I just got a call from DCF

[mommy_to_2angels]

Ok, so a month or so ago, CPS was investigating my ex. They came to my house, checked everything. All was well and good and there were no problems. Except that the CPS worker called me a liar, when I didn't lie to her. She cornered me and had me balling my eyes out and was an all around B****.

I just got a call from a supervisor at CPS and they are coming out Monday to once again inspect the house. Not a problem. It gives me plenty of time to clean and whatnot. I am grateful for that. I explained to her my issues with ex, other CPS worker and other things. She was very receptive. So I am feeling much better.

I am not in the slightest worried about how this will affect my situation because I know that my house is clean and well taken care of. What I am wondering, is because of everything that is going on with the ex....can I use their....report or whatever in my custody case?

[mommy_to_2angels]

Also.... this sounds heartless, my last message that is. But this man has put me through H**l and back again for the last 6 years and I need closure...

[sapphire_chan]

I'm not sure how the report would help you except as proof that everything was fine if your ex tells the court that you were investigated.

[mommy_to_2angels]

The investigation is actually against him, but here in the lovely sunshine state of Florida, they check all residences that the children stay in. So they came to check my house before and now they are just double checking before they close the case. Also they are rechecking because the last case worker was fired. (Professional misconduct? Wouldn't surprise me)

He had forgotten my 5 year old at the bus stop 3 times.... fortunately my mother went by to check to make sure he was there. So she wasn't alone and scared. He had also kept a very hazardous situation in his home for the kids....rusty fish hooks and scaling knives lying around. Things like that.

[Super~Single~Mama]

Short answer, Yes you can use it against him.

Long answer - talk to you lawyer about how to use it strategically so it doesn't make you look vindictive. Who called in the first place? If it was you, don't use it. If it was someone else, then just make sure you don't look like you are saying, "See, he got CPS called on him, he's a bad parent and I'm the good parent." Do it more as a, "While I want my children to have a good relationship with their father, I wanted to bring this CPS investigation to the courts attention, and request that the court request a copy of the final report."

And, as far as I know its normal for CPS to always investigate all of the childrens residences. I know they do here in NY too (at least they did when CPS was called on me)

[mommy_to_2angels]

Thanks for the input, Thyra! While I did not call, I did express my concerns to the caseworker when she came out. I explained those concerns and more when I spoke to the new caseworker today. It wasn't a matter of being vindictive...it was genuine fear of what would happen if I didn't say something. So now I will wait and see what happens...