Child Protective Services

Child Protective Services - Survey

How has your family been treated by the child protective services agency in your state?
The Tennessee Tribune and Family Foward Foundation are compiling a data set of information from families that have become involved in the child welfare system, aka child protective services. Our partnership combines the Tribune's desire to develop and publish CPS (and DCS) related news stories with the Family Forward network of victimized families and family advocates in Tennessee and other states.

The Tribune has published a series of investigative stories documenting government tactics used to secure children in a for-profit network of foster homes and social services with the obvious objective of maintaining a population of displaced children. Family Forward's Connie Reguli has presented the ever increasing cost to taxpayers which is easily displayed in the Tenn. DCS budget which balloons by $50M every year, now reaching a billion dollars for the last annual budget.

The patterns are obvious. Social workers act on anonoymous or unfounded reports of abuse and neglect; they fail to conduct independent investigations; they lie in sworn petitions, they obtain ex parte (secret) orders to abruptly remove children from their homes; they refuse to produce records of the investigation; they compel parents into onerous tasks and services prior to adjudications of abuse or neglect; they ignore the emotional damage of children traumatized by separation; they fail to screen and train foster placements; they ignore relative placements which would impact their receipt of federal tax dollars; and they enlist a variety of services quickly corrupted by the guaranteed financial gain achieved by perpetuating a perverted system.

The goal of obtaining and collecting data from the families trapped in this web is to push for child welfare reform at the state and federal level. We appreciate your responses.

Please complete the survey. We know your story is much more involved than this simple set of questions, but this will allow us to show who is responsible for destroying families instead of protecting children.

Thank you

Peter White and Connie Reguli
If you don't complete all questions, you can save your responses and return to complete. If your case is not concluded give us as much as you know at this time.
Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Your Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Todays date

MonthDayYear
Date
Date of removal of children.

MonthDayYear
Date
State in which the children were removed. Two letter abbreviation.
State where children are now located. Two letter abbreviation.
Number of children removed:

One childTwo childtenThree childrenMore than three
Were any of the children removed from the home ADOPTED children at the time of removal?

Yes child(ren) adopted out of foster careYes child(ren) foreign born adoptionYes child(ren) adopted from familyYes child(ren) from private adoption - domesticYes child(ren) adopted otherNo child(ren) biologicalOther - see below
If any of these children were adopted, give brief explanation. Character limit 150.
NAMES and dates of birth of the children involved. If some children were removed and not others - put a note beside the name. If the children have different parents, please explain.

0/350
Your relationship to the situation
If you selected “other” above describe your role. 150 character limit.
Any other states involved. Two character abbreviation.
Is any parent in active duty military or a disabled veteran? Pick all that apply.

Mother is active dutyFather is active dutyMother is disabled veteranFather is disabled veteranMother in part-time military such as reserves or national guardFather in part-time military such as reserves or national guardNeither parent in military past or present
Is any parent or child disabled physically or mentally? Pick all that apply.

Mother has mental disabilityFather has mental disabilityMother has physical disabilityFather has physical disabilityMother received disability benefitsFather received disability benefitsChild has mental disabilityChild has physical disabilityChild received disability benefitsCPS informed me of my rights under the Americans with Disabilities ActCPS did NOT inform me of my rights under the Americans with Disabilities ActOther - see below
If there were any disabilities, briefly describe accommodations made under Americans with Disability Act. 300 character limit.
Had your case concluded, closed, or ended?

Case closedCase not closedNot sureI don’t know
The following questions are to collect data on patterns of conduct with the agency employees and contractors.
Check each that apply to you or your children.

