Eight days ago Laura and I got a surprise visit from an employee of Child Protective Services informing us that someone had reported Laura for “non-supervision of children.” She looked in the cupboards, bedrooms, and bathroom and then informed us that she also needed to interview Noah before she could close the investigation. Today she came back for that interview.
I’m disgusted with the stupidity that passes for protocol. The worker required Laura to wake Ezra from his nap. Them she made a note that “Ezra cries a lot” as if it’s unusual for a two year old to be cranky when they are woken prematurely. Some two year olds don’t mind that but many do.
Laura was questioned as if she were a criminal and then required to sign an agreement that she wouldn’t leave the house without Enoch, Noah, Ezra, and Emma in tow and that she would meet the physical medical and emotional needs of the children. CPS will come back in a few weeks to determine if she has kept that agreement although they didn’t specify how they would measure compliance.
Humiliating is the word Laura used to describe it. She said it was the most humiliating thing she has ever experienced. That’s saying something coming from a person who has been admitted to the psychiatric ward of a hospital (10 years ago last month).
Invasive is the word I use even though I was at work when the interview took place. My gut reaction was to purchase a gun and bring it to the door if they ever darken my doorstep again. (No, I won’t be doing that.)
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