I just read some of the comments following an article about Jeanette and a very important issue was brought up. Anonymous tipline calls rarely get the same level of attention as those where the reporter gives their name and more details and context of a concern. I don't doubt this a bit in this economy.
People should keep in mind that the reporter remains anonymous to the person being reported unless they are subpoenaed to testify in court. The person in question can also subpoena the records after a trial or after a case is closed to learn who reported them. Most people don't take the time to do this, however.
Even though I understand that this grandmother was worried about "losing" contact with her grandkids, I seriously doubt that the parents would have ever known who made "the call". That's cold comfort now, I know. This poor woman must be grieving terribly. It's really tragic.
Caseworkers are trained to be vague about details when they confront a possible abuse/neglect situation. They don't just knock on a door and say, "Mrs. Johnson down the street called and said she saw you smack Travis." They are far more likely to ask to speak to you and Travis and ask how things are going. Then, they might tell you that there's been a report that some harmful or inappropriate discipline or name calling (emotional abuse) or lack of supervision has been reported. They might also ask to speak to the child alone and they have the authority to check the child's body for abuse. If there are greater concerns, they can have a doctor check the child.
If there is a concern about neglect such as--no food in the house, lack of supervision, health concerns, etc.--there will often be referrals to parenting classes and assistance in accessing resources such as food stamps or low cost child care.
A case will be staffed and a decision will be made whether the report is founded or unfounded/closed. If it is founded, a parent will be consulted on an "action plan" to correct the offense. It is rare that children are taken out of the home unless serious physical abuse, sexual abuse, life threatening neglect or criminal activity is noted.
A parent also has the right to deny access to their home and/or their child until they have consulted an attorney or CPS has a court order. I'm not a case worker but I've worked in the field of adoption for 25 years and many of my friends are front line workers. This is just a short overview of how the typical report plays out.
I've made many many calls in my life and I have to say, I've felt listened to about 80% of the time. I haven't always gotten the result I wanted but I've felt as if I have provided important information. People also need to remember that calls are logged and even if no offense is noted, there is a record of that call. So many people don't know that. Your call could be the one that really gets attention as you report the same worrisome situation that others have told about. Even if a parent has slipped by on an unfounded case, another call can get the needed attention.
CPS can seem horribly invasive and it is truly mortifying for a parent who has done nothing wrong. For those who have been wrongly reported, there should be some comfort in knowing that neighbors and teachers and community member are paying attention. You'll get over the embarrassment. And you would do the same thing if you saw something amiss.
But, a tragic death can the outcome of silence. Make the call. And don't stop calling until you make someone listen to you. Call back and check. Be a pain. Err on the side of caution. You can also call a school to report abuse or neglect. You don't even need to know a child's name, just a description will do. The school won't be able to give you any info about the child because of confidentiality laws, but you can share all your concerns and they will take it from there. They are mandated reporters.
And for serious physical abuse, any sexual abuse, or neglect which is putting the child's safety in danger; don't fool around or wait for offices to open, call 911.
Rest in peace, Jeanette. I hope you are romping with lots of sweet doggies.
