Iatrogenic consequences of CPS system

Iatrogenic consequences occur as a result of human service provision occasionally. There is an interesting article published in the Washington Post on 12/07/22 about CPS in Massachusetts removing two young children from their parents care over dubious suspicions of physical child abuse. The infant was found to have had a cracked rib found on an x-ray in an emergency department where the mother had taken the child for a fever.

In the article, there is a quote that about 1/3 of American parents will be subject to a child protective investigation. This seems very high to me.

“There are statistics from a couple years ago that estimate that 37 percent of all American children will be subjected to one of these investigations before they turn 18,” Arons says. “That is a huge, kind of mind-boggling number that speaks to the scale of the system.”

Arons’s research into child welfare practices in New York City has led her to believe that a vast, invasive surveillance apparatus is not necessary to keep children safe. “That experience is forced on millions of families around the country every year, and fewer than 20 percent of reports end up being substantiated,” she says.

There is another quote stating that the child investigation process is traumatizing to the parents with long lasting effects.

It is the adults, he says, who are more likely to shoulder a lasting emotional burden.

“With proper support, with a family with access to the resources they need, this should all be in the rear-view mirror on the part of the child in months,” he says. “But the parents — the parents are going to be traumatized. They’re going to be reviewing this episode forever.”

This trauma to parents comes up often in my sessions with parents.

Accusations are common in conflicted divorce situations.

Mental health practitioners are mandated reporters and I have often been involved with clients caught up in the CPS system. It is very rare that I have made a referral to CPS myself. My experience with the competence of the CPS workers varies widely from county to county.

I have learned over the years to be very careful when interacting with representatives of the CPS system. I often find myself advocating for clients as most of the accusations wind up being unfounded. However having one's parenting and family under investigation seriously undermines a parent's confidence, self worth, and status in the community. Support and validation when appropriate can be soul saving.

Mental health professionals are usually respected by the CPS system and have authority to help make decisions about whether a CPS complaint is founded or unfounded. It is the mental health professionals job to advocate for the well being of children, parents, and families.