So this week was quite the experience for me since it had been my first time being present for a PP5, which basically means PRELIMINARY PROTECTIVE HEARING. Attending a PP5 allowed for me to see first hand the very beginning stages of when CPS (Child Protective Services) is brought into the picture. Of course, I was warned ahead of time that usually these hearings are where you will witness more heightened emotions from the parents and/or family members. However, the hearings that I was able to attend did not seem to get too out of hand. Although it was truly a reality check. After many weeks of attending trainings and learning more about what CASA for Kids has to offer, it was within this  PP5 hearing that reminded me of the pain that families experience when CPS comes into the picture. It is so easy to get lost in all the legalities of the situation, but seeing the tears on the face of a mother who realizes that she hasn't been the best mother by not being able to love, care, and protect her child the way she should was my reminder... Her tears reminded me of the many mistakes we all tend to make as human beings. But before I allowed myself to mourn over the loss of her freedom to see her child, I snapped back into reality and remembered the child's life that was at stake. When you birth a child, you take on a whole new life. You are accepting the responsibilities of being that child's protector. You are 100% responsible for the well being of that child. Now, the moment you become negligent with that child's life, you must become mentally prepared for the consequences. No mother should ever have to experience their child being taken away from them, however, no child should ever have to experience their mother taking their lives for granted.