CPS allegations?

[Before you can make things better, you have to stop making them worse...]

I recall when CPS interviewed my son.  He was in kindergarten and they did it at school, what they believed was a neutral location.  I wasn't so sure since at the time she had temp custody and he came and went with her.  Fortunately they were satisfied and dropped the matter of her allegation.

DH's Ex has had a full month with the boys.  If they were willing to get drawn into her indoctrination before her month in seclusion with them, I wouldn't count on them speaking openly with the court.  Even if not fully propagandized, they will be reluctant to speak out since they know they'll be grilled by her afterward.  However, a good judge will look for subtle indicators.  When my son was 11 my ex managed to get the court to agree to an 'in camera' interview with the judge and GAL.  In my favor I had equal time (seeking majority) and the court just so happened  to schedule the court visit on my time.  Not in my favor was son's feeling stuck in the middle and very reluctant to be there.  The decision was a relief.  It said son declined to say where he wanted to live but... .he didn't make eye contact when they were discussing his mother and was more comfortable when they were discussing me.  The judge really ought to listen to the counselors who have a long history with the children though some do refuse to get involved with court conflict.

And if I recall correctly, you wrote that mother insisted on monitoring their sessions recently?  Sessions are supposed to be a safe place for the children.

[ForeverDad]

I recall when CPS interviewed my son.  He was in kindergarten and they did it at school, what they believed was a neutral location.  I wasn't so sure since at the time she had temp custody and he came and went with her.  Fortunately they were satisfied and dropped the matter of her allegation.

DH's Ex has had a full month with the boys.  If they were willing to get drawn into her indoctrination before her month in seclusion with them, I wouldn't count on them speaking openly with the court.  Even if not fully propagandized, they will be reluctant to speak out since they know they'll be grilled by her afterward.  However, a good judge will look for subtle indicators.  When my son was 11 my ex managed to get the court to agree to an 'in camera' interview with the judge and GAL.  In my favor I had equal time (seeking majority) and the court just so happened  to schedule the court visit on my time.  Not in my favor was son's feeling stuck in the middle and very reluctant to be there.  The decision was a relief.  It said son declined to say where he wanted to live but... .he didn't make eye contact when they were discussing his mother and was more comfortable when they were discussing me.  The judge really ought to listen to the counselors who have a long history with the children though some do refuse to get involved with court conflict.

And if I recall correctly, you wrote that mother insisted on monitoring their sessions recently?  Sessions are supposed to be a safe place for the children.

[Panda39]

Friday will be a crapshoot in my mind--she has CPS and the boys on her side; we have two therapists and a long history of alienation on our side.

But what does CPS really have?  That dad had a bad reaction to a prescription drug in front of the kids for 30min? Doesn't sound like much to me.

Panda39

[sanemom]

Friday will be a crapshoot in my mind--she has CPS and the boys on her side; we have two therapists and a long history of alienation on our side.

But what does CPS really have?  That dad had a bad reaction to a prescription drug in front of the kids for 30min? Doesn't sound like much to me.

Panda39

No, CPS doesn't have much... .I forgot to mention that they DID dismiss the case; just found "reason to believe" for neglectful supervision, but I guess they realized it was a one time thing so it is dismissed?  I have no idea how they are thinking.

I know that CPS told the boys' therapist at the beginning of the investigation that they thought the boys should say where they want to live so I guess that is what they will testify to in court.  But why do they get to make a custody recommendation at all in the first place?

[Panda39]

I know that CPS told the boys' therapist at the beginning of the investigation that they thought the boys should say where they want to live so I guess that is what they will testify to in court.  But why do they get to make a custody recommendation at all in the first place?

Because of the kid's age the judge will probably want to hear from the kids but that is only a piece of the puzzle.  The judge will review all of the evidence not just that piece of it.  Don't forget mom not following the court order for the kids therapy, the therapist supporting you and dad, the tape of the kids going throught the medication in your bathroom will hold weight as well.

Hang in there it will be over soon 

Panda39