Part of the issue here is the whole overcompensating for systemic inadequacies in CPS. There are so many stories of CPS dropping the ball on the other side of the equation. Then a mom let's their kids walk to school and gets arrested. Or a mom has her 14yo look after their siblings while she is away on business. How does arresting a parent help them care for their kids?

Worst, in this case, is that Dad didn't have custody for a reason. And now the kids are with Dad.

That being said, 14 is not old enough for that level of responsibility. Watch their siblings while Mom and Dad go on a date? Sure. Be responsible for most of the family's well-being while Mom is completely out of town? At 14? That's too much. I doubt anything would have changed if there was a babysitter or guardian there. That doesn't change the fact that 14 is too young to be fully responsible for kids over a span of days. Still doesn't justify arresting her. That's just grandstanding bullshit

I really feel for this woman, because she really is screwed either way. There's no winning. Especially if she doesn't have family to call on to help. But now, instead of losing her job, she has to fight charges, fight to get her kids back, and (knowing how these things go) likely have to find a new job. It's a real kick in the ovaries.

Get me out of this timeline, please