Page 11 - SOH_3_25

vFamily Matters vDealing With Child Protective ServicesOBy Crista Branch, Attorney, Branch Family Lawne 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’t talk to them at that time. Depending on the investigatorSt. Patrick - continued from page 8taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who attacked his family’s estate. He spent ages 16 to 22 in captivity and was likely held in County Mayo.Finding ReligionPatrick spent many hours workingoutdoors as a shepherd during his imprisonment. Being afraid and likely lonely, he found comfort in his religion and became a devout Christian. As Ireland was largely pagan at this time, he began dreaming of converting the Irish people to Christianity.Even though Patrick escaped imprisonment, believing it was the voice of God telling him it was time to leave, once he returned to Britain, he had a second revelation that he should return to Ireland as a missionary. It was then his religious training began, and it lasted more than 15 years. Eventually Patrick was ordained a priest and began ministering to Christians already living in Ireland and converting others.St. Patrick Wrote An Autobiography Much of what is known about St. Patrick comes from two works that he wrote about his life, known as “Confessio” and “Epistola.” In “Confessio,” Patrick responds to the fact that he was on trial for mysteriousMarch Madness 2025Getting You Back To The Things You Love, FASTER!Physical Therapy & Sports RehabYour premier physical therapy provider for one -on-one care.www.promotionpt-sa.com5 locations serving San Antonio & surrounding areas210-257-8272and 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.Crista Marichalar Branch, P.C.549 Heimer Rd., Suite 200 San Antonio, Texas 78232 (210) 229-2088 www.branchfamilylaw.comreasons, although he never names the crimes for which he was accused. Historians surmise that he took bribes because Patrick mentions returning or paying for gifts given to him.St. Patrick Didn’t Introduce Christianity Although Patrick played the most influential role in spreading Christianity to Ireland, he wasn’t the first to do so. However, he did organize the followers who already existed and converted kingdoms which were still pagan. St. Patrick also connected Ireland with the Church of the Roman Empire.St. Patrick Helped The Shamrock Become A Symbol Of Irish NationalismThe shamrock, also known as a three- leaf clover, and formerly the “seamroy” by the Celts, was a sacred plant that symbolized spring. St. Patrick, according to legend, used this familiar plant as a visual guide to explain the Holy Trinity of Christianity. By the 17th century, the shamrock had become a symbol of emerging Irish nationalism, according to History.com.St. Patrick is well known in Ireland and elsewhere in part because of the legends about his days on earth. The true history sheds even more light on the man behind the legend.MAGNAPAINTINGYOUR INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING EXPERTS$100 OFFAny Interior or Exterior Project of $1,000 or more!$200 OFFAny Interior or ExteriorProject of $2,000 or more!Must mention Highlights Newspapers. Call for details. Expires 3 / 31 / 25SCAN or CALL TODAY!(210) 446-5795March 2025www.stoneoakhighlights.com 11