Had To Call CPS For The First Time Today :(

[Hunni Bee]

I am sorry to say that I don't think you should have called. Children can and do get yeast rashes especially after antibiotic use. My daughter had a yeast rash which we treated with over the counter medication. What you are describing does sound like a yeast rash and needs treatment. But I am not sure why cps has to be involved. I would first call the parent and ask them to bring the child to the dr to get advice. Unless there is a pattern of neglect or obvious abuse cps should not be called and disrupt the child's home life. If the rash wasn't being treated or the parents ignored your request to bring the child to the dr then that would be grounds for cps.

not sure what you achieved by lying about it, the truth always comes out in the end.

If a provider suspects, she should call. We are not doctors, health examiners, social workers. If this provider had a serious concern, she was well within her duty to call and get further advice.

[Willow]

I don't think that calling should "be taken lightly" but look at it like this. If there really is no abuse or neglect then the family's life is not "torn upside down." But if there is, shouldn't the authorities handle it?

Common sense should rule.

You don't call for a bruise on a toddlers shin. You don't call for bumps on a toddler's head who's just learning to walk. You don't call about a yeast infection with classic and very textbook symptoms. If you don't know what a yeast infection is, or the symptoms of one you defer to someone that does (ie - a pediatrician).

CPS "ladies" aren't qualified to determine such a thing. They are not doctors. It's why if there is an allegation they are required to bring a kiddo to a pediatrician. Skin conditions can manifest in a million different ways as we are all different. It seriously irks me to hear the "CPS lady" said it was like no rash she's ever seen. That matters why?? That doesn't mean anything other than she's obviously not very educated in skin rashes. Any derm doc will tell you, especially in kids, a yeast rash can look 1000 different ways in 1000 different kids.

The exam the little girl will most likely endure as a result of all of this will be pretty traumatic. As will the entire experience for the parents. So although the family will will not necessarily be literally ripped apart, don't at all assume it won't affect them all on many levels and for a very VERY long time.

[Willow]

If a provider suspects, she should call. We are not doctors, health examiners, social workers. If this provider had a serious concern, she was well within her duty to call and get further advice.

Within reason.

If someone's dog is pooping in my yard I'm going to go talk to them and ask them to stop, not immediately call the FBI.


If she was unsure if the rash was yeast she could have (and should have IMHO) had them confirm with a qualified professional.

A CPS lady isn't a qualified professional in regards to determining what is yeast and what isn't.




Add to that the provider stating the family is "white trash" only serves to hurt her credibility and tarnish any moral intent being claimed here. Those who have stated yikes if the family finds this posting are correct. If I were this family and saw this I would assume I was being unfairly targeted as the provider obviously has a prejudice against them or she'd have never said such a thing in the first place. Racial, cultural and socio-economical differences can in certain circumstances be considered, but not in that sort of context.

(edited to add, I hope the thread isn't removed for that reason, or at least is kept somewhere it can be accessed should the family ever need it to use in their defense at some point)

[Country Kids]

I had a friend who ran a child care and a child was removed from her childcare by the authorities. It was for something that had been reported (the childcare provider knew nothing about the situation) and the authorities removed the child straight from the provider. She was so upset as she didn't know what was going on but that is where the authorities tracked the child down that day.

Here's the thing though-the parents received the child back after awhile and I think they were found innocent. They are the happiest family and the child is so sweet. One persons interpertation was totally different from the states though.

So remember even if you didn't report and someone else did, you never know where the state will show up to take the child.

[jen]

.......and WITH permission from the person she said "probably" called.

I see nothing wrong with the lying part of this scenario. She did it for the right reasons.

I know lying is not morally ok but at the same time, protecting myself, my family, my staff, the other children and families in care as well as the child in question is MORE important than a lie about who told....that is just rubble in the big picture of things.

happyface happyface happyface happyface happyface happyface

[Unregistered]

OP-You did the right thing!! This needs to be checked out!! Its better to be safe than sorry.

Crystal, shame should be on YOU!! If a child had centralized bruising on their privates and you didnt make the call, you'd be in violation of being a mandatory reporter! The parents could make the call and blame you!! Its a part of the twisted world we live in!

