The CPS Threat: When Family Uses “The System” to Control You

It starts as a whisper. A "gentle" reminder.

“If you leave this house, I’ll call the state and tell them you’re homeless.” “If you don't do what I say, I’ll make sure CPS takes that baby away.”

For many young parents, the home they live in isn't a sanctuary—it’s a cage. When family members or partners use Child Protective Services (CPS) as a weapon, it is more than just a "mean" comment. It is a calculated form of coercive control.

At Houston Birthing Connection (HBC), we see this reality every day. We also know that the best way to dismantle a threat is with the truth. If you are staying in a toxic environment because you are afraid of losing your child, this guide is for you.

1. Recognizing the Weaponization of the Law

In Texas, domestic violence isn't always physical. Legal and advocacy experts define coercive control as a pattern of behavior used to dominate, isolate, and intimidate. Threatening to involve the authorities to "punish" a parent or stop them from leaving is a hallmark of this abuse.

The abuser wants you to believe that the system is on their side. They are lying. The goal of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is to keep families together and safe—not to act as a personal enforcement squad for a controlling relative.

2. Know Your Rights (The Texas Shield)

Knowledge is your strongest defense. If a family member makes a report or threatens to do so, remember these fundamental rights in the state of Texas:

• The Right to Say No: Unless there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, CPS caseworkers cannot enter your home without your consent or a court order (warrant).

• The Right to Silence: You have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney before answering questions.

• The Right to Evidence: You have the right to know exactly what the allegations are.

• False Reporting is a Crime: In Texas, making a knowingly false report to CPS is a State Jail Felony. It can also lead to civil penalties and lawsuits.

3. The Power of Documentation

If you are preparing to leave a toxic home, start "proving" your parenthood now. You don't need a lawyer to begin building your shield:

Category	What to Keep
Medical	Records of all well-child visits, vaccinations, and prenatal care.
Basic Needs	Receipts for diapers, formula, and clothing to prove you provide.
The Threats	Screenshots of texts or recordings of family members threatening to "call the state" if you leave.
Support	A list of "safe" people (teachers, doctors, doulas) who see you parent and know you are capable.

4. How Transitional Housing (HBC) Provides a Legal, Safe Exit

One of the most common threats used against young parents is: "You have no place to go, so they'll take the baby for neglect."

This is where Houston Birthing Connection (HBC) and transitional housing programs change the game. When you move into a supported, transitional living environment, you are not "homeless"—you are housed.

• Stability is Proof: Being in a structured program proves to the state that you are proactive about your child's safety and stability.

• A "Gatekeeper" of Safety: Transitional housing provides a physical barrier between you and the person making threats.

• Professional Advocacy: At HBC, we don't just provide a roof. We provide the documentation and advocacy needed to show that you are a dedicated parent pursuing independence.

Your Exit Strategy Starts Here

You do not have to parent in fear. A threat to call the state is often the last-ditch effort of a person losing control over you. By choosing a safe, legal path through transitional housing, you are taking that weapon out of their hands.

You are the parent. You have the rights. We have the resources.