What does it really take to protect and preserve Black families in a system that was never designed with us in mind?

This episode is personal. It’s layered. And it’s needed.

We’re talking about what triggers Child Protection cases, how families can advocate for themselves within the system, and the very real harm that comes when biases and bureaucracy collide with Black parenting.

ChaQuana is a mother, a grandmother, a wife—and a former social worker who’s worked in our community for years. Her perspective is rare and so necessary. She’s lived on both sides of the system: as a parent who’s experienced a CPS case, and as a professional who’s had to carry out the decisions that change people’s lives.

In this episode, we get honest about what opens a case, how fast things can escalate, and what families need to know—both to prevent involvement and to survive it when it happens. We talk about the power social workers really hold, the fears families carry, and the weight of being a Black parent under a constant microscope.

This conversation isn’t just for families. It’s for the social workers, too. The ones in the field. The ones in the meetings. The ones who care—but might not always see the full picture.

🔑 What We Talked About

How poverty and bias open doors to CPS involvement

Why language, school attendance, and cultural misunderstandings matter

The difference between being “real” and being “wrong” in front of a caseworker

The hard truths about family placements and licensing

Why every Black parent should document everything—and what to do if your file is wrong

What both families and social workers need to unlearn

✨ Standout Quotes

“Eyes on Black families is the beginning of an open case.”

“Your raw emotions are not necessary in that space. Be real. Don’t be wrong.”

“Stop thinking you’ve got time to be angry. Get busy if you want your kids back.”

“Families are fighting for their children. Social workers are fighting for the child. And we end up fighting each other.”

“We don’t need capes. We need foster homes.”

⏱️ Chapter Markers

02:26 What really triggers a CPS case

05:19 ChaQuana’s personal story—when her own son opened a case

07:13 Who really has the power in these cases

09:48 Why family placement doesn’t always happen

13:09 DHS, licensing, and the truth about relative care

17:17 Three prevention tips for Black families

21:44 Emotional intelligence and documentation

26:37 Mistakes families make—and what to do instead

30:12 Final words for community, parents, and social workers

📓 Your Turn

If you’re a parent, a provider, or just someone who cares about our community—pause and ask yourself:

“Where in my life do I need to slow down and get serious about documentation, support, or systems that impact my family?”

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about protection. It’s about truth. And it’s about staying ready so we don’t have to get ready.

🙌 Stay Connected + Keep the Conversation Going

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