Bath Time Photo or Child Pornography?

[Rachman Crable]

The parents of 3 daughters 5, 4, and 18 months had their children removed from their custody by Child Protective Services in Arizona. The pictures taken were of the older two girls after they had bathed together. The girls were in their towels. The family had taken the pictures while vacationing. CPS was alerted when the family had the photos developed at a Wal-Mart and the developer of the photos thought they were inappropriate and blew the whistle. The parents were investigated and didn't get to see their kids for days, and didn't regain custody for a month. All of the charges against them have been dropped.

When I read the article, I thought if that's the case, millions of parents around the country would have their children taken for similar photos of the kids at bath time. I understand the need to protect children from sexual predators, but in this instance that wasn't the case. For an entire family to be put through this type of heartbreaking and stressful situation was absolutely unnecessary and uncalled for.

Where do you think the line should be drawn legally or morally, when it comes to taking pictures of your children bathing?

[Olympia Scott]

This is a tough one because I'm sure the Walmart employee thought that they were doing their due diligence in reporting the photos. If these weren't from a parent, but from a pedophile, everyone would be proud of this person for reporting the situation. However, because these were innocent family photos, that were likely taken with no ill intent, the situation is sad. No one wants their children to be placed in the system for a month while unable to see them due to a misunderstanding. I hope the family may be able to heal from this unfortunate event.

[lottie childs]

well has long has the children are in natural playing mode and not posed in anyway and they aren't put in the public eye unnecessarily, i cant see any reason for photo's not being taken at bathtime.
bathtime is a fun/play time and relaxing time for both parent and child, i personally would not take a photo of my son, he would splash the camera and ruin it!!!!!

[Orit Pennington]

I do not know what the employee was thinking - and it does not matter - but what were the professionals thinking? Do you know how many naked pictures I have of my kids? In the bath tub playing, being cute. This is insane. That is what makes parenting in the U.S. so difficult. We have officials who determine what is ok and what is not - but they do not share that knowledge with any one! In Texas corporal punishment is allowed by law. I once asked a CPS official where can parents go for guidelines of what is ok and what is not - the answer was: there is no official guide. Each CPS worker has the right to determine that on their own.