Why do people call social workers baby snatchers?

Protective and Regulatory Services in some states hire social workers to do investigations of child abuse and neglect. Nobody likes having an official from the state investigate them to see if they are abusing and/or neglecting their children. If you don't take good care of your kids, its easier to point the finger at social workers than at yourself.

The truth is that social workers do help take abused and neglected kids out of homes with court oversight, legal representation working just for the benefit of the child, and with agencies that watchdog child welfare on behalf of children. Social workers are often part of a team that helps with family preservation when possible, so that families that are open to help can learn to provide a safe environment for their kids, and can be reunited with them.

There is a move afoot to replace social workers with police since it is a crime to abuse and neglect children. People who yell "Baby Snatcher" at social workers now would rue the day if police take over the investigations role. Police won't stop at looking for abuse and neglect, and abusing parents will be a lot more likely to go to jail with a lot less opportunity for family preservation.

You must live in the ghetto if you hear that all the time. And you are right. It's just the crack heads who say that.