It amazes me that this story is true. It's the sort of thing we hear about, but thankfully never experienced. I pray we never do. Even if there is no reason to worry, we didn't do anything wrong, there is still something to be concerned about: they want our children. They are very good at getting our children.
Tell them to leave your property. No matter how reasonable they seem, they absolutely can not make money from your family unless you go with the program, whether by force or by consent. They want you to make a plan - a "Protection Plan," except that the moment you do this, you have admitted to being unfit to parent and have unknowingly given your consent. Consent is what they seek. DO NOT CONSENT!
Do not consent. Say "I do not consent." Do not open the door. Get a lawyer on the phone. Do not answer any questions. Be polite, but firm. If they ask to come in, ask for a warrant. Record audio. Take notes. Take names. Do not be aggressive. Do not become "defensive". Do not be offended or outraged. Be calm. Be smart. Be rational. Be firm. Be polite. Smile.
Don't let them say that these are the actions of guilty parents, no these are the actions of parents who are protecting their children from harm.
Have an "exit plan" as well. ;) If you let them in, they aren't just looking to talk to you...they are taking notes on everything around your house that can be used against you - is the dresser bolted to the wall, does it look dirty, are the kids wearing socks? It's scary what they can take and use against you.
By that standard, no home is fit for children. Do they hold foster parents to that standard? @ironshield
Exactly. We had a friend tell us when they were doing a domestic adoption that the lady inspecting the house didn't like that there was a crack in the sidewalk. So he had to bust the whole thing out and pour a new concrete sidewalk leading to the front door!! Isn't that crazy? And they had to have every single electric plug covered with one of those plastic child safety plugs. Every single one in the whole house.
Meanwhile we hear about abuse in foster homes. But let's not make it too easy to get them adopted... for their safety. @ironshield
You said it @ironshield...they want our children and it’s up to us to know how to protect them. I’m already prepared on what to say should we ever be approached by them. I just pray the good Lord gives me strength not to hurt somebody if they try to enter with force. I’m serious, I’ve said this before but my husband and I will die protecting our children from predators.
I know the feeling. Reading some of the horror stories has completely changed how I view the "protective" services that are out there. I just didn't know how these things happen. I thought my wife was just paranoid. @ironshield
I’m so glad to hear you say that. The goal of these stories and what @familyprotection is doing is to make people aware, wake them up to the truth. I’m glad it’s working. Your wife surely isn’t paranoid. It’s a good thing to stay on our toes and be prepared just in case.