Had To Call CPS For The First Time Today :(

[Christina72684]

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!

[spud912]

First off, I wanted to say I'm so sorry about your miscarriage!

As far as today, I think you did the right thing. I don't really have any advice except to say that you should definitely tell the worker tomorrow so she can be aware of the situation. Also, document everything and make sure the worker tomorrow takes note of anything "off." Good luck and keep us updated!

[SilverSabre25]

I'm so sorry about everything going on right now. It never rains but it pours. I'm especially sorry for your loss (((HUGS)) I have a dcm who miscarried over a month ago and is still suffering complications.

It definitely sounds like you made the right call in calling CPS. My honest opinion is that you should do everything in your power to be there when the parents drop off tomorrow. It's a serious situation and you, not an assistant, and especially not an assistant of dubious qualities, should be the one handling it. 100%. Plus, you KNOW the parents are likely to claim that she got the problem from daycare. YOU should be there whenever this child is, for that reason alone.

[seebachers]

hugs to you on the miscarriage.....


You do need to advise the employee of the situation and tell her to have them call you if they need anything further. Also do not be surprise if you never see that child again. Most families will not return their child to a place that has called CPS to came and investigate.

[Christina72684]

Parents Already Called

Well about an hour and a half after the parents picked up the child, the little girl's grandma (who is her mom's mom) called and asked if anything was wrong today. I said I didn't know what she was talking about. She said that her daughter is bawling her eyes out because she's scared that CPS is going to take her daughter away from her because someone anonymously called them to complain. I told her that our consultant was here (she was actually here yesterday but they don't know that) and saw the rash during a diaper change and was concerned, so she called them. Is that bad I lied? Our consultant told us it was okay, and if it keeps the parents from getting mad at us and taking her away, I didn't see why not to do it.

[daycare]

Well about an hour and a half after the parents picked up the child, the little girl's grandma (who is her mom's mom) called and asked if anything was wrong today. I said I didn't know what she was talking about. She said that her daughter is bawling her eyes out because she's scared that CPS is going to take her daughter away from her because someone anonymously called them to complain. I told her that our consultant was here (she was actually here yesterday but they don't know that) and saw the rash during a diaper change and was concerned, so she called them. Is that bad I lied? Our consultant told us it was okay, and if it keeps the parents from getting mad at us and taking her away, I didn't see why not to do it.

I know that we all can agree to disagree, but I would never lie to anyone. Not sure if the law is the same in your state, but as a child care provider, I am a mandated reporter and ALL of the parents know this. If I suspect child abuse of any kind, I am required by LAW to report it. I am here to protect the child first and foremost.

I might tell the parents the truth that you had to call because the your consultant was there and you had to cover your butt by reporting it. I am sure if your consultant did see it and you didn't report it, you might have been in some trouble yourself.

Sorry to make you feel bad, but I don't think it was ok for you to lie to them. In the future, you need to let the parents know of your duty to report anything that is suspect to child abuse to CPS.

I am really sorry you are going through all of this................

[Snapdragon]

So sorry to hear of your miscarriage (((hugs))). As others have said, you did the right thing by calling CPS. Think about it another way -- what if you handn't reported it and it turns out that this child is being abused? I know it's not an easy decision to involve CPS, but it sounds like you had some very sound reasons for reporting.

[Unregistered]

(Registered, just can't log in for some reason)OP, I am very proud of you for making the call.* If the family does find out, I would tell them that it was just in the best interest of the child.* If the "rash" is nothing, then the family will be fine.* If it is something else, well, it's good that they may be able to get services to preserve the safety and well being of the child.* I know that personally, I couldn't live with myself knowing that I could have done something to save a child, but didn't.*

[Crystal]

You should not have posted this confidential information on a public forum. You had better hope that the parents do not come across this site.....and YES, it has happened here before.

Calling CPS was the right thing to do.

BUT, LYING about who called (and if I was the consultant I would be LIVID with you for blaming her...these "white trash" people as you refer to them just might retaliate) was ABSOLUTELY, WITHOUT A DOUBT, WRONG!!!

You lied so as not to lose a paying client. If the roles were reversed and the parent was lying to you, you certainly would not appreciate it.

Shame on you.

[Maddy'sMommy]

You did the right thing reporting it. You didn't have to lie about who made the report, but I can understand feeling nervous being put on the spot.

The most important thing is the child's safety, and you ensured that she would be looked at. Good for you

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

(Registered, just can't log in for some reason)OP, I am very proud of you for making the call.* If the family does find out, I would tell them that it was just in the best interest of the child.* If the "rash" is nothing, then the family will be fine.* If it is something else, well, it's good that they may be able to get services to preserve the safety and well being of the child.* I know that personally, I couldn't live with myself knowing that I could have done something to save a child, but didn't.*

I 100% agree.

[DevorahNA]

Disagree

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.

[RubyBell]

(Registered, just can't log in for some reason)OP, I am very proud of you for making the call.* If the family does find out, I would tell them that it was just in the best interest of the child.* If the "rash" is nothing, then the family will be fine.* If it is something else, well, it's good that they may be able to get services to preserve the safety and well being of the child.* I know that personally, I couldn't live with myself knowing that I could have done something to save a child, but didn't.*


Don't know why I'm having trouble quoting correctly, but I completely agree.

In case it was missed, the OP did say that there appeared to be some bruise-like discoloration in addition to the raised red area and other symptoms. I think this is probably what raised some flags for her.

I think it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the welfare of a child. I'd rather make the call and be wrong than NOT make the call be wrong.

[Kaddidle Care]

You should not have posted this confidential information on a public forum. You had better hope that the parents do not come across this site.....and YES, it has happened here before.

I agree with Crystal here - you should remove your post ASAP.

Please contact Michael or an Admin.

I feel sorry for this child who is innocent in the whole matter.

[daycare]

I agree with Crystal here - you should remove your post ASAP.

Please contact Michael or an Admin.

I feel sorry for this child who is innocent in the whole matter.

i understand what both of you are saying, but she did not use names? SHe quoted a situation that occurred. I personally would not have posted this on here, but without stating names, i don't see that she has really done anything wrong....