I am worried about my baby being taken from me

I left my abuser/baby daddy almost 3 months ago. I’ve been at a DV shelter with our 1-year-old son since leaving. I have to go to another shelter soon because my time at this one is almost up.

I have called several shelters all over the state, and they either don’t answer their phones or tell me they are full. I haven’t been able to work because I don’t have daycare or a babysitter for my 13-month-old son. I applied for CAPS (daycare assistance), but it got denied because I am not already working, and one of the requirements is to have a job.

I got Medicaid for my son and EBT/Food Stamps, but TANF and government housing were denied due to the same work requirement. I applied for child support over a month ago, but it’s taking forever to process. There’s a no-contact order with my ex, so I can’t ask him for support directly.

I’m stuck. If I go back to my ex, our child could still be taken due to the abuse. But if we end up homeless, I fear the state will take him away regardless. I don’t know what to do.

Apply for a job. Many jobs don’t hire immediately, and if you get hired, you can tell CAPS when your start date is, so the process can be rushed. Keep applying in case one falls through.

Can you move to another state? Since you weren’t married, this might be a good time to relocate, away from your abuser and to a state with better resources.

Look for daycare centers that might let you bring your son while working there. It can be tough, but there are daycares with staff discounts that could help.

Teal said:
Look for daycare centers that might let you bring your son while working there. It can be tough, but there are daycares with staff discounts that could help.

This is great advice.

Try reaching out to a local pregnancy center. They often help even after birth and may have useful resources for you.

Check if you have an Early Head Start nearby. They offer free daycare for those in situations like yours. Homeless families usually get priority.

It’s really sad how many people feel forced to go back to their abusers because they can’t get help. The system is so messed up. You can’t get a job without daycare, and you can’t get daycare without a job.

I’m not a lawyer, but homelessness by itself is usually not a reason for a child to be taken away.

Reese said:
I’m not a lawyer, but homelessness by itself is usually not a reason for a child to be taken away.

But wouldn’t CPS consider placing the child with their other parent if they have a stable home?

@Whit
My ex isn’t considered safe after what happened. That’s why we’re at a domestic violence shelter.

Paz said:
@Whit
My ex isn’t considered safe after what happened. That’s why we’re at a domestic violence shelter.

That’s good to hear. But unfortunately, it’s common for courts to still grant custody or parenting time to the other parent, even with a DV history, unless the abuse was against the child.

Maybe it’s in your child’s best interest to be temporarily placed with someone until you can prove you’re able to provide?

Frost said:
Maybe it’s in your child’s best interest to be temporarily placed with someone until you can prove you’re able to provide?

No, getting a child back from the system can take years. Being poor or homeless doesn’t mean you’re unfit.

Would you consider working at a daycare? They need staff, and if you’re hired, your child could attend with you. You could also get CAPS to start covering daycare more quickly. I worked in daycare admin and helped process things like that all the time.

@Griff
Such good advice!

GA has a Family Violence Option (FVO) under TANF that allows work requirement exemptions if you’re fleeing domestic violence. Appeal your denial and cite the FVO. Many caseworkers don’t know about it.

Nico said:
GA has a Family Violence Option (FVO) under TANF that allows work requirement exemptions if you’re fleeing domestic violence. Appeal your denial and cite the FVO. Many caseworkers don’t know about it.

Thank you! The workers here were confused by my denial too since I’m homeless due to DV. I will definitely try appealing.

@Paz
Yes, tell them you’re eligible for the FVO due to domestic violence. Being homeless isn’t necessarily an exemption unless the DV is the primary reason.