Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] CPS
Bridget E Coffman
Dawn,
I have been through this twice. The first time I believe was someone at
the school that my children used to attend. It happened the first year
we hs'ed. The second time was two years later and I have since found out
it was my husband's insane cousin who turned us in. Both times the
'allegations' were provably false. And both time CPS refused to tell me
who turned me in. Here is my advice:
1. Stay very calm. It is unsettling for them if you are way more stable
than they are. (worked wonders the second time they showed up. I was
too exhausted to care - long story - and they were quite obviously
unnerved by my calmness. So I just calmly told them to stay on the porch
tell me what they wanted to say and that I would respond "soon" which was
immediately by fax.)
2. Respond in writing and include a statement that you consider this
allegation harrassment.
3. Insist on getting a letter that say the case was closed as unfounded.
I have since taken to writing or faxing CPS occassionally and asking them
what their policy is regarding harassing complaints and if the person who
is turned in falsely has any recourse. I like to point out that clause
in the consitution about facing your accuser occassionally too. It does
absolutely nothing but in the long run, it may make them see that
innocent until proven guilty has some merit.
Good luck and if you want to talk off list feel free.
Bridget
Tyranny of the majority is tyranny nonetheless.
I have been through this twice. The first time I believe was someone at
the school that my children used to attend. It happened the first year
we hs'ed. The second time was two years later and I have since found out
it was my husband's insane cousin who turned us in. Both times the
'allegations' were provably false. And both time CPS refused to tell me
who turned me in. Here is my advice:
1. Stay very calm. It is unsettling for them if you are way more stable
than they are. (worked wonders the second time they showed up. I was
too exhausted to care - long story - and they were quite obviously
unnerved by my calmness. So I just calmly told them to stay on the porch
tell me what they wanted to say and that I would respond "soon" which was
immediately by fax.)
2. Respond in writing and include a statement that you consider this
allegation harrassment.
3. Insist on getting a letter that say the case was closed as unfounded.
I have since taken to writing or faxing CPS occassionally and asking them
what their policy is regarding harassing complaints and if the person who
is turned in falsely has any recourse. I like to point out that clause
in the consitution about facing your accuser occassionally too. It does
absolutely nothing but in the long run, it may make them see that
innocent until proven guilty has some merit.
Good luck and if you want to talk off list feel free.
Bridget
> Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2001 17:50:29 +0000and
> From: Dawn Bennink <dbennink@...>
> Subject: Question about CPS
>
> I am floored. CPS showed up at my house this afternoon, supposedly
> responding to a report that I am neglecting my children's education
> physically and verbally abusing them. The kids, thank heaven, werenot
> here at the time as they were visiting my mother. I did not let themright
> inspect my home as they did not have a court order. Did I do the
> thing? What do I do next? I live in New York State. No, I'm not a^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> member of HSLDA yet, as my oldest son isn't 6 yet, so I have no legal
> obligation to send him to school nor file any paperwork. Any voice of
> experience would be appreciated.
>
> --
> Dawn Bennink
> homeschooling mom to Malcolm & Miles
>
Tyranny of the majority is tyranny nonetheless.