[Unregistered]

Within reason.

If someone's dog is pooping in my yard I'm going to go talk to them and ask them to stop, not immediately call the FBI.


If she was unsure if the rash was yeast she could have (and should have IMHO) had them confirm with a qualified professional.

A CPS lady isn't a qualified professional in regards to determining what is yeast and what isn't.




Add to that the provider stating the family is "white trash" only serves to hurt her credibility and tarnish any moral intent being claimed here. Those who have stated yikes if the family finds this posting are correct. If I were this family and saw this I would assume I was being unfairly targeted as the provider obviously has a prejudice against them or she'd have never said such a thing in the first place. Racial, cultural and socio-economical differences can in certain circumstances be considered, but not in that sort of context.

(edited to add, I hope the thread isn't removed for that reason, or at least is kept somewhere it can be accessed should the family ever need it to use in their defense at some point)

I've screen shot this entire thread for that very reason.

[DevorahNA]

I think that the provider had the best intentions with calling cps, and maybe there is more to the story that we do not know about, but with the information given I still feel that cps should not have been called at this time.

First of all this sounds like a classic yeast rash (see photo on this page http://www.babycenter.com/0_yeast-diaper-rash_10913.bc) Which nessesitated a trip to the doctor not a call to cps. The comment about the bruising seemed to be an afterthought in the post, not the main reason for the report. In fact bruising coloration could be in line with a yeast rash (red bruising?) Of course if there was bruising on the genitals I assume all of us would be calling cps!

calling cps is a HUGE responsibility and not to be taken lightly. Cps was called on a relative on mine due to a toddlers broken leg. Let me tell you the family was turned UPSIDE DOWN for the investigation (its still happening) and the parents do not have custody of the child for the remainder of the investigation. I understand the reason for the investigation but you need to think twice before ruining a happy family. A diaper rash does not even come close to something that should be reported unless it goes on for a long time and the parents are not addressing it.

Frankly, I assume we are all doing our best as providers, but lets educate ourselves about what needs to be reported and what constitutes abuse or neglect. I took an online course such as this one http://www.childabuseworkshop.com/ to be a certified teacher. Maybe it would be beneficial for everyone to learn about the signs of abuse.

[Solandia]

Hmmm. I wouldn't call for a rash, but I would call for bruising. I haven't ever seen what appeared to be bruising with a case of a yeast rash. I am not sure if I would have hotlined, but chances are if I suspected more than a diaper rash...yes.

I had an instance that if I hadn't witnessed the injury, I would have hotlined. Child shows up with bruising of various shades on the insides of his forearms and all up & down his back. Pretty cut & dried. However, this 2.5yo had much older sibs, and they were all here that day. What were they doing? Taking turns dragging him on the floors...having a blast. But he was this skinny child and each vertebrae had a bruise or three, his hips, as well as from the sib's thumbs on his arms. The 12yo told me it was even more fun doing this up and down the carpeted basements step at home. DCB looked like he got a big old fashioned whooping while being held down. The parents hadn't known about his back (because he didn't have a bath the night before). Jeez.

[countrymom]

op, I support you and your decision. Who cares what the others think, because if they were in your shoes all those negative nellies would have done the same thing, they just don't want to openly admit it. And yes, I would have lied too because then the parents would still bring the child back to me so I can keep a closer eye on them.

[Unregistered]

Talk about stressful! We already have A LOT going on right now (building a 2nd daycare/my new home in the front yard, had to close for a week for water damage/mold from a water leak 2 weeks ago, I miscarried 2 weeks ago and had to have surgery, etc) so for this to happen it's like "Really?! What's next?!"

We have an almost 2yr old girl whose dad dropped her off this morning and said, "She has diaper rash. There's cream in her bag." and just left. She's NEVER had diaper rash before, so it's weird for him to say that. When we changed her it doesn't look like any rash we've ever seen before. It's almost like a yeast infection, but in her diaper area around her front and back holes, if you know what I mean. There's a slight bruising coloration to the raised red areas too.

