Part of the System

For folks who have never dealt with the pervasive, invasive presence of the United States justice system...the ideal embodied by the system may be comforting. But for those whose lives are taken over by the many services that nestle under that umbrella, it can be--and usually is--a nightmare.

'Protect the innocent' is just a phrase that allows arrogant, aggressive invasions of privacy and arbitrary judgments of actions and responsibilities. Once in the 'system', there's no stopping the avalanche of demands from the very folks who are supposed to be helping.

I'm sure there are sympathetic people out there involved in Social Services, Child Protective Services, Legal Aid, Courts, etc. I've never met them, but surely someone in the 'system' cares about the innocent. Maybe.

We're a hard-working, middle class family. Our adults work. Our children do well in school. We do all the ordinary things families do. But once in a while, a viper sneaks into the family unit. In theory, if you confront the viper, the 'system' will be there to support you.

Not so.

There's a reason folks don't ask for help from the 'system' unless they're forced to by well meaning laws. Because once involved, there is no possibility of privacy. Every aspect of your life is suddenly shoved under a microscope. Unreasonable demands are the norm because...you're a case number. Instead of a name, you become that spousal abuse case or that drug abuse case or that child abuse case. Instead of a helping hand and encouragement, all decisions are wrested from your control as though you're incapable of dealing with life.

I have family members, both close and distant, dealing with the system. Far from aiding the families, the system is piling on stress and heartache.

Maybe...we need less interference and more compassion.

anny