What happens when you are taken away by CPS? Is it as bad as people make it out to be?

Since you were a social worker, may I pick your brain regarding a situation?

I'm witnessing a situation where the baby's mother had custody temporarily taken away from her for violating a restraining order she put against someone and she is not following the CPS guidelines for visitation. She continually violates the required hours. Additionally, I've witnessed horrid events from the person taking care of this child temporarily. She's spanked him repeatedly and one time she was feeding him and he started to choke and just sat there. Luckily, another person in the house got there in time faster than me to save this baby.

I'm at a loss at what to do. While this child is not my flesh and blood, I do love him and care about him. The mother is mentally ill and neglectful of her child. The grandmother is neglectful and endangering him.

Are these valid concerns to report to CPS? I'm worried about them taking him away from whatever decent family he does have but I am very worried about what his life will be like with these people.

/r/TooAfraidToAsk Thread Parent