The CPS investigator interviewed by child(ren) without my knowledge or consent.The CPS investigator was given consent to enter my home.The CPS investigator was NOT given consent to enter my home.The CPS investigator did a home inspection prior to removalThe CPS investigation was based on an anonymous report.The CPS investigator did not tell me the allegations against me (or parent).The CPS investigator threatened me with removal of my children.The CPS investigator removed children without a court order.The CPS investigator was accompanied by law enforcement at the time of removal.The CPS investigator obtained a secret (ex parte) order to remove the children.The CPS investigator swore to false allegations against me.The CPS investigator made knowing false statements in the court documents.The CPS investigator did not interview me before the removal order.The CPS investigator did not interview my child(ren) before the removal order.The CPS worker tried to coerce me to sign documents restricting my access to my child(ren).The CPS worker did coerce me into signing documents restricting my access to my child(ren).The CPS worker did not tell me that I could voluntarily place my child(ren) with a friend or relative during the investigation.The CPS worker did not tell me that I could have a safety meeting prior to removal.The CPS worker DID tell me I could have a safety meeting prior to removal.I did not receive a hearing within 72 hours after removal.I DID receive a hearing within 72 hours after removal.I did not receive a court appointed attorney prior to the removal hearing.I DID receive a court appointed attorney prior to the removal hearing.The police were present when the CPS worker removed my child(ren).The police were NOT present when the CPS worker removed my child(ren).A CASA worker was appointed in my case.A CASA worker was NOT appointed in my case.A guardian ad litem was appointed for my child(ren).A guardian ad litem was NOT appointed for my child(ren).Other - see below
Please check all that apply as to the allegations against you / or another parent.

Drug abuse by parentDrug abuse by childAlcohol abuse by parentAlcohol abuse by childPhysical violence against a childPhysical violence against another person or spouseEmotional abuse against a childEmotional abuse against another person or spousePsychological abuse against a childPsychological abuse against another person or spouseSexual abuse against a childSexual violence against another person or spouseEnvironmental neglect / dirty houseHomelessnessPovertyMedical neglectEducational neglectMental illnessMental disabilityLack of mental health servicesIncarcerated parentChild behavioral disturbancesChild unruly conductChild delinquent / criminal conductOther disabilityOther - see below
If there were allegations of sexual assault on a child or another person, check all that apply.

Child(ren) had video recorded forensic interviewChild(ren) had audio only recorded forensic interviewChild(ren) had interview that was not video or audio recordedChild(ren) did not have forensic interviewI don’t knowI believe so but have never been provided that informationOther - see below
When your child(ren) were removed, check all that apply regarding the ongoing relationship between the child and its family.

Visitation was limited and supervisedAll contact and visitation was stoppedVisitation was limited to four hours a month or lessPhone / video contact was allowed but restrictedPhone / video contact was controlled by the foster home or placementVisitation was frequent (more than once a week)Visitation was supervisedPhone / video contact was supervisedOther - see below
Generally do you believe your contact with your child after removal affected your relationship with your child (or grandchild)

My relationship with my child got worseMy relationship with my child got betterIt had no effect
If you were provided a permanency plan or family services plan, check all that apply.

Alcohol and drug assessmentDrug testingAnger managementParenting classesProof of incomeProof of housingMental health counselingInpatient mental health services for childInpatient mental health services for parent or partnerSexualized Behavior counselingDomestic violence counselingResolve pending criminal chargesResolve pending criminal sentence or probationSupervised visitationTherapeutic visitationProof of transportationChild(ren) required mental health evaluationFamily counseling (parent and child)Child(ren) required drug testingPaying child support for children removedRequired to separate from or divorce spouse or partnerRequired no contact with spouse or partnerRequired no contact with childOther - see below
If you experienced any of the following with your social workers or case plan, check all that apply.

Drug screens were faultyDrug screens were never lab confirmedDrug screen results were lostDrug screen results were never provided to meI was not given the option to obtain my own drug screensThe services required were not timely scheduledThe services provided were not competentThe social worker lost the proof that services were completedThe social worker lied about services not being completedI was not given the option to obtain my own servicesI was never given a copy of the permanency / family services planI was never given a copy of the completion of servicesI was never given a copy of the evaluations and assessmentsContact with my child was severely restricted or deniedMy visitations were cancelled or not scheduledThe plan was never updated showing services that were completedOther - see below
In your assessment, score yourself on completing the services required.

