Not saying this is the case, but sometimes, if CPS is involved in an inane-sounding investigation, it's because they were involved before in a less-inane investigation. A person with a history of neglect can _say_ they were adopting a free range parenting style, but if they had a kid die in a hot car two years ago, you can understand how CPS would watch more closely.

I saw an article floating around about a couple that were prosecuted for letting their child cross a street alone to go to a store, but it was actually a highway and one of their other kids had died on that highway a few years ago.

Having been involved in the foster care system before, I can tell you, no parent believes they were doing anything wrong, ever. They almost all exclusively believe they were being unfairly targeted for past transgressions or unfair accusations. That happens, but given how everyone says that, it's not a good signal.

Yes, this may not be the case in this article, or even in most cases, but it is something to consider about human nature.