In the US, CPS agencies respond to over 4 million reports of child maltreatment every year, so you can bet they get frustrated with false or misleading claims. Still, they’re compelled to check out each and every case, no two ways about it.
One person’s brother felt the need to call CPS on their sister after declaring their loft “unsafe” for her infant. CPS ended up dismissing the claim, but now the person is wondering if they were a jerk for backing their sister up when push came to shove.
More info: Reddit
CPS gets millions of reports every year, but this person’s brother thought it would be a good idea to add to their workload by filing a misleading claim
Toddler climbing wooden stairs in a home, related to woman getting a CPS visit after sibling reports unsafe loft concerns.
When he came round to visit his sister, he had a total freakout about their loft being “unsafe” for her newborn baby
Text post discussing a sibling backing up woman after CPS visit triggered by unsafe loft concerns reported by brother.
Text on a white background reads My sister moved into my house. It’s a one floor house with a loft involving unsafe loft concerns and CPS visit.
Woman caring for baby in loft bedroom, depicting CPS visit after brother reports unsafe living conditions.
The sister explained that the stairs were blocked and there was no way for the infant to get up to the loft, but he called CPS on her anyway
Text excerpt about remodeling a loft without railing and blocking stairs with a gate amid health concerns and CPS visit discussion.
Text discussing a woman’s unsafe loft reported by her brother to CPS, with sibling support stressing infant safety.
Text excerpt about a woman visited by CPS after brother reports unsafe loft, with sibling support during the investigation.
Woman talking with a CPS worker holding a clipboard during a visit related to an unsafe loft report at home.
After an investigation, CPS dismissed the case, but now the person and their sister have nothing but hate for their brother
Text excerpt about a woman’s stressful CPS visit after brother reports unsafe loft, sibling supports her.
Text excerpt discussing family disagreement amid CPS visit after brother reports unsafe loft, sibling supports woman’s stance.
Sibling supports woman after CPS visit following brother’s report of unsafe loft conditions.
Caught in the middle of the family drama, the person has now asked an online community if cutting off their brother is a jerk move
When OP’s sister found out she was pregnant, she made the tough choice to leave her ex, someone with issues too serious to share, and who responded with threats of a custody battle if she sought child support. To stay safe, she moved in with OP. Things seemed calm until one minor home remodel sparked a major family explosion.
OP’s house has an unfinished loft (no railing yet) blocked off by a sturdy puppy gate. No one goes up there, and certainly not a newborn . But when their brother came to visit, he freaked out. Despite being shown the blocked stairs, he wasn’t convinced. They thought the matter was over, but they were wrong.
Days later, CPS knocked on their door. Both OP and her sister were interviewed. Thankfully, the case was dismissed, but the damage was done. Traumatized, OP’s sister cut contact with their brother, who insists he was just looking out for her baby. Their father says they’re overreacting, adding, “If you’ve got nothing to hide, there’s nothing to fear.”
Now OP feels stuck. They support their sister but wonder if cutting off their brother was the right call. He says they’re too close to the situation to see things clearly, but from where they stand, his “concern” caused real harm. OP is now wondering if they’re a jerk for picking sides and has turned to an online community for advice.
Man on phone looking upset, illustrating family dispute related to unsafe loft and CPS visit concerns.
From what OP tells us in their post, their brother took things a bit too far by calling CPS on her sister. Just how many unsubstantiated reports does CPS get, though? And what are the legal consequences of filing one? We went looking for answers.
According to the Heritage Defense website , in 2023, CPS agencies nationwide received a national estimate of 4,028,945 total referrals, involving an estimated 7,782,000 children. Of these, less than 8% were determined to be victims of physical harm or neglect.
According to LegalClarity , penalties for intentional false reporting can include fines, community service, or imprisonment. While legal consequences for unintentional false reporting are generally less severe, reporters may still face scrutiny if their claims are unfounded.
When a false report is made with malicious intent, it is often prosecuted under criminal statutes designed to address the misuse of public resources. These statutes hold individuals accountable for actions that waste investigative resources and undermine public trust.
False reports to CPS can trigger not only criminal repercussions but also civil liabilities. Families subjected to baseless allegations may seek damages through civil litigation, focusing on defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, or invasion of privacy.
While OP and their sister could pursue a civil case against their ignorant brother to see how he feels about being investigated, perhaps cutting him off will be enough to teach him a lesson.
Comment discussing CPS visit after a brother reports unsafe loft, with sibling supporting the woman’s situation.
Comment highlighting frustration with people weaponizing CPS, referencing a CPS visit after unsafe loft report by brother.
Screenshot of a forum comment discussing CPS visit after brother reports unsafe loft, with sibling defending the woman involved.
Comment from Reddit user CraftyMommaFish discussing CPS visit after a sibling reports an unsafe loft situation.
Reddit comment discussing a woman visited by CPS after her brother reports unsafe loft, sibling supports her defense.
Comment discussing CPS visit and safety concerns about an unsafe loft reported by a sibling.
Text post discussing CPS being weaponized to control others, referencing a visit after concerns about an unsafe loft.
Comment discussing a woman’s CPS visit after brother’s report about unsafe loft, with sibling supporting her situation.
Reddit comment discussing CPS visit after brother reports unsafe loft, with sibling supporting woman’s safety precautions.
Screenshot of a comment discussing a woman visited by CPS after a brother reports an unsafe loft, with sibling support shown.
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