CPS Calls

[DEgalRN]

Have you ever had a parent ask if you've called CPS? If so, did you tell them the truth? My state requires that mandated reports be named although that information is held in confidence. I had a "run in" with a parent that necessitated a call to CPS and I have a suspicion that she's going to ask if I called.

I'm just unsure of how to respond if she does. Any advice?

[OldDude]

Well, sometimes the circumstances are so obvious that no one needs to ask so be prepared to take the heat if that's the case. Keep in mind you don't have to "defend" yourself as you are a mandated reporter and not answerable to a parent for your concern. It's kind of a slippery slope. I have been burned by my principal, the police officer investigating the report and by CPS case workers in the past so any time I file a report I'm prepared to face the repercussion from it. So, my advice is to assume you will be outed by someone, prepare your response, and see how it plays out. If I'm asked out right by a parent, I will tell them I was the one who filed the report. I realize I'm not required to do that but it clears the air for everyone involved.

[SnowyJ, RN]

"Any calls to CPS are confidential." Not the parent's business to know who called. BUT I have to say, I did once cop to it with a parent. Their furnace was busted, along with a number of other issues of safety at home. CPS helped them navigate what they had to do to get it fixed.

[SaltineQueen]

I would just say, "Why wouldyou think that?" Or something along those lines.