When CPS is called for neglect & abuse, how come the parents never go to jail?

Question

I know they have to investigate 1st. I'm just saying, when the kids DO get taken away.

Answer 1

usually a investagation is done first. but most times after the investagation the parents are given the  chance to change their ways through thyerapy and things like that. but if someone spanks their child and some one calls cps then they will through it out. but if there are bruises then cps will take action.

Answer 2

Normally the parents are given a chance to straighten things out. Most of the time the first time CPS comes in they just do an evaluation. Just to see if there really is abuse going on. If something is going on they will take the kids away. I know if my child were to ever be taken away I would not be able to live (but then again, I actually love and appreciate my child and would do without everything so she had it all). Sometimes just having the scare of the kids being taken is all it takes to scare them straight.

Answer 3

well basically as my guidance counselor put it to me, unless you have bruises or marks caused by your parent, they don't take it too serious and even sometimes if you do have marks they still don't. it's just one of those things that I guess we can't control. if this is a personal issue with you, just know that you're not alone, my dad is an alcoholic and moved his gf into our house and they used to just gang up(and are starting again) on me (not physically)..gov't wouldnt do anything so i ran away to draw their attention.

Answer 4

Too many cases. CPS will only remove the child if he/she is dead or beaten so bad they will never live a normal life unfortunately. I know a little boy who is saving up his bruises so they will take him away from his mommy (who abuses him). And there is another child who has had CPS called on his parents 3times for neglect but he wasn't neglected ENOUGH to be removed.

It's sad.

Answer 5

Actually mine did.  My bio-father spent almost 10 years in prison, but the "evidence" was there.

But you are right, I only knew two other kids whose bio-father was in prison for abuse.

I think the reason is because people do not treat child abuse as serious as it is and some cases, the evidence might not be enough.

When kids are removed, the parents may be charged with child abuse or child endangerment, but they (1) usually win in court by protesting the evidence, or (2) usually plead guilty and the charge is reduced, so they do no prison time.

Then, they are supposed to start working thier case plan so that they can get their kids back.  If the bio-parents show any progress before 15 months, the kids usually end up back with the bio-parents.

It is messed up.

Answer 6

They can't just send people to jail because of a phone call.  They go and investigate.

Answer 7

They are checked on and the situation is evaluated. If there is trouble it depends on what is going on, sometimes the parents are charged with something. Sometimes there is no real proof of anything. One persons Idea of abuse may not be the legal mesure of abuse.