Child Protective Services

[Mister Watson]

The recent abuse I endured by my sister had been discussed at the high school, while she was talking with friends.
The guidance counselor was notified, and now, I am being looked into for abuse, despite what happened that night.
During that night, she had mentioned that she wasn't going to be living with my family and I for much longer. That, in a couple of months, she would be gone, and we 'wouldn't have to see her again'.
As mentioned, she has been talking with my mother. My mother, alone, is in some heavy trouble with the law, of which I will not discuss, but, nonetheless, my father and I believe that, in calling child protective services over to our home, she will get custody of my youngest sister, which will be damaging to her, in the least.
I am afraid I will say the wrong thing tomorrow. They will be arriving in the afternoon, to talk to both her, and I.
I understand speaking the truth does wonders, and I plan on doing such. But I am simply worried about whether or not my words will be enough, and if my mother will get custody of my youngest sister anyways.
And afterwards, once this is all over, I can't help but wonder how differently I will view my sister. I don't want there to be dispute over anything anymore, and I would very much like to keep my interactions minimal. I just wish my mother would stop messing with my sibling.
Any advice?

[Sunfl0wer]

I wonder if posting on legal may help guide you with the CPS stuff?
Sorry, I don't want to speculate what is best, I simply do not know.
In general though, I tend to speak only what is asked, not providing further info, especially if I was the accused.  Not to seem uncooperative, but enough to only answer what was asked. Yet, that depends on what you feel is best.  You may feel intervention to other concerns is needed, idk, sorry

[Naughty Nibbler]

Mister Watson:

How old is your sister?

What is best is that you are honest about abusive things your mom has done, and what you fear will continue.  Generally, more weight would be given to a pattern of abuse, then one situation.

But I am simply worried about whether or not my words will be enough, and if my mother will get custody of my youngest sister anyways.

 

Although CPS might talk to you and your sister together, at some point.  I suspect they will, also, speak to each of you individually.  If they don't offer the opportunity to speak with you alone, then don't be shy about asking for a solo interview.  It will likely be good for you to say what needs to be said, without your sister listening.



The trouble that your mom has with the law, might well prevent her from having custody of your sister. 

[Mister Watson]

My father told me this was to be nothing but a check up. Despite this, however, I haven't been able to stop worrying about tomorrow.
As it is simply a check up, I don't believe I will be going into great detail about the night and what happened. Rather, I'll take the advice given, and answer only what is asked of me, unless if detail is called for.
Honesty is what they are looking for, and I will give them simply that. After this, I won't believe my view on my sister to be the same, not until the day she realizes fully what she has done to my family and I.
Which, will be quite some time from now, as I see it.
At this point, I'm just looking for ways to relax until the day has come. I've developed a stress headache because of this, and my chest hurts.
I know my mother won't stop using my sister as a means to hurt others. But until she does stop what she is doing, I need to develop different ways to stay calm, and think through things rationally.
Any advice?
(And yes, I most certainly will request for a solo interview, thank you!)

[Naughty Nibbler]

Mister Watson:  

Here are some things to do to get a handle on your stress.  The 12-minute thought stream below is a quick vacation for your mind.  At the 2nd link, there are some breathing exercises to try.  I happen to get a good result with the 4-7-8 exercise.  Mindfulness exercises can help tame your thoughts.  The last two links might, also, be helpful.

12 minute Thought Stream Meditation with Dr. Mike Dow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0Lo5tUXkVI

Breathing: Three Exercises - Dr. Weil
www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00521/three-breathing-exercises.html


Finding Alternative Thoughts
www.dbtselfhelp.com/FindingAlternativeThoughts.pdf

MINDFULNESS EXERCISE - FROM BOOK" HAPPINESS TRAP"
https://www.thehappinesstrap.com/upimages/Informal_Mindfulness_Exercises.pdf

Do your best to not stress out over the interview.  Most of the things we worry about, never happen.  Your dad is likely right and it is just a check up.  Your dad sounds like a good man.  Everything will likely be fine.  

[Mister Watson]

Thank you so much for the suggestions, coming off of work and knowing I have a way to relax is a wonderful feeling indeed!
I will update this thread tomorrow with the end result, and if anything else is troubling me. Thank you all so very much for the help and words of encouragement and support, I don't know where I'd be emotionally and mentally if I hadn't thought to reach out like this!
(And yes, he most certainly is!)

[Janneke]

MW, it sounds like you are in an intensely stressful situation. Just offering some empathy.
J