FightCPS does not advocate or condone violence or illiegal activities of any kind.
FightCPS is intended to help people learn enough about the law to be able to successfully defend themselves and their families against false accusations using legal documents and strategies that put parents in a stronger position when they go back to court.
For more information, see the FAQ.
Child Protective Services, CPS, has devastated and destroyed hundreds of thousands of families in America during the last thirty years leaving a trail of broken hearts, broken dreams, and shattered childhoods.
Rather than helping families, government agents have used unconstitutional laws in Juvenile Court to rip children away from their loving parents, break asunder God-given, natural, parent-child bonds, and adopt the children of the grieving out to others who profit financially with large monthly adoption subsidy payments.
Child Protective Services must be stopped! The law that started this, CAPTA, must be repealed. We must work tirelessly to inform the public of this very dangerous travesty of justice. We must keep faith knowing that if there is a God, there is an answer and a way to end this heartache.
Child Protective Services Agents - please come to your senses! Family destruction on false or trivial grounds is wrong, reprehensible, and inhumane.
Fosterers - be aware that for the money you get you are holding much-loved children away from their grieving families while the parents are forced to perform a service plan that is anything but a service to them. I call this hostage holding for the government. This is not kindness - to help misguided government agents destroy family relationships and break loving bonds.
CPS workers and fosterers - I ask that you now let the children of the innocent return to their homes where they are truly valued, adored, and loved by the parents God gave them.
Family rights are God-given rights. And they should not be ignored or postponed. Every moment these loving parents and children spend separated from one another is a torment beyond what anyone should ever have to bear.
It is unworthy of human dignity to allow this terrorism and torture of families to go on without saying something, speaking out, and trying to make a change.
Site mission: To provide information and support for families attacked by Child Protective Services and child welfare agents, especially those families facing false or trivial accusations of child abuse or neglect; and for researchers working to protect natural family rights.
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Fighting Child Protective Services False Accusations
June 17, 2007
Morris Brasovankin, 89, and his wife, Mildred, 86, enjoyed taking care of their five-year-old grandson, Steven. He was born in 2001 to a mother addicted to crack, three months premature, weighing just over two pounds. The mother left and the child’s father, Steven Brasovankin, 54, made the mistake of contacting CPS to help take care of his son.
The baby was placed in a foster home but his father found out the foster parents wanted to adopt so he fought to get his son home again. Grandparents Mildred and Morris Brasovankin helped take care of little Steven.
Four months ago the father took little Steven to the hospital for treatment for a cold. The hospital staff called DHS thinking the father was acting irrationally, due, he says, to financial problems and business failure. The court ordered psychological counseling for this father and gave temporary custody to the grandparents.
Then disaster struck on March 23 at a court hearing when the impatient child, after being confined for more than an hour in the waiting area, got away from his grandparents and ran up to the judge’s bench where he smacked a computer. Because the Brasovankins weren’t able to chase the child and control him, their attorney retrieved him.
A CASA worker, Kathleen Knese, recommended that Steven be taken from his grandparents because of his activity level and behavior. She said that the Brasovankins wouldn’t be able to take care of him properly. The judge agreed and ordered that little Steven be placed in foster care in 90 days.
Ten days ago a DHS worker, James Hood, showed up at Steven’s school and took the child. The Brasovankins were not even notified. When Steven didn’t come home on the bus they phoned the school and were given the news.
From the article at Philly.Com:
“Right away, I’m running down to the school. I must have been there in two minutes,” Morris said. “I’ll tell you something — I love that little boy. I’d do anything for him. Anything. It killed me when I went to that school and he was already gone because if I was there, he would have never been taken away.”
Source: Too Old To Be Parents? by Wendy Ruderman for the Philadelphia Daily News.
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I read this with interest.. I am the granny of 6 grands and can relate to this situation.. The elderly grandparents should have had some help to deal with thier young grandson.. The Casa work in this Case did have the best of intentions to remove the boy from the home.. I do believe though that the grandparents should have been given proper notice regarding the removal…. Where are the Parents, and also.. Immediate family members to help???
Comment by Myrna — June 17, 2007 @ 12:51 pm
They Never Have Their Facts Straight But That Doesn’t Stop Most Of Them Of Lying. My Case Worker Took My Kids From My Parents On 30 Year Old Acquitted Fugitive Charge And Those Were Grounds For Removing My Kids.
