ISSN: 2710-4028 DOI: doi.org/10.54208/1000/0006 145
these interactions. Secondly, these examined cases
were mainly high-profile cases that drew media
attention. Many less publicized cases likely exist.
Surveying CPS workers, and a more thorough review
of court records, may uncover additional examples.
Third, an investigation that focuses on QAnon or
sovereign citizens separately would probably identify
a larger population, but this analysis centered on the
intersection and intermixing of these two movements.
The hope is that this research inspires future work: 1)
more documentation of client-perpetrated violence
among those harboring conspiracy theories 2)
increased awareness on the part of CPS workers of
the possible violence posed by those in the sovereign
citizen and QAnon movements and 3) an enhanced
focus on safety protocols and training in response to
the specific and unusual threats posed by conspiracy
theorists for CPS workers and related workers in the
field.
The idea that CPS trafficks children is without
merit. However, that fact has not and does not stop
conspiracy theorists from making such claims. Much
like Pizzagate, these conspiracy believers are making
blatantly false, if not absurd, accusations in the total
absence of evidence. Despite that, the parents examined
in this article do appear to be “true believers,” rather
than attempting to “game the system.” The message
being sent to these vulnerable but dangerous parents is
loud and clear: fight to the death against CPS to protect
your children. The serious concern is that this rhetoric
will inspire more violence and/or possibly the deaths
of the officials who are attempting to protect children
from harmful living environments and parental neglect
and abuse.
these interactions. Secondly, these examined cases
were mainly high-profile cases that drew media
attention. Many less publicized cases likely exist.
Surveying CPS workers, and a more thorough review
of court records, may uncover additional examples.
Third, an investigation that focuses on QAnon or
sovereign citizens separately would probably identify
a larger population, but this analysis centered on the
intersection and intermixing of these two movements.
The hope is that this research inspires future work: 1)
more documentation of client-perpetrated violence
among those harboring conspiracy theories 2)
increased awareness on the part of CPS workers of
the possible violence posed by those in the sovereign
citizen and QAnon movements and 3) an enhanced
focus on safety protocols and training in response to
the specific and unusual threats posed by conspiracy
theorists for CPS workers and related workers in the
field.
The idea that CPS trafficks children is without
merit. However, that fact has not and does not stop
conspiracy theorists from making such claims. Much
like Pizzagate, these conspiracy believers are making
blatantly false, if not absurd, accusations in the total
absence of evidence. Despite that, the parents examined
in this article do appear to be “true believers,” rather
than attempting to “game the system.” The message
being sent to these vulnerable but dangerous parents is
loud and clear: fight to the death against CPS to protect
your children. The serious concern is that this rhetoric
will inspire more violence and/or possibly the deaths
of the officials who are attempting to protect children
from harmful living environments and parental neglect
and abuse.
