Can PA Child Protective Services remove a child from the family if the family lives in a motel?

Jackie: Can PA Child Protective Services remove a child from the family if the family lives in a motel?
My husband, daughter and I are living with my parents, paying them rent. For reasons I won’t get into, we may be forced to move out before we are able to find an apartment. I was hoping that someone could tell me if CPS can remove our daughter from our custody because we live in the motel. And before anyone answers, yes, I know the usual reasons for removal are: abuse (of all kinds), endangerment(this is broad, as well) and neglect.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Bob B
Living in a motel doesn’t necessarily constitute any of those things, so long as you are still providing your child with adequate accommodation.

Answer by Cindy D
Not JUST because you live in a motel.

Answer by reilly269
I would hope not there are some parents that are homeless living in tent comunuties that still have there kids.I know tghat red cross offedred me a motel after a house fire. so I am answering no. just my oppinion tho.

Answer by Rolly Horror Picture Show
That depends. Is it a shady motel down on Crack Ave where the hookers bring their tricks? Or is it a moderately nice joint – clean, safe, decent neighborhood?

If there are decent living conditions, no, they cannot remove your child based solely on that. Actually, they can’t even remove your child from your custody based solely on the fact that you don’t have a home at all – even if you and your kid sleep in a random forest somewhere off the freeway…or in tent cities, etc etc.

Answer by ‘ faiiiiren <3
No, I don’t believe so . As long as you are still providing for your child, and looking for a more permanent option for housing .

Good luck !

Answer by hsmom
I can’t imagine why they would be able to just for living in a motel. I mean, if it’s clean, you don’t have dangerous people staying with you, it’s warm, there’s food…it IS a roof over your head after all. They may give you guff about it and tell you that you need to get your affairs straightened out and act like they are better than you though.

Answer by Jax’s Mommy
No, a motel is a home. I know families that live in motels for extended periods as their houses are being repaired/built whatever. No one has ever bothered them. I lived in a hotel for 2 weeks when my son was about 6 months old. It was no big deal.

Answer by Leigh
no, as long as she is in a safe environment and is being provided with everything she needs, shell be fine. i actually know some people who permanently live in motels, like for years at a time. legally, a motel is like a day to day apartment, CPS wont care.

Answer by Proud Mommy
I’m a social worker and I can tell you NO, they cannot remove your child just because you live in a motel. If her needs are being met and you have a place to stay that is a suitable environment (drug free, clean, etc), then you have no reason to worry.

Answer by Foff
No, they couldn’t take your children away from you based on what you have said. Living in a motel is really no different than living in an apartment when you think about it. And just think about all those who are homeless raising their children in shelters.

But I do wish better times for you and the best of luck in the New Year :o)

Answer by SKH82
Because it is considered temporary, it could not work against you in a CPS case. You are still providing a roof over her head and a home, even if it is temporary. This would not warrant a visit from CPS.

Answer by George McCasland
No, if for no other reason than the fact that in this economy, they no longer have the money to do it. There are no laws in the US addressing children having their own rooms.