Anonymous asked this question on 3/6/2000:

Hi,

I want an opinion from the experts in this category. If someone chooses to spank their child for discipline, do you think they should have their child taken away from them by social services? I have a friend who disciplines her child with spanking. Her child went to school one day and told a teacher that she gets spanked. The next day social services were at her door, they had her under investigation for months. They told her if she spanks and/or yells at her child it is abuse and they will come back and take this child from her. That child loves her mother and she is a good mom. She provides for her and nutures her fully. They are very close and this would distroy this child.

Do you think this is right?

amberdominguez gave this response on 3/8/2000:

Wow. This is really hard. I don't think that a child should be taken away from thier mother if she is spanking them. I do feel that the day that child has a mark on thier body from a spanking then an action should be taken. I don't believe spanking a child is an effective way of punishment but it is to some. and i dont think thats for anybody else to judge. Don't interfere to much but speak for that child. Its the job of Social Service workers to do everthing to try and keep children with their biological mothers. If you say somthing about how the child and mother are close and that you know there isn't and true abuse then maybe they'll look into it. Keeping a family together while involved with these people is difficult but i think with your help maybe somthing can be done. GOOD LUCK!!!

The average rating for this answer is 4.