comment: >
  
  I am thinking it would also depends on who made the report/tip. If this was a mandatory reporter this would be taken more seriously than a random person who gave the tip anonymously as a way to get back at someone for something stupid. CPS report trolling exists sadly, doesn't even have to be your typical "Karen" but family members holding grudges over a political argument at a holiday dinner table. Some people are nasty.
context: Should say "In civil cases..." People are often surprised by the might makes right-ishness of the civil side. >
  
  In America today, most of your constitutional rights don't apply. >
  
  Because children aren't property? >
  
  If you read the article, it is a lot more complicated than that. And it is worth noting that one of the key differences is that the cases go through civil court instead of criminal court, much like property seizure.
  Many of the complaints raised just make sense in these cases; trials held in closed courtrooms, no right to confront the accuser --when the details of a case involve treatment/behavior of minor, or when allegations of abuse are raised by a spouse/child/sibling, this might be warranted. That isn't to say there shouldn't be more oversight, and a little more balancing the rights of the parents in these cases, for instance, perhaps the searches should be following the same warrant process used in criminal investigations, requiring a judge to sign off based on presented evidence. >
  
  Agree it's complex. These cases usually go through a special court branch, rather than a straight civil court as for lawsuits and such. The design has been crafted over the years to place children first and err on the side of caution. Even so, you just need to read the headlines to see how often the system fails. As to searches, as far as I'm aware, you are definitely not required to allow child service workers to search your house without a warrant. Not many are taking place in a vacuum. If you already have an ongoing case, either a court order or consent document may permit or require a search/inspection. >
  
  You are correct that one doesn’t have to acquiesce to allow CPS into one’s home w/o a warrant. However not allowing CPS in is what will then allow CPS to obtain a warrant, ergo it’s basically useless to stop them. >
  
  Simple refusal is not enough to obtain a warrant. Probable cause must exist, apart from simply not cooperating. CPS in most areas is far too busy for fishing expeditions. >
  
  You would think so, but the complaint that sent CPS to the house, combined with refusal is enough to get a warrant most of the time. In addition, I believe (but Im not positive) that CPS can go to a public school and interview a child w/o the parents permission. >
  
  A simple complaint and refusal to allow a search is not probable cause. No warrant would be isued. I believe if a child is making an allegation of abuse or neglect, under certain defined circumstances CPS can conduct such a school interview. An interview of that type would be closely scrutinized as to its admissibility in court.