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Unable to comply, 5 is Completed all

For each category of persons involved in your case, provide a response:

	Not Satisfied Worked against family interests	Somewhat Satisfied Did not interfere but did not help	Satisfied Seemed to care but was ineffective	Very Satisfied Worked diligently for family
CPS Investigator
Social Worker
Supervisors
Service providers
Guardian ad Litem
CASA worker
Judge
Court appt attorney
Retained attorney
Visitation supervisors

Results of your case, check all that apply. If your case is not over, check the box that most applies to your current status.

Child(ren) returned to parentChild(ren) placed with friend or relativeChild(ren) in stranger foster careChild(ren) adopted to family or friend of familyChild(ren) adopted to strangerParental rights terminatedParent surrendered child to state for servicesParent voluntary surrendered all parental rights to stateAgency substantiated abuse or neglectAdministrative appeal completedAdministrative dismissal after appealAdministrative substantiation after appealParent or offender placed on registry for child abuse or neglectParent or parents indicted on criminal chargesParent or parents convicted of child abuse, neglect, or sexual assaultParent or offender on sexual abuse registryChild(ren) placed in group home or other in-patient residential facilityChild(ren) placed in guardianship with relative or family friendChild(ren) adjudicated civilly abused or neglected by parent(s) after hearingChild(ren) adjudicated civilly abused or neglected by parent(s) by agreement or stipulationChild(ren) injured in foster careChild(ren) died after removal from home.Case is still openWaiting on court dateCase is on appealOther - see below
Select the answer that best fits the time from removal until the child(ren) was returned to parent (relative) or the final termination of parental rights order. If the case is still pending, give the time period from removal to current date.

Less than 90 daysMore than 90 days but less than 6 monthsMore than 6 months but less than a yearMore than 1 year, less than 2 yearsMore than 2 years, less than 3 yearsMore than 3 yearsOther - see below
While the children were removed from their home, check all that apply:

Child(ren) was required to sleep in CPS / DCS officeChild(ren) was immediately taken to a strangers homeChild(ren) was placed with relative or family friendChild(ren) was placed within 10 miles from their homeChild(ren) was placed more than 10 miles but less than 50 miles from their homeChild(ren) was placed more than 50 miles from their homeChild(ren) was placed in more than 1 but less than 3 different placementsChild(ren) was placed in more than 3 different placements/homes/institutionsChild(ren) attended more than 1 school but less then 3 in a single school yearChild(ren) attended more that 3 schools in a single school yearChild(ren) was given psychotropic medication after removalChild(ren) was given vaccines after removalChild(ren) was given medical treatment or Rx without parental consentChild(ren) was subjected to corporal punishment after removalChild(ren) was subjected to abuse or neglect after removalChild(ren) was placed in therapy after removalChild(ren) was psychologically manipulated against a parent during removalChild(ren) was subjected to alcohol or drug abuse after removalChild(ren) was ignored by guardian ad litem after removalChild(ren) was medically neglected after removalOther - see below
If you parental rights were terminated, check all reasons or grounds found against you:

Physical abuseMedical neglectPsychological abuseSexual abuse of childSexual assault of otherFailure to visitFailure to pay child supportFailure to provide suitable housingFailure to complete permanency or family services planMental incompetenceDrug or substance abuseIncarcerated parentOther criminal chargesOther - see below
If you said Other in any category above, give brief description. Limit 200 characters.
We want to know how things could have been done better in your assessment. Give us a description of what you believed would have served your family needs better. Such as assisting with relative placement, better substance abuse counseling, case should have been dropped, etc. 400 word limit.

0/400
Any other odd, bizarre, or irregular circumstances that you want us to know about.

0/700
I am willing to share my personal story to the Tennessee Tribune or other media for publication.

YesNo
Thank you for completing the survey. We may reach out to you for additional information.
If you have a court order for removal or adjudication or if you have written out a narrative in another format please upload.

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Child Protective Services - Survey

The following questions are to collect data on patterns of conduct with the agency employees and contractors.