Alternative living and CPS - Page 2

[htcamommy]

I have read a thread on this before too. How do Amish people get around CPS? Maybe you should move to Intercourse Pennsylvania.

[1stimestar]

Originally Posted by Juvysen

that was maryland, I think (the rounding up of school children's parents and threatening them with jailtime was, at least), but MA was moving into a position to have some very strict enforcing of the swine flu vax...

Ah ok. Thanks.

[MamaRhi]

Anyone can call CPS to report neglect or abuse and CPS has to check out the case to see if it's legit.

My kids and I live in a 5th wheel trailer with a primitive greywater system, composting outhouse toilets and we homeschool. I do have running water (as my friend who owns the land says "I'm told that running water is a human right."). We live in a mountain community where most people live in mobile homes or trailers (I hear there's a family in a yurt, too) and are as self-sufficient as possible. We're also an hour drive from the nearest town and there's no nearby public school. The people here watch out for each other too.

So, look at where you're looking to move. Look at who your community is/will be. And if CPS knocks on your door one day, don't take it as a reason to panic and give up your lifestyle choice. Take it as an opportunity to educate.

I could totally flip out worrying what CPS would think if they did get called out here. Or I could just relax and enjoy this life and know what I'm doing and believe in it well enough to educate anyone who comes along thinking I'm hurting my kids. CPS doesn't want to take your kids. There aren't enough foster homes in most areas and it costs money to take care of them. How could they possibly be profiting off taking on the cost of raising your kid?

[stik]

If CPS in MA was going to remove children from all homes heated by wood stoves, they would be rounding up half the children in the state. Wood stoves have been super common in MA since the Carter administration. Yurts being tent-like structures, I think you should probably make sure that your fire safety and smoke ventilation are good, but the wood stove, in and of itself, should not give CPS a moment's concern.

Running water is vital, but you have a plan for that. Out here in AZ, I know that CPS likes to see functional toilets. You mention not wanting a composting toilet, but you should probably make sure that you have something that flushes. Also, remember, CPS typically doesn't care where a child *actually* sleeps, they just want to see that children have their own space to sleep in if they choose to use it. And if you're planning to live in a yurt for the long term, it makes good sense to plan for that space from the beginning. Sometime between now and when she turns 18, your dd is going to want to sleep on her own.

Vaccination is just as much an issue for CPS in a yurt as it is in a stick-built house. If they don't care now, they won't care later.

[just__angel]

1st-
CPS CANNOT enter your home (be it yurt, trailer shed, barn)without your permission unless they have a warrant. No matter what they say or threaten, DO NOT Let them in.
When CPS gets a report, they need to go investigate. If whomever called said your babys dirty/beaten/underfed, etc you can bring baby to the door to show them, then they will leave.
The chance of a judge granting them a warrant is very slim. Esp. if you behave polite but firm, can spout their own laws at them and proudly hold up your happy healthy baby for them to eyeball. There are a few really good websites that will educate you about how they work, how they word things, your rights, etc.

We were visited by CPS while living in a camper. They threatened and tried to manipulate their way in but I stayed firm and polite and left them at the door outside.
At the door they asked if we had water. I answered honestly yes. (I didnt ADD that it was in gallon jugs b/c the pipes had cracked). They asked if we had a full bathroom and toilet. Again I was honest, Yes. I didnt expand and say what type of toilet or bath.
They asked if they could see the kids and I said sure- had each one of them come to the door and smile ;-)

Frustrated, they left and never returned.

Nothing at all that you described is against the law period. Still recommend you look up how to protect yourself from them anyways tho.