So so frustrated with work

[Larissa]

I work in Child Protective Service (CPS). I attempt to help family function in an approiate way so that the parents can be the best parents they can be. However, if they are unprotective of their children or attempt to harm their children I remove the children from the home.

There is this one mother, who is addicted to meth, and I have been attempting to remove her child from her home for about 3 months. I have asked my supervisor and gotten turned down (meaning I can’t ask the judge for custody) because the child is not at immediate risk. I took said mother to court to get a court ordered caseplan (meaning she has to follow it or will be held in contempt of court). One of the orders was that if mother refused to take a drug test, tested positive, or missed a drug screen that I was to ask the judge for custody of the child.

Today she refused to take a drug screen. I got permission from director of the dept (my supervisor was out and he is next in line) to ask for custody of this child on the basis that mother refused a drug screen. Mother decides at the last second that she will take a drug test. So I tell my immediate supervisor (who is back in the office). She tells me I can no longer ask for custody. ARGH!!!!

I don’t like taking children. I truly don’t. In one year I’ve removed one child from their home. But I want this child. This child isn’t safe. I’m terrified that he will get hurt because of his mother and her drug habit. The test will come back positive so I’ll get the child in a week, but she could run by then. I’m just sooooo frustrated with the system. Isn’t 6 months of having her case open enough? Why did she get a 50th chance today?!

Story x-posted in the jobs section.

[IrishMeg]

I won't waste your time giving you advice because I'm sure you've tried it all. I know where you are right now and I know exactly how you are feeling. It is the most frustrating thing in the whole damn world.

How old is the child? I have noticed here, there is a huge difference based on the child's age. I'll pray that the test comes up positive and that she doesn't run in the mean time. How long does it take to get the results? We get ours very quickly here. (Investigators are even able to administer the tests themselves and get instant results.)

Why does it seem that these parents are given soooo much time to get there shit straight while the kids just sit their waiting for their parents? I'm so, so tired of bad parents. It is just too damn easy for these people.

Good luck! Just remember you are doing everything you can to protect that child!

[Marie]

I'm glad that they system has some caring people like yourself. You'll never save them all but with your attitude you will make a difference in more lives than you'll ever realize.

[albuquerque]

ITA with Marie, God Bless people like you. It's a beautiful thing that you are there to care for this little kid when his own mother clearly doesn't. Actually the mother should thank you too, looking out for what should be her number one priority when she can't be bothered. I hope that things work out OK with this kid, and that however it turns out, that you'll be strong enough to cope when the next kid who desperately needs an advocate comes along.