Sadly, there are divorces and for this, I hope, there will be a change for the better. There is a great deal of help available to help one cope with fears such as yours and to build confidence and the ability to make good life choices. However, if you can, put your fears aside and look forward to a wonderful life with a very special person who is out there and waiting for you to find her.
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Dear Mrs. Bluth,
I am an avid reader of your column and enjoy your knowledgeable advice, however, I disagree with the response you wrote, about the repercussions of contacting ACS when suspecting child abuse or neglect.
As a mandated reporter there were times I needed to call ACS and I have never had the experience of them “taking the kids away kicking and screaming.” People may read what you wrote and hesitate to call ACS when, indeed, they should be calling, if they suspect abuse or neglect. My experience with ACS is that removal of children is a last resort. They will try to keep the family intact through various interventions, such as parenting and family counseling. If it is a situation which requires the removal from the home they will try to place the child/children in a culturally-appropriate setting.
Please clarify to your readers that it is our duty as adults to make sure children are protected to the best of our ability since they are often innocent victims and unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect. Thank you for your wonderful articles.
An Experienced SW
Dear Friend,
Thank you for your knowledgeable observations. Consider it done.
