If I call child protection services to have them explain something to my husband, will they come to our home?

Question

Do they have caller ID where they will automatically know where we live? I just want them to explain to my husband why it's wrong to spank our son (who is only 13 months old) but I don't want them to come and take him. What should I do?

Answer 1

You cant call them and have them tell your husband that spanking is 'wrong.' Spanking is a personal choice, and CPS has a legal right to say whether or not spanking should take place in your home. Spanking is not considered abuse, as long as your hubby isnt doing it in a abusive way. YOU should talk to him about how much you dislike spanking. But my guess is, you should have had this talk BEFORE you made the baby!

Answer 2

Yes, they do have caller ID. All child offices are run by the state. Yes, they probably will come to your home and investigate, and possibly take your son. Why don't you and your husband enroll in a parenting class at a local hospital or YMCA, or check with your city office. Why would your husband spank a 13 month old child? How long has this been occuring. Speak to your pediatrician for assisatnce. He could talk to your husband. But I still think you both need a parenting class to work through these items that will come up as you are raising a child.

Answer 3

You and your husband need to be on the same page when it comes to raising your children and discipline. After your son has gone to bed have a meeting with him. Tell him ahead of time however because no body wants a surprise meeting, may think of it as an "attack" instead of a discussion. Discuss everything, not just spanking (once again so he doesn't feel like it is an attack and becomes defensive - you want his mind to be open). If the two of you are on opposite ends of that issue and any others suggest taking a parenting class (once again not to change him necessarily but so the two of you are partners in this aspect of your lives). If he will not take a parenting class and you are against spanking I would tell him you two need counseling or you need to separate. That will get his attention. I would hate to see a family torn apart but your number one duty is to your son not your husband as a mother. If you think his spankings are too rough - rough enough for you to consider calling child protection services then it sounds like separation may be the best option if he won't get or accept a profession opinion. I feel for you. This is a tough time for you.

Answer 4

In response to totalstessors reply, you know nothing of the details to the relationship beween these people and you're telling her to leave? Please!! This why we have a divorce rate almost at 60%. Have you no idea the how this complicates a childs life when there is divorce or just have no idea what the word committment is all about. We are here to learn, and if parenting and discipline were not discussed prior to the marriage you better start now and be on the same page as each other with the help of a counselor. You must approach this so that you are in a win win situation and always show your children you support your spouse and their decisions regarding discipline. if there can be no agreement between you and your spouse regarding this one of many topics that should be discussed way before marriage takes place, then and only then do you have a huge decision and choice to make regarding whether you will stay in this relationship.

Answer 5

I'm not against spanking, but the idea of spanking a 13 month old is out-of-bounds.

At 13 months old, a child cannot "misbehave" in a willful manner. These are babies who are just learning to communicate and get around on their own two feet. If a baby does something that endangers himself, you grab him up and say "NO".

Physical punishment would have the same effect as hitting a dog--they have no idea what they did wrong and why you're hurting them.

If Dad is doing anything more strenuous than a slap on the wrist, then he's abusing his child.

Answer 6

I would NOT suggest calling CPS at all! Is your child in danger around your husband? Or is he spanking only when the child is doing wrong? Some people just have different views on how to dicipline a child. Sounds like family therapy may be the better option. Unless your husband is truly abusing your son.

Answer 7

I don't know if CPS would come out for a home visit or not, but your husband isn't wrong for spanking his child.

You two have a difference of opinion, that's all. The only time spanking would be considered wrong would be if the child is bruised. I was spanked as a child and I have turned out fine. I am a very productive member of society and I have not had any run-ins with the law or anything even close.

I think you should stop trying to force your opinions on your husband.

Answer 8

If you call child protective services - yes they can come to your home especially if the wife/mom is concerned enough to call them.

If you are serious and talked with your husband and feel this strongly I suggest you leave the relationship. You child is 1 year old and your husband is spanking him - I would be gone. That would scare the s*** out of me. What is he going to do one day when you are gone and he's watching the baby?

Answer 9

You must immediately look into this issue with your husband. Tell him how concerned you are that he is smacking your toddler. This is a very personal issue however you need to come into agreement on this straight away. Get some counsel together. Read some books together. Make some decisions together. Talk to lots of people. and above everything, go with your gut feeling on this. Don't dismiss your maternal instincts. If you are genuinely concerned about your child's wellbeing, take some action to get some help today.

Answer 10

Well, they don't have called ID because calling CPS can be done anonymously. I do know that they will come to the house but taking him will not happen unless they see the house in terrible condition OR there are marks on your son.

This is touchy and might cause problems with your hubby. What about taking him to a parenting class or seminar. This might be less advesarial to him and won't be seen as a personal attack.