Comment by Shanni Sullivan - Einer — June 18, 2007 @ 12:02 am
I’m going all over & out with my quest because my kids need to come home. Please contact me - proudmom4life - at - adlandpro.com or http://shannieiner.tk Thanks I would love to hear your opinions.
Comment by Shanni Sullivan - Einer — June 18, 2007 @ 12:16 am
I think this is just wrong ! sorry to hear your this.I live in kennewick washington and i have been involved with cps now for 4 years fighting them. and teaching people what there right are,and i have friend who has a conic dease and she has 2 kids and she went for help to help her 3rd son because he was out of control so she went for help and now they won’t leave her alone they are tring to get her to give up her lother 2 sons and making lies upi and telling her that she should go in to rehab because they found codnie and she said i know that is a lie because i’m algeric to codine and i have a cornic deiase so i need my meds and they told her her drugs is what stopping her from being a full mom and she needs to stop all her drugs so that they can help her more well it’s the doctor that said if she gets off her meds she will die and the worker saud no i don’t think so she is a drug addic and she needs rehab to get off and the docotr said if you take chirsteen off her meds she will die and now cps is taking her to court to get her in rehab and take her kids…..so her mom is comeing to take the boys and christeen is now going to a hospitel in seattle to win her case and to get her own lawyer and cps didn’t like that she is being herrassed and being called a lier. and even the doctor is being called alierby cps so when did they get to be judges on a person and there sickness and say what is realy wrong and not and how come they get to take kids away on all lies this just has to be stopped and i hope we all can do this.i’m just sharing a story i have a million of them from people around here in washington….cps aren’t doctors but they are tring to be. thank you melinda bocook
Comment by Melinda — June 18, 2007 @ 7:49 am
If the grandparents cannot physically chase after the child - and they are not receiving any help who can chase after him, then YES, he needs to be with people who canm care for him properly. Proprely means having someone there to go “rescue” him when he climbs on top of the dresser and gets his leg stuck behind it, rescue means find him when he plays a disappearing act - as all kids do at some point, rescue him as in take care of him — rather than just being there in the room. Kids need supervision to keep them safe from themselves as well as others. Also, how can they effectively discipline him when he throws a tantrum and won’t get up. At 89 years old will they be there when he is 14 “knows it all”? And oh so much more! I understand the theory behind the article, it does sound like there may have been some bad choices made, but let’s look at the big picture here!
Comment by Lisa — June 20, 2007 @ 2:14 pm
Hi,
This is truely unbelievable. It seems that one must have upset the judge. However, one must consider how important it is to keep children within the family.
We have three grandchildren in our home, of course we also have the mom, who took four years to find her way, to return to her children.
Everyday I am so glad we did not rely on the Child Welfare agency and courts to determine the fate of the children. Instead our daughter was smart enough to grant her mother Temp Guardianship.
We have a website for Reform, started by foster Parents, but with Concerns for all Families. In your case it seems, the courts and other so called professionals let this incident overide the importance of family and family support.
Here is the link to that concern, where part of it states:
“Without this first hand knowledge a social worker is not able to look at a case with sympathy and compassion and will charge blindly “head-on†into a case quite possibly handling it with inefficiency resulting in a disastrous outcome.”
http://webpages.charter.net/cglcollect/FPReform/Concerns/Concern%203.htm
Our prayers go out to you that you can resolve this matter and Let Families Raise Families, NOT Laws.
God Bless, GranPa Chuck
Comment by GranPa Chuck — June 20, 2007 @ 2:21 pm
Hi All:
My child was just released from CPS after turning 18. ALL HER FOSTER PARENTS WERE PSYCHOLOGICALLY ABUSIVE! She will attest to that! One even made her work full time and pay room & board with the social worker’s approval to teach her “independence”. I could write a book on all the atrocities me and my daughter suffered at the hands of CPS. FOSTER PARENTING IS ANTICHRIST!!! EVERY child has family!!!! GOD DOES NOT CREATE ORPHANS!!!! Foster Parenting is a MAN-MADE institution and an INSULT to GOD! NONE OF MY DAUGHTER’S FOSTER PARENTS PAID FOR ANYTHING remotely personal to her while my daugher was in there charge. I as well as her father paid child support. In addition I paid for all her clothing, hair cuts, class/senior pics, make-up, etc and provided transportation to and from work/school since the foster parents refused to do so. My daughter has had MANY foster parents and again they were ALL psychologically/mentally abusive in one way or another. HOW HELPLESS/HOPELESS I felt when I COULD NOT RELEASE MY DAUGHTER FROM THIS HORRID SITUATION!!! ANY/ALL foster parents are tainted/deluded by their own greed. How on God’s Green Earth can any of you foster parents think yourself righteous? Me and my daughter now know you people for what you are! I pray all you foster parents reap what you sow! I will throw all of you in the same catagory as none of you seem to understand the BASIS for fostering is ANTI-CHRIST and thus in-humane! CHILDREN BELONG WITH THEIR FAMILY!!!! Help the family and you help the child!
