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vFamily Mattersv Dealing With Child Protective ServicesOBy Brooke Irey, Attorneyne of the scariest things of a parent can experience is having to deal with a Child ProtectiveServices (CPS) investigation. Unfortunately, anyone can make an allegation to CPS and CPS has to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect. When someone knocks at your door and says they are from CPS, you do not have to let them in or talk to them. A CPS investigator does not have the authority to enter your house without your permission. You do not have to answer their questions or even cooperate with them. Now with that said, there can be consequences for not talking to CPS and/or cooperating.If the unthinkable happens, and CPS show up at your house and asks to talk to you or you kids, you have choices. Your first option is you can let them in to see the kids and you can talk to them. It’s typical for CPS to often ask for a drug test. You do not have to give one and if you feel there is any reason you might test positive for a drug, then do not take the test. The other option is you can can let CPS see the kids through the door/window to make sure they are safe. You can refuse to speak to them. The option, I normally recommend is to politely decline talking to CPS. Tell them to leave their business card at the door and that you will have your attorney call them. If they are insistent to see the kids you can let them see them through the window or door, but you can let them know they can’t3T Fitness Jump - Start! 8 Weeks Of Group FitnessNo Enrollment Fee (Save $797)(For New Enrollments)All Fitness Levels Welcome Support & accountability included Flexible class optionsHSA/ FSA eligible(with qualifying plans)Call to schedule a FREE consultation Ends March 2, 2026 Offer Code: SBHP20475 Hwy 46 Ste. 250/260 Spring Branch, TX 78070(210) 402-0654Building Communication for LifeSPEECH & LANGUAGE CENTER AT STONE OAKSpeech Therapy Pediatric Feeding TeletherapyAccepting New Clientswww.stoneoakspeech.comtalk to them at that time. Depending on the investigator and the allegations, CPS might have already spoken to kids. You can tell CPS that they are not authorized to speak to the children at school and can only speak with them when your attorney is present.Once a client calls me and states that CPS is investigating them, I will then call the investigator to see what the allegations are and then will set up a time for CPS to talk to the client and their children if necessary. CPS showing up at your door can be scary, but together, we can help you get through this scary time.Brooke Irey, Attorney Branch Family Law549 Heimer Rd., Suite 200 San Antonio, Texas 78232 (210) 229-2088 www.branchfamilylaw.comDecomposed GraniteSoil MixesCompostBase SandSouth Texas Blend RockMulch830-438-580331767 Blanco Road, Bulverde, TX 78163 Hours: Mon- Fri-8am-5pm • Sat. 8am- 3pmwww.BlancoRdMulch.comTopsoilBlack History - continued from page 4figures.• Visit a cultural center. Museums and other cultural or community centers emphasize Black history in February. Even in smaller towns one may be able to attend speeches or readings at local libraries.• Watch movies. Curate a collection of films that were directed by Black directors or feature Black actors in lead roles. Films that chronicle the biographies of Black historical figures also can be educational. • Learn about local Black history. There may be specific Black individuals in your local community who are notable for theiraccomplishments or efforts. In addition, many people might be surprised to learn about events in their own communities that helped to shape Black history.• Read MLK Jr’s famous letter. People can revisit the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. by reading his “Letter From Birmingham Jail.” The letter is considered vital for anyone hoping to understand the Civil Rights movement in the United States.Black History Month provides plenty of chances to learn about influential figures and historical events.6 Signs Your Pet Has Dental IssuesBy StaffPets use body language and other cues to let their owners know how they are feeling. While certain actions, such as a vigorously wagging tail signaling that a dog is quite happy, are easy to read, it’s not always so easy to determine how a pet is feeling.Pet parents who are trying to provide the best care possible recognize that pets may make them aware of certain health issues. Diseases of the mouth may cause issues elsewhere in the body if left untreated. Fortunately for pet owners, dental issues are often easily recognized.1. HalitosisBad breath is a strong indicator of a dental problem. Halitosis may stem from tooth decay and gum issues, as well as gastrointestinal problems. In either case, it’s best to address a pet’s bad breath with a veterinarian.2. Visible problemsTake a peek inside of the pet’s mouth.Animal Wellness magazine says that if there’s a significant accumulation of tartar (yellow or brown patches on the tops of teeth along the gum line), or if the gums areinflamed and red, periodontal disease may be to blame. Traces of blood in the mouth also can indicate that there is a problem. Pets don’t always like their mouths touched, so if your pet is being difficult, have a vet conduct a comprehensive oral health and treatment appointment (COHAT).3. Refusing to eatThere are many reasons a pet may not want to eat, and a dental problem may beone of them. Painful teeth and gums can make eating challenging, so the animal may avoid food. Refusing to eat can lead to weight loss and malnutrition, so it’s best to nip this issue in the bud.4. Sensitive mouthYour pet may yelp, bite or scratch if you touch around the mouth area when there is a dental problem at play. Drooling excessively or dropping food from the mouth also are signs that things are awry. 5. Less groomingCats spend around 10 to 15 percent of their days grooming. Dental pain can make grooming challenging. Therefore, if your cat is grooming less or looks unkempt, it may be due to dental problems. Great Vet says85 percent of cats over the age of three have some form of dental disease.6. OvergrowthRodents’ incisors (front, gnawing teeth) grow continuously throughout their lives. Typically the incisors receive continuous wear as the upper and lower incisors contact each other. However, if incisors are misaligned, they may not wear down effectively. Some incisors can grow out of control, piercing the roof of the mouth and into the nasal cavity. If a rodent’s teeth look long, that could warrant a vet check.Pets can experience periodontal disease and other dental conditions. Staying aware of signs of dental issues can keep pets healthy.February 2026www.bsbhighlights.com11LLAOTCAY44299.510D.49