A routine welfare check took a tense turn when a Child Protective Services (CPS) worker called for backup, reporting that people inside a Robinson Avenue apartment were trying to stir up trouble by texting others to come and confront her.
Concerned for her safety, the CPS worker requested a police presence around 3 p.m., and officers quickly responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, police discovered one of the individuals present had an open warrant. He was immediately taken into custody, defusing the situation before it could escalate further.
👶 When CPS Comes Knocking: How to Handle It Calmly and Legally
No one enjoys a surprise visit from Child Protective Services—but how you handle it can make all the difference between a brief conversation and an ongoing investigation.
Here’s what to do if CPS shows up at your door:
- 🧘♂️ Stay calm and respectful. CPS is there to check on a child’s well-being, not to pick a fight.
- 📋 Ask for identification and the reason for the visit. You have the right to understand the purpose of the investigation.
- 📞 Call an attorney if you’re unsure of your rights or feel overwhelmed.
- 🚫 Don’t invite others into the conflict. Escalating the situation by calling in friends or family can backfire and make things worse.
- 🏡 Cooperate, but know your rights. You don’t have to let CPS in without a warrant unless there’s an emergency.
In this case, thanks to a quick response from Portsmouth Police, the situation was resolved peacefully—and one person wanted by law enforcement was removed from the scene.
Let this serve as a reminder: When tensions rise, cool heads—and cooperation—can protect everyone involved.