PSA to parents dealing with Early Intervention or CPS in Schenectady County: document everything. Record everything.
I had an unfortunate experience with an Early Intervention worker recently and it reminded me why I never let my guard down anymore. I want to say this to every parent going through this system right now: protect yourself before you think you need to.
Get everything in writing. If a conversation happens over the phone, follow it up with an email summarizing what was said, so there’s a paper trail even if they never reply. Save every email. Screenshot every text. Record your meetings and home visits. New York is a one party consent state, meaning you can legally record a conversation you’re part of without telling the other person.
Here’s the thing. Workers write reports. Those reports become the official record of what happened, and they are not always accurate. Sometimes it’s a misunderstanding. Sometimes it’s carelessness. Sometimes it’s something worse. Either way, once it’s written down and filed, you are now fighting your word against theirs, and their word carries more weight in these systems by default.
You might never need any of it. Most days will probably be fine. But the one time you do need it, you’ll be so glad it exists. Proof doesn’t hurt to have. It only helps.
Document dates, times, names, and exactly what was said. Keep a running log. Trust your instincts if something feels off in a visit or a conversation. You know your child better than anyone walking into your home ever will.
Stay strong out there. You’re not powerless in this, even when it feels like you are. And to every parent reading this who’s in the thick of it right now, I love every single one of you. We’re in this together.