Chapter 11 - CPS Findings
CPS did not declare Stellan an abusive father in every respect.
Good.
The findings separated.
Agatha:
Substantiated inappropriate physical discipline for slap.
Substantiated food deprivation as punitive discipline.
Unsafe caregiver practice.
Stellan:
Substantiated failure to protect after knowledge of food-based punishment and continued placement in Agatha’s care.
Concern regarding emotional manipulation/documentation.
No finding he personally struck Benson.
No evidence he routinely denied meals himself.
Me:
No neglect finding.
Concern regarding retaliatory slap witnessed by child, addressed through legal diversion and treatment.
That was fair.
Then family court.
Stellan’s supervised visits continued.
Agatha none.
He asked to progress.
Custody evaluator appointed.
Dr. Hannah Price.
She interviewed everyone.
She did not ask:
Who is better parent?
She asked:
What happened?
What risk remains?
What insight exists?
What supports child’s relationship with both parents safely?
Good.
Then Benson.
He told her:
“Daddy loves me.”
And:
“Daddy told Grandma red days.”
Both.
“Want Daddy?”
“Yes.”
“Grandma?”
“No.”
Clear.
Then:
“Mommy yells?”
“Sometimes.”
“Daddy?”
“Sometimes.”
“Grandma?”
“Lots.”
Children do not write briefs.
Good.
Then Dr. Price asked me:
“Do you want sole custody?”
I hesitated.
“I want Benson safe.”
“That’s not answer.”
“Right now, primary custody with me and structured contact with Stellan.”
“Forever?”
“I don’t know.”
Good.
No absolute.
Then:
“If Stellan changes?”
“I want Benson to have his father.”
May you like
That was true.
Even hurt.
