How to Possibly get your Child Returned
The worst possible thing that you could do is to do nothing.
Your child has been removed from your home on the waiver that you agree to follow through with the case plan that CPS gave you.
If you don't agree with your case plan then ask that it be revised. This may or not be an option.
Steps you can take to ensure your child-children will be returned to your custody.
Note: This is only part of what you need to be doing, not all. You have to start being honest with yourself first.
Try to remain objective; I know that sounds impossible but you may want to reflect on the reason(s) why your child was removed. "If" you have a problem, get it taken care of. The key to having your child returned lies within you.
If, on the other hand, you feel as if your child was removed without real cause, then speak to a Lawyer, ASAP.
Steps You can Take to Change Your Life, for the Better
- If your child was removed from your home because of a drug related problem, get it resolved. Go into treatment. If you have a psychological problem, seek treatment. Take the pills that are prescribed, if you feel the pills or treatment is not working, be honest.
- If your home is unkempt, clean it up. Vacuum, get the carpets cleaned, dust, wash the laundry, clean the sinks and toilet, bathtub and wash those dirty dishes. Put away things on the floor, clean the kitchen floor. Wash the dog. Put away the dog food so your children won't be able to get into it. Clean out and clean up the fridge. Take the cushions out from your couch and vacuum the couch out. Scrub down high chairs and kitchen tables.
- If you have a cat, make sure to change the litter box on a regular basis. If you have too many animals, find new homes for them. One cat and dog is enough, depending on size of home. Don't have a huge dog around your baby if at all possible, if you do, please keep a close eye that the dog isn't getting ruff with your child.
- Make sure to have nutrient rich food in your kitchen for your child, insure they get at least 2 well-rounded meals a day, to include meats and fish, vegetables, fruits and rice/bread. And please, make sure your children get their daily dose of vitamin D and calcium; Milk is a good place to start. Fast food is NOT a substitute. Don't give your child soda. Kool-Aid, juice, soy milk, regular milk and flavored water should suffice.
- Give your child "healthy" snacks. Jello, pudding, wheat crackers, popcorn, fruit, animal crackers, or fruit roll-up's. Give them anything that is not overly sweet, like candy. Afterall, children will get hyper on too much sugar. Use caution with certain foods such as popcorn, it's very easy for young children to choke on foods such as this. Don't give children gum or suckers, they could choke on these items. Be very cautious with any kind of chips as well. Foods that should not be given to children under 2 years of age due to a possible severe allergy reaction are-
- Strawberries, and that means strawberry milk and strawberry ice cream
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Peanut Butter, anything w/ peanut butter in it
- Chocolate, no chocolate milk or anything w/chocolate including things like brownies
- Honey- Just to name a few, please check with your child's health care provider for more info.
- If you have "friends" over at all hours of the day and night, quit doing that. Children need a regular nap time and a steady time they go to bed each and every night. Children thrive on routine. Don't use your house as a place for your friends to "crash", or live. Your home should be a quiet refuge for you and your family at all times.
- Don't listen to loud or obnoxious music around your children. It's very rude, very loud and very disruptive. A calm, quiet as possible home is best for any child.
- Dress your child according to the weather. If you keep it cold inside, dress them with pants and long sleeves, if it's hot outside then dress them for warm weather, but please, keep shoes on your child at all times outside. Please put sunscreen on your child as well as mosquito repellent.
- Don't leave your child alone. Make sure their baby sitter is well capable of caring for children, properly.
- Bathe your child regularly. Every night-day if they have been out playing, or every other night-day if they've just been inside. Make sure children brush their teeth with tooth paste designed for children. Take them to the dentist on a regular basis. Have your child's vision tested as well.
- Take your child to all their doctor check-up's. Make sure shots-vaccinations are all up to date.
- De-worm your pets, even if you think they don't have worms. Have your pets vaccinated. Don't bring in strays around your child.
- Treat your animals and home for flea's and ticks, even during the winter. Keep flea collars on your pets at all times.
- Don't give your children peanut butter, peanuts, cheese, eggs or chocolate until they are at least 2 years old. These are all foods that may cause a severe allergic reaction.
- Don't let your child sip on a beer you might be drinking. If you like to have a beer every once in awhile, I would suggest keeping it out of the home period.
- Don't have people over drinking or doing drugs, stay away from people that drink or use drugs, period. It's not good for your child or your family.
- If you aren't sure when to start your child on solids or what stage of baby food to start them on, look on the web. Here is a good place to start- Gerber. (They have much more than just baby food info).
- Make sure you have diapers, clean clothes and everything needed at home for your child.
- Don't leave pocket knives, guns or anything poisonous within reach of your child. Including household cleaners.
- Take your trash out. Don't leave it inside the house.
- Don't leave ashtrays laying around, and don't smoke inside if you have to smoke at all.
- Don't take your baby out late at night, have them home by at least 6 pm or 7pm; fed, bathed and put to bed by at least 8pm or 9 pm according to their age.
- Let children have quiet times, let them take naps, (put them in their cribs or bed) for naps, lights turned off please and t.v.'s turned down.
- Always take something to drink with you when you leave home with your child. They get thirsty. Take a diaper bag filled with a change of clothes, 4 diapers, wipes, and ointment. Along with formula, 2 bottles of bottled water, 2 clean bottles and Tylenol for their age group. Include a blanket, teething ring, teething ointment and a jar or two of baby food, with spoon. Be sure to have caps on bottle nipples. Also, take one or two dry wash clothes, and a bib.
- Keep Lysol in your home and don't be afraid to use it.
- Children and babies are like little sponges, they pick up on everything you say or do. Don't curse in front of your children, or yell-scream if at all possible. Don't argue in front of them with anyone. No obscene television or gestures either.
- Feel free to discipline your children in a positive manner, but if you have an anger problem, seek counseling.
- Listen to your child, be kind, patient and understanding. Love your child, tell them you love them every day. Praise them every day. Prompt them to read, learn and explore the world around them. Guide them to always know the difference between right and wrong. Don't yell at your children or embarrass them. Help your children with their home work, get involved and stay involved in their school activities. Talk to their teachers, be the best possible parent that you can be. Play with your children, be a parent, not their best friend.
- Most of this is just common sense. If you need more info, or something's not listed here, please refer to page one, the home page. There is more information listed there.