We didn't know what to do so we called CPS and the lady said it doesn't look like any diaper rash she's seen. So she told us after her parents pick her up they are gonna call and say that someone anonymously called them with concerns. Well considering we're the only ones that change her diaper, obviously we're the ones that called! And we didn't say a word to them when they picked her up (which they advised), so we're so scared what's going to happen tomorrow when they drop her off.

Anyone ever have to deal with this? One of my workers, who wasn't here today, and who I really wish would just quit so I don't have to fire, is the one who opens tomorrow and will be here when the parent drops off. Should I warn her or do you think it's better that she doesn't know?

We don't want the parents to be mad at us, but we don't want the girl to be getting hurt at home, ya know? Her parents are only 20yrs old and I hate to use this phrase, but they are kind of "white trash" so I can see them being the type that will blow up and get really mad, or they might just blow it off and not even care. Ugh this ****s!

I logged out for privacy. I feel that when you posted this to the forum you should have logged out to protect yourself. I would ask Michael to change this for you if possible.

I am glad you brought this to the board- its the place to come when you don't know. Just remember for some subjects to log out.

I can see how this just crept up on you unexpectedly- you had little time to process and training was not there for this type of problem or clear training.

Crystal- I think you came off harsh to this OP- she was looking for help, and put it out there the way she knew how- maybe not the way you would have- Op- stated she lacked experience with this situation. Telling the OP- Shame on you is as bad as the OP using "white trash" to describe her parents. Sometimes we all lack "words" to get the point across of what we are trying to say or describe. I am saying I did not like either of these terms but I understood them as how both of you wanted to get your point across- I feel for the OP because I think she lacks experience and was just trying to sort all of this out fast.

I feel OP you did the right thing, you were concerned and you called. I also feel that what is the point of being able to make these calls anonymously if your put in a position to lie. I don't feel that you lied to keep the income. I feel you lied to protect yourself, and the retaliation that could occur from a parent being ticked off from accusations.

Ideally- for a provider. Asking for a Dr.s written note of what is going on before returning to daycare AND....... being able to phone the DR. and give a heads up if you suspect- If the person does not bring the child to the DR then a call to CPS is made. Having this in your Contract would be ideal- Having this as protocol would be ideal. I think the only protocol I have found is that when you suspect you are mandated to make that call.

I think it takes a lot to make a call like that and for Most of us providers we are not going to make that call unless we feel there is a need. No one wants to hurt a family or child from making false accusations. Instinct told you to call and you did what you thought was in the best interest.

I too feel that under the circumstances that you should be working when that parent comes in again. You are the Director I take it and in charge and I also feel everyone should be called into a meeting to know what is going on and what to do in the event of an emergency situation ( the parent goes ballistic)

If you are thinking of not keeping someone then why are you? Tons of people looking for work, instead of complaining about someone that is not working out you should be retraining or moving the worker along. Never leave someone you have issues with in charge of that much responsibility.

OP I feel your heart is in the right place but your experience is still a work in progress. Learn from this and move on- You are in a position that you need to know what to do in these types of situations- have a plan, and until it happens to you we don't think much about it.

Please give an update when you can. I hope that little one is ok and it turns out to be just a very bad rash.

[Unregistered]

No, I would not have especially the part where she lied.

[Blackcat31]

I've screen shot this entire thread for that very reason.

:confused:

What benefit does a screen shot do for you if you are not the OP or the parent?


....anyways, threads from the forum will NOT be deleted or removed. They can, however be locked if Admin feels they are getting out of hand.

[MizzCheryl]

Christina,
please do not be hurt by what that other person said on this forum. MOSt of us understand that you came here for support and you need some support. Please do not let those comments run you off. We all do the best we can and most of us make mistakes, hell all of us make mistakes (whether we admit it or not). You did the right thing. I have dealt with people that you were describing. (People like the Whites from West Virginia.) I live 2 doors down from a huge family of mad rednecks that live off the sytem and stay high and drunk. I know they would just asoon cuss me as look in my direction. They cussed my DCP out this am. Some people you just know not to mess with! They can be really bad.
I hope you can get the support and advice you are looking for here.

[Michelle]

OP... you are the only one that saw the bruising and rash, so don't feel bad about what others say.... except for the fact that a families private information should not be shared on this public forum. Next time pm someone that you are close to.
***hugs***