I just got a call and visit from a DCF officer this morning. Stupidly (in retrospect), I talked. It was over my son being pinched. Yes, thumb + forefinger grab some skin and pinch. It was a punishment for continually dumping sand in my truck from his shoes. After many a verbal warning, he got a physical punishment. He says it left a bruise, but I'm pretty sure the bruise is from him climbing trees because it's not near where I pinched, and it's similar to other tree climbing bruises.
Regardless, his pre-Kindergarten school reported me apparently - without even talking to me about it first (another W for homeschooling) - and next thing I know CPS is calling saying they'll be at my house in 5 minutes. Which wasn't enough time to research how to handle the situation. From what little I've gleaned since, it appears that if I bar them, they could just assume the worst and take the child into protective custody (which leads to a judicial hearing w/in 24 hours). Let me reiterate - ALL FOR A PINCH. We regularly pinch each other in play fights and wrestling. But I'm sure he came in crying because he got in trouble, told a teacher I pinched him, and they went running to CPS/DCF.
From what I understand, if the school sees a mark, they're required to report it. Which is ironic given how many times we've picked him up with a busted lip or bumps and bruises and they're like "please sign the incident report; he 'walked into a door' (or something)." I'm just shell-shocked and caught completely off guard - I'm not an abusive parent. I spank from time to time as an elevated consequence, and I give thorough explanation of why the punishment is carried out.
Anon for obvious reasons. My diction probably makes me identifiable to the astute.
Not surprising. A friend had cps show up unannounced by someone calling in saying they thought the parents weren't feeding their kids nutritious food!!! Not kidding!!
Of course cps won't release who this "caller" was to confront or question. They automatically assume the parents are at fault. Apparently innocent until proven guilty does not exist with cps. And yes, cannot say enough great things for homeschooling!!!
anon 2 points 7 hours ago
Not surprising. A friend had cps show up unannounced by someone calling in saying they thought the parents weren't feeding their kids nutritious food!!!
Not kidding!!
Of course cps won't release who this "caller" was to confront or question. They automatically assume the parents are at fault. Apparently innocent until proven guilty does not exist with cps.
And yes, cannot say enough great things for homeschooling!!!