictated by the government. Thankfully, only 4 states have […]
Member Story: Church children’s ministry calls CPS on parents
One bright Friday morning, Courtney Caddo* took her two daughters, two-year-old Mia and five-year-old Ella, to a park day with lots of other parents and children from their church. While Ella played on the playground, Courtney was at a picnic table visiting with five other parents while Mia played next to her. At one point, […]
Vaccines for Homeschoolers…in your state?
Nothing can spark controversy quite like the question of vaccines, especially since COVID-19. Individuals, families, and even legislatures can all disagree on the wisdom, efficacy, and necessity of vaccines. While everyone is free to have their own opinion on the subject, no one should be allowed to force others to share their opinion. Unfortunately, most […]
Member Story: Hasty reporting leads to visits by CPS and police
This member story was originally published by Heritage Defense in 2018. Mrs. Aaron* was at home with her children one afternoon when she heard a knock at the door. When she opened the door, she was met by two social workers from child protective services (CPS) and one law enforcement officer. When Mrs. Aaron asked […]
Member Story: Abortion activists used CPS to attack my family.
When Christopher and Ashley Bachman* began pleading for the lives of preborn children at abortion clinics and publicly around town, they understood the costs. The Bachmans knew that they would become objects of profanity, insults, hatred, and potentially even physical violence. Nevertheless, seeking to love their neighbors as themselves, they went anyway, and they often […]
How many reports to CPS in my state?
While child protective services (CPS) investigators may sometimes overstep their bounds, encroachments upon the parental rights of innocent families are typically instigated well before a CPS investigator gets involved. Generally, two things have to happen before a CPS worker ever gets assigned to investigate a family: Referral. Someone notifies a CPS agency hotline/intake unit that […]