Child welfare cases are never easy—for families, for caseworkers, or for the officers called in to help.
Just after 10 p.m., Portsmouth Police were contacted by Children Protective Services (CPS) with a request for assistance during a potentially volatile situation. Caseworkers were attempting to remove children from a home on 5th Street and believed the woman inside would not cooperate.
It’s a scenario that officers say is all too familiar—and one that can escalate quickly if not handled with care.
But when police arrived at the home, they discovered part of the problem was confusion. CPS had reportedly sent someone to retrieve the children without official paperwork or law enforcement support, which understandably created tension at the scene.
With officers now present, the situation de-escalated. The woman cooperated and handed the children over to caseworkers without incident.
A Word From the Experts
“These kinds of calls are emotionally charged,” one expert in the field explained. “There are children involved, upset parents or guardians, and caseworkers doing a tough job. Our role is to make sure things stay safe and civil for everyone.”
Why These Situations Are So Complex
- Emotions run high: Parents may be confused, scared, or angry—especially if they feel blindsided.
- Legal red tape matters: Child removal requires proper documentation and, often, law enforcement backup.
- Officers are peacekeepers: Their presence can prevent a difficult handoff from becoming a dangerous one.
In this case, the presence of calm, professional officers helped a tough situation end peacefully. But it’s a sobering reminder that behind every quiet report is a family going through something heartbreaking—and public servants trying to balance law, safety, and compassion.