PARENTS: Even if your child is taken from you, DO ALL YOU CAN TO REMAIN IN THE CHILD’S LIFE, the child will come back to you and it will be more difficult for CPS to abuse your child by medicating them, lying about them, medically neglecting them, etc. I do believe because I remained in my daughter’s life even after she was placed in “independent living” CPS could not easily get away with abusing my child. Also, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! I KNOW GOD found a way for me to stay in contact with my child! CPS is an evil institution. I have NEVER met so many dysfunctional, dishonest, arrogant, blind, controlling people as those employed by CPS!
Comment by Daphne — June 23, 2007 @ 5:10 pm
PLEASE SOMEONE HELP THESE LOVING GRANDPARENTS. I CARE FOR MY GRANDSON, HE LIVES WITH ME ALONG WITH HIS MOM. I WOULD BE DEVASTATED IF THEY TOOK HIM FROM US! IF I CAN HELP PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW!!!! THIS POOR LITTLE BOY MUST BE SCARED TO DEATH!!!!
Comment by MARION FELIX — July 11, 2007 @ 6:40 pm
http://capwiz.com/congressorg/sbx/f/?aid=10004511&r=1
“An action alert has been posted recently asking congress to Reinstate the federal matching funds, so I have re-posted an action alert demanding that congress OPPOSE the bills. Please take action and write or call your reps to OPPOSE the reinstatement of the money that flows to remove your rights and damage your children.”
You want this nightmare to end!? You must copy and paste this link and write your politicians to OPPOSE this.
Comment by Red Writer — July 11, 2007 @ 6:43 pm
The facts on the case as represented in the media have been entirely inaccurate. They have relied entirely upon the two grandparents.
Try the child having a severe case of lice the grand parents would not treat. He did not have a bed. He has behavioral problems they cannot control either.
Jump on the band wagon, but remember the press is not always giving the entire picture because it does not sell.
Comment by Gene Washington — July 16, 2007 @ 2:29 pm
PS- CPS did not remove the child. The Child Adovcate petitioned the court to have the child placed elsewhere, the judge agreed to the problems existing that jeopardize the boys safety.
Comment by Gene Washington — July 16, 2007 @ 2:32 pm
Yes, Gene, but does a case of head lice and no bed mean removing a child from a family? And as far as “behavioral problems they could not control” what would that mean for disabled parents who can;t run after their kids? I’m playing devil’s advocate here, but I do believe the case was mishandled.
Perhaps if the grandparents were given help and in the meantime worked with them for an open adoption where all parties could continue familial contact. So far what was written does not convince me heartily that the child had safety issues but I don;t know all the facts. The grandparents should have known when the child was being picked up and CPS worked with the grandparents to allay some of their fears.
This is such a brutal adversarial system, I wonder if working with the family more would have achieved the same thing (child removed) but with far less headaches.
Comment by Kathleen — July 16, 2007 @ 9:00 pm
Or they still would have gone to the media to play on everyones emotions.
Are they truly concerned about the child when they parade him all over the press?
There are lots of facts not presented that resulted in his placement, and that the childs attorney apart from CPS decided to go to court and fight for their client. The judge concurred in this case that the attorneys concerns were valid.
Robert
Comment by Gene Washington — July 17, 2007 @ 6:01 pm
Robert, or Gene Washington, whoever you are (using an assumed name?) I believe a child’s place is with family unless they are physically abusing him severely. That wasn’t happening with this family. Perhaps an in home supportive service worker could have helped keep this child with his grandparents. I’ll bet that solution would have been a lot more economical for the taxpayers, who are now paying thousands for foster care, service plan, etc.
