I can't keep up, haha!
I was sad to see the CPS stuff. They're neglectful, but Abbie would not do well in the system. I found the whole thing suspect though. Who is that happy and gleeful after a visit from a social worker? I was called on once- my child was screaming bloody murder, so I do think it was warranted, but he was screaming because I was giving him a bath. I was washing his hair and he had really hard time with sensory issues with his head. So I let them in my house to look around, gave them the contact info our our behaviour interventionists, told them about my son's autism and how it displays, and apologized. I also gave them the name and number of our social worker who helps us with safety and communication items.
On the other hand, there was no follow up. I think that's often the case, they are overwhelmed, understaffed, and underpaid. I grew up in foster care, was in multiple abusive homes, and I was never checked up on until the caregivers decided their check wasn't worth having me there. (I was quiet, usually what would happen is they would go to hit me and I would flinch because I HAVE PTSD). I would go into social services, they would take me into a room to weigh, measure, and take photos of my body. No charges were ever laid on any of my caregivers, despite how bad some of my injuries were.
I remember one time before I was put into foster care, though. My mom was with this abusive dude- everybody knew he had anger issues. We had a worker who would come pretty often to ensure our safety, and she never once asked me to roll up the long sleeves I was forced to wear, or the pant legs. She never asked why I never answered her questions without looking at my abuser first. She failed, and I think that if CPS did come to see the Maass's, that they slightly failed Abbie. I can't believe there was no suggestion, at the very least, to fence the pool, to ensure that she can't escape the house while they sleep. She doesn't need to be removed, but those steps should be taken IMO.
This is long but I have one more story, and it shed light as to why I was in abusive situations as long as I was. My eldest was hanging out with a neighbour kid last year after school. We live in the same building, and I would pay them for the time he was there. One day, this other kid, M, decided it was time to see my kid's penis. He then wrestled my kid down and pulled his pants off. My kid escaped and told me about it, and I have never let them hang out since. I didn't mind that M was curious- I understand that can be normal. My concern was with how forceful it was. Later that day, my son shared that this was not the first time M tried something, and that M has shown my son his penis and butt as well.
I called CPS. I gave them all the info I had, and because this involved my child, I also had to effectively report myself. It was upsetting and terrifying. Nothing ever came of it. Even on the phone they told me that this wasn't enough to start an investigation.
People at school (this was in mid January) noticed a difference in my kid, so I ended up calling a meeting with my son's EA, his teacher, resource lead, and principal. I told them that I didn't want this child ostracized, but I was afraid of him either getting my son alone and assaulting him again, or some other child. I told them the events without mentioning names, and they agreed that they needed to come up with safety protocols. It was at this time I shared the name of the other child, so he could be carefully watched.
From all that, I realized that maybe people actually did call CPS on my behalf. CPS just decided it wasn't dire enough, but they BARELY LOOKED.
I don't think that this was an actual CPS visit, as she wasn't wearing a mask, they were downright giddy, and the lady they filmed looked to be dressed pretty casually. But to think that this woman wouldn't have a single recommendation for them, particularly for their pool, is wild to me.
To end this, I will clarify I didn't call on them. I do think that they were excited for content, maybe saw MD's stuff through Tattle, and when they read her comments, they were excited to have another clickbait video. Just my thoughts. Hope everyone is doing well, and if you got through this, you're a champ!!