"I Slapped My Child and CPS Was Called: How to Protect Your Family"

When you’re a parent, emotions can sometimes get the best of you, leading to a regrettable action like slapping your child. But when CPS is called, the situation can quickly spiral out of your control. Many parents are unaware of how Child Protective Services operates and the harm the system can cause when it expands its investigation beyond the initial concern.

CPS may dig into unrelated aspects of your life, using tactics designed to build a case. While CPS’s mission is to protect children, the agency often oversteps, leading to the unjust separation of families—causing more harm than good.

Here’s how to protect yourself and your family during a CPS investigation and understand the real dangers of unnecessary child removals.

CPS’s Investigation: More Than Just the Incident at Hand

When CPS is called, they don’t just look at the specific incident. Instead, they will often expand the scope of the investigation to look for anything else that could indicate your child might be in danger. They want to build a case to prove that there’s child abuse, even when there isn't. While this might seem thorough, it can be damaging when they focus on unrelated issues.

CPS workers will search for problems such as:

• Home cleanliness

• Past medical records

• Your child’s school attendance

• Your relationship history (including any conflicts)

These additional issues often have nothing to do with the original reason CPS was called, but they can be used to build a case against you, even if the initial complaint is relatively minor.

Tactics CPS Workers Use to Build a Case

It’s essential to understand the tactics CPS workers use to gather information, and how these tactics are designed to trip you up.

1. Fishing for Inconsistencies

CPS workers often ask the same question in different ways to catch you in a contradiction. Even small discrepancies in your answers can be twisted to fit their narrative.

How to protect yourself:

• Stay consistent: Stick to the facts and avoid over-explaining or speculating.

• Answer only what is necessary: If you're unsure, say so. Don’t guess or try to fill in gaps.

2. Guilt Trips and Emotional Manipulation

CPS workers may try to manipulate you emotionally, saying things like, “Don’t you want to protect your child?” They use guilt to make you give more information than necessary.

How to protect yourself:

• Stay calm: Acknowledge their concerns but assert your rights. Avoid falling into their emotional traps.

• Remain composed: Keep answers short and to the point.

3. Threats and Intimidation

They might imply or directly threaten that your child will be removed if you don’t cooperate fully.

How to protect yourself:

• Know your rights: CPS cannot remove your child without a court order unless there is immediate danger.

• Have a lawyer present to protect you during conversations.

4. Taking Statements Out of Context

Anything you say can be twisted or taken out of context. CPS will document everything, and they may misinterpret or intentionally twist your words.

How to protect yourself:

• Document every interaction: Take notes after each meeting and, if legal in your state, record conversations.

• Speak carefully: Think before you respond to any question, and avoid making offhand comments.

The Harm CPS Can Cause by Removing Children

While CPS is supposed to protect children, removing them from loving homes often leads to more harm than good. Research shows that children who are separated from their parents suffer long-term emotional and psychological damage.

Shocking Statistics about Child Removal

• Over 60% of children in foster care have experienced some form of maltreatment while in care .

• Children removed from their homes often experience attachment disorders, PTSD, and higher rates of mental illness .

• Studies show that children placed in foster care are four times more likely to experience physical or sexual abuse .

Foster care placements are often harmful, and many children in the system fare worse than if they had remained with their biological families. Unjustified removal not only traumatizes children but disrupts their education, social connections, and mental health.

Key Long-Term Risks for Children in Foster Care:

• Higher dropout rates in school

• Greater risk of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety

• Increased likelihood of criminal activity or incarceration later in life

What to Do If CPS Is Involved

If CPS gets involved, it's critical to act quickly and strategically. Here’s how to protect your family:

Contact a Lawyer Immediately: Never face CPS alone. A lawyer specializing in CPS and family law can protect your rights and guide you through the process.

Document Every Interaction: Keep detailed notes of every conversation and request a copy of any documents or reports. Record conversations where allowed by law.

Refuse Unwarranted Searches: CPS does not have the right to enter your home without a warrant. Politely refuse entry unless they can produce one or have your lawyer present.

Answer Only Necessary Questions: Be careful about what you say. Stick to answering direct questions and avoid offering additional information that could be misinterpreted or twisted.

Stay Calm and Assertive: Emotional reactions can be used against you. Stay calm and polite, but firm in your responses.

Common Questions About CPS Investigations

Q: Can CPS take my child away for a because of slap?

A: CPS could try to remove your child if they feel it’s part of a larger issue, but in most cases, a single incident like a slap won’t lead to immediate removal. However, CPS may expand their investigation to look for other concerns.

Q: Do I have to let CPS into my home?

A: No. CPS cannot enter your home without a warrant unless they have your permission. It’s best to politely refuse entry unless they have legal documentation or your attorney present.

Q: What should I do if CPS twists my words?

A: Record everything and involve your lawyer as early as possible. CPS workers often take statements out of context, so documenting every interaction will help protect you.

The Real Impact: The Dangers of CPS Bias and Corruption

Unfortunately, CPS workers are often biased in their assessments, particularly against low-income families and minorities. Research has shown that African American and Hispanic families are disproportionately affected by child removals . This systemic bias can lead to unjust separations that harm families and devastate children.

The Father's Advocacy Network is committed to exposing this bias and holding CPS accountable for the damage they cause. Too often, the system does more harm than good, leaving children traumatized and families torn apart.

Call to Action: Have You Experienced CPS Bias or Corruption?

If you've faced CPS bias or corruption, you don't have to face it alone. The Father's Advocacy Network fights to expose the truth and protect families from unjust child removal. Reach out to us today to share your story and get the help you need. Together, we can hold CPS accountable and keep families together.