It's false to assume that allegations are something that happens to only unlucky foster parents.
An allegation is a statement made against another that needs to be supported with proof or evidence.
A false allegation is a statement that has been made against another and then found to be incorrect.
There are two types of false allegations that we discuss within the PS-MAPP curriculum: naive and manipulative.
Naive False Allegations are often brought about due to a child projecting past abuse onto a foster or adoptive parent. Perhaps a bad memory is triggered by an event and the child then gets facts confused as to which home the abuse occurred. A naive false allegation may also be a simple misunderstanding.
Manipulative False Allegations are often brought about purposely by a child or his birth family. The manipulative false allegation is all about getting one's way. Some children have learned, especially those who have been in the child welfare system for awhile, that if they make an allegation against a family that an investigation may mean the child will be placed in another foster home. Sadly, making a false allegation against someone is often an effective tool utilized to hurt others with the foster care system.
Return to the True or False Quiz on Foster Parent Requirements on Documentation.
My foster daughter told her social worker that we don't feed her lunch and only allow her to eat bread for dinner, while the rest of the family eats a full meal. I can't believe my foster daughter made such a false allegation against us!
Our foster son reported to his birth mother that we use corporal punishment and that he gets spanked for wetting the bed! He is now at an emergency foster home until the investigation is over. Once it's been deemed a false allegation we have to decide if we want to continue fostering him.
