Hi, I'm new! As I read through the threads describing this poor little boy's situation, the ex-CPS worker in me stood at attention. I could be totally wrong, but I'm thinking this may be a case of the state utilizing CP (for better or worse, I understand) as a foster home/adoptive placement. Foster/adoptive families are scarce and relatives or friends with whom the child had close relationship are always considered first. I can also think of a case where, rather than go through a trial to terminate parental rights, the court agreed to placement with someone suggested by the bio parent. (ie I'll fight for my rights tooth and nail if you take me to court, but I'd be willing to do a "voluntary placement) with so and so).
Also, I don't know if it's okay to post this, but my first and stongest image when reading about the camping trip is that of a bad decision turned tragic. The child was reported missing on their second night, right? I am visualizing a first night filled with opened zippers (my son disassembed our front door lock with a screwdriver at two and a half lol), a bug- filled tent filled with cranky, sleepless grown-ups trying to keep a Wiley toddler safely inside, and a bad decision the next night to put him to sleep in the (dangerously hot) automobile, where he would be "safely" enclosed.
As I say, just my conjecture, not even sure if it was the kind of campground where the cars are at the campsites.
I sure hope for the best for everyone involved.