Child protection agencies want to protect children - not deprive them of their families. You need to show the protection agency that you understand that what you did is wrong, dangerous and harmful to your child. Then you need to let them know that you have a concrete plan that will help you never do such a violent type of parenting again. You can tell them that you are now reading "Raise Your Kids without Raising Your Voice" (order it and start reading it right away!) and listening to 5 hours of lectures on this subject (you can download them immediately from the MP3Section of this site). You can tell them that you are also signing up for a parent education group in your area and you are seeking individual counseling to help reduce your overall level of stress and frustration. You might take a specific program in anger management on top of it all. Of course, they'll need proof that you're actually doing all of this. But if you can show them that you love your daughter and are prepared to heal the flaw that allowed you to abuse her, I think they'll they'll work with you to help your daughter stay in your care. If you aren't willing to improve your parenting techniques, then they will naturally try to give your daughter to people who are prepared to raise her gently and respectfully. This would be a great loss. I urge you to do everything you can to become a better parent. You're sure to find it a healing experience for yourself as well as a protection for your child.   Sarah Chana