There is absolutely no replacement for the love a natural family can give. Taking a child from those who love him is cruel and abusive. Using head lice as an reason is inexcusable. That is a temporary and easily treatable condition. The judge should have sent a nurse to help the family. Instead, a child has been ripped from the ones who love him most in this world and scarred for life.
Another family is destroyed. You may be proud of that. Who are you anyway, Robert? What role do you play in this pathetic drama?
Comment by Linda — July 18, 2007 @ 7:02 am
Please help me. I am having the same problem with Angel child Advocate. Please helpout next court date is November 26, 2007. Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 14, 2007
Dear Master:
This is my second letter to you and I am in receipt of your reply to my first letter, and I do thank you for your response.
The writing of this letter brings me great pain and heart ache, as a disgruntled aunt and mother to be, on the disgraceful and disheartening treatment that I have received from the Department of Human Services, Best Nest Adoption Agency and the Public Defenders Office, Child Advocate Division, who, in my opinion, has with malice and forethought, purposely attempted to dismantle my family.
My father departed this life on June 27, 2005 and my sister on July 29, 2005. It has only been two years but it still feels like yesterday. My sister adopted Angel Graham on May 29, 1998, and at that moment, Angel became the most special member of our family forever. As my sister’s health began to deteriorate, without any hesitancy, I started taking care of Angel, and have continued loving her and providing support for her since my sister’s passing.
However, my support of Angel has been hampered by what seems to be the continued collaboration of the aforementioned agencies to prevent Angel from staying a member of our family and remaining a big part of my life.
On December 13, 2006, I signed what I thought was a binding written agreement with the Department of Human Services at my home. I received the amount of $37.81 for Angel as a part of the stipend as part of the adoption subsidy policy written by the Pennsylvania Legislature. This binding written agreement was broken by the Department of Human Services and Best Nest Agency. After receiving a telephone call from Ms. Stephanie Turner, the adoption Social Worker for the Department of Human Services, I started to do my own research about adoption procedures in Pennsylvania.
A meeting was held on December 29, 2006 at the Department of Human Services, in attendance, included, Ms. Stephanie Turner, DHS Adoption Social Worker, Ms. Victoria Haddy, Supervisor, Ms. Tracy Thomassey, and Adoption Social Worker for Best Nest, Ms. Catherine Bonardi, Mr. Christopher, Public Defender’s Office, Angel’s Child Advocate Social Worker, and me. In my opinion, this meeting turned out to be nothing more than a Witch Hunt.
The manner in which Ms. Haddy conducted the meeting felt as if I was on trial. This very seasoned social worker drilled, insulted, and degraded me. I asked for several documents that were used by Best Nest and DHS to determine Angel’s level of medical determination. I was told by Ms. Haddy that she must first check with legal services to see if I could have such documents. I understand the HIPPA regulations regarding Angel’s medical information but I am her aunt and have always had knowledge of it. Furthermore, not only am I her relative, I am her adoptive resource. I love Angel and nothing in the documents would have changed that.
Angel’s medical level was changed after numerous letters from her current physician at Shiners Hospital. Best Nest and DHS were using a physician that Angel no longer was seeing and they both were aware that I had changed Angel’s physician in September 2005. I continued to do my research about adoption policies and laws in Pennsylvania. Money has never been the objective, nor is it a need that I have. I am employed fulltime and only utilize the subsidy to enhance Angel’s life. The above mentioned foster care per diem is far less than the actual cost to raise a child until they reach eighteen. It has bothered me and caused me great stress, which the very agencies who are suppose to work toward maintaining a child within their family and assuring permanence seems to be trying to tear my family apart. Angel is my family.
I wrote several e-mails, letters to various persons about the harsh, rude, mean, and degrading treatment I was receiving by both agencies at that meeting on December 29, 2006. When I began to question the decisions being made by the representatives from these agencies, it appeared that they felt I had become enemy number one, and an all out war was initiated against me by the powerful DHS, Best Nest, and Ms. Holly Kisailus from the Public Defenders Office, and Angel’s Child Advocate.
Let me explain why I strongly believe that these agencies have collaborated to put me in my place. They solicited the help of the Public Defender’s Office, the Child Advocate Office, and Ms. Holly Kisailus, Angel’s Advocate who is suppose to advocate for her. Her actions and words have demonstrated that she does not have (in my opinion), Angel’s best interest at heart.
Every decision that I have made was based on enhancing Angel’s life and normalizing it more. First, