<p>I'm writing my college essay on a very personal topic that is very provocative. Im just nervous, becuase Im wondering if colleges have the jurisdiction to call dyfs on my parents for what I discussed in my essay. Is this possible? Have you ever heard of this before?</p>
<p>Maybe you should pick a different topic… airing your family’s dirty laundry may not be the way to go.</p>
<p>Assuming the essay is already done, could they, if I send this essay, contact dyfus or child services? Also, I really love this essay, its way more positive than anything, but I do describe what happened. Not very descriptively.</p>
<p>I suggest you have someone you trust (an older adult, not a peer) read the essay and give you their opinion. I would not send in the essay otherwise. Unless this is your way of reaching out and hoping someone will step in on your behalf. </p>
<p>There are appropriate avenues of help that do not require legal steps, if you are looking for counseling or a way out. I encourage you to think through your essay topic, and be sure you know WHY you are putting a very provocative subject out there. I would imagine it might blur the lines of admissions vs. calling the cops.</p>
<p>Are you “reaching” for this college admission and think you HAVE to be provocative to distinguish yourself from the thousands of other candidates? It might stir up pity and/or compassion, but not sure how it might sway a decision in your favor.</p>
<p>Even if there are not legal steps taken, I would assume your essay might become more public than you would want it to be, and it might carry over into your college life.</p>
<p>Lots of things to consider before you decide to send it in.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you. Sounds like you have overcome a difficult situation. Wishing for you a great college life!</p>
<p>My opinion – the LAST thing you want to do is send in an essay that starts a discussion in admission about whether they should call dyfs. You don’t want to be remembered as “that kid” for “that reason”. You want them focused on your credentials, your personal qualities, what positive spark you would bring to the campus. Not being the kid they either DID call dyfs for, or they feel guilty for NOT calling dyfs for.</p>
<p>To be effective as a college application essay, it needs to show college-relevant skills, attributes, qualities, etc. As much as you like the topic, I suspect it doesn’t advance your desire to be admitted to college. The writing isn’t meant to be like hs assignments, where you develop whatever and, hopefully, write well. This is about college admissions- is your essay going to make you a compelling candidate? Show how you will fit and thrive, contribute and grow?</p>
<p>I don’t think adcoms are sworn to child welfare, as other child workers, medical personnel and public servants are. But, if enough concerns are raised, there is a chance someone will speak with the GC.</p>
<p>Adding to intparent: you could raise questions about your judgment, in selecting this topic. Judgment errors are big ones.</p>
<p>If you need support re: your family life, please do seek it.</p>
<p>Its not that way at all. I can assure you that I have great personal attributes that shine through in my.essay. I have shown it to a few people, and they have told me its really good. I just want to know if colleges even possess the ability to reach out to certain organizations such as dyfs in case they are alarmed by the topic (which I explained had passed and was overcome).</p>
<p>They have the ability to pick up a phone and speak with your GC.<br>
We don’t know what you wrote- but don’t fall into the trap of “pride of authorship” that insists you wrote it, you like it, so that’s that, regardless of whether it meets adcoms’ needs. You have to make your best decision.</p>
<p>Okay. My GC is aware of the situation, but they can’t call a 3rd party intervener?</p>
<p>They can. Nothing to stop them if they want to, I don’t think. Honestly, you are putting the admissions person in a bad spot. Which is something you should avoid.</p>
<p>If your 18 or older I don’t see how they could contact child services.</p>
<p>OP, if you are this concerned, the flags are at full mast and waving. Feel the breeze. Do you think this essay advances you as a candidate? There is no empathy vote. No special attention for kids who test the line. No special seats reserved for “provocative.” You don’t want them smacking their heads, asking, what was he thinking? It is your college application. And, unlike showing it to people who know you and can fill in blanks, know you are ok now, it will be read by strangers who specialize in identifying the kids they want.</p>
<p>I wont be 18 until mid december. But my first app is subnday, and my last will be sent out nov 24th. Also, the essay doesnt put them in a bad situation. They know that what happened is over, plus my essay is (according to others) inspiring, so I dont know if that would deter any feelings of negativity.</p>
<p>My essay shows many many good qualities and characteristics that admissions are looking for, and definitley advances me as an applicant. Dont worry about that. Im just worried about that small percentage of possible reprecutions.</p>
<p>Then why did you ask the question? You clearly don’t like the answers saying they could call dyfs, and it could make them uncomfortable to have to make a decision.</p>
<p>My question wasnt does my essay that you havent read include quality characteristics…it was do.they possess the ability to call dyfys, and so far only one person has answered that question.</p>
<p>ANYONE can call family services if they suspect abuse. That is a no-brainer. That is why you have not gotten more answers…</p>
<p>I believe that all educators are req’d to report suspected abuse of minor aged children. So, I would imagine that if you wrote about something that would be considered abuse, people in education might feel obligated to report it. </p>
<p>So, for instance, if you wrote that one of your parents got drunk and sexually molested you, an educator might need to report that. </p>
<p>I don’t know what the obligation is if you were to write something like, “10 years ago, my dad beat me up and broke my arm, but he’s never hit me since.” Others who know more about this can chime in. I would think that would be reportable, but I’m not sure if only ongoing things are required to be reported.</p>
<p>Actually, in many states, teachers or any school personnel that become aware of a situation are required to report it to state authorities. A college advisor in most public schools is a school employee, so if your show it to them, and they feel the need to call, they are required to do so. Different rules may apply to private schools, depending on the state, but there’s always the possibility of a lawsuit, so you don’t know what direction they will go.</p>
<p>If you’ve already shown it to your advisor, the cat may already be out of the bag.</p>
<p>New poster, pressing his/her case. Not accepting the responses.<br>
Frankly, in the past, when we say, “possibly too dicey,” most CC kids at least say, “Ok, I’ll think about it.”</p>
<p>That responsiveness/flexibility is actually one of the traits colleges seek. If you want to draw a line in the sand and stick with this topic, you take your chances. </p>
<p>It’s cat and mouse. You say it’s provocative, we say, “understand the goals.” You insist. There is nothing more we can say.</p>