Allegations

As a Social Worker I have worked for many years with families who have been reported to DCF with allegations of all kinds. It is never a fun process in the best of times, but I had no real idea of what it felt like to be on the other side until a few months ago. Oh yes, there had been allegations made by my sweet teenager, and even a few that had been followed up on, and yes, I did feel that heart-racing, adrenaline rush that accompanies a sense of fear/danger, but they were short-lived and manageable. This time around, it went on for weeks, and it was far from manageable. The allegation she made this time around was against her brother and the overwhelming sense of fear that accompanied the news that the allegation was being reported was profound. I went to deep levels of fear for the safety of my son and what it might mean for his future if anything she reported was substantiated. The fear moved quickly and surprisingly to anger. How dare she drag this sibling into her dark and dramatic place?!? I was so angry and so afraid. The only solace I could really find was on my knees and it took additional fasting and prayer to move it anywhere. Finally, I was able to catch my breath and come back to a semblance of normal. It rocked my world and know I truly know what it feels like to fear.