A child protection plan is a set of instructions and legal documents that clearly spell out who you want to take care of your children temporarily and permanently should you be unable to.  It also includes an ID card for your wallet that lets the authorities know of your plan and wishes. It is important to keep the ID card on you, because it will prevent Child Protective Services (CPS) from taking custody of your children. 

When you don’t have a child protection plan in place, the police will have no choice but to call in CPS when they arrive at your house and find the children alone or with a babysitter. From here, the appointed guardian for your children will likely be determined by a judge, who is unfamiliar with your family and loved ones, and who will not know your wishes and desires.