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.
I have many stories like this. My son broke his wrist in wrestling practice, on camera and with a full report from the coach. Some harpy from the school still reported it to CPS and I got a visit. It was traumatic for all of us. My son has autism and felt like he did something bad too. Just nod your head, cry and don't admit to anything. Kids get little bruises all the time. The pre k IS trying to jam you up. If it was the teachers family member no way would they have reported. Pull him out now, pick a different school so they dont think its sus, youre just mad, then immediately go to homeschool.
anon 1 points 3 weeks ago
I have many stories like this. My son broke his wrist in wrestling practice, on camera and with a full report from the coach. Some harpy from the school still reported it to CPS and I got a visit. It was traumatic for all of us. My son has autism and felt like he did something bad too. Just nod your head, cry and don't admit to anything. Kids get little bruises all the time. The pre k IS trying to jam you up. If it was the teachers family member no way would they have reported. Pull him out now, pick a different school so they dont think its sus, youre just mad, then immediately go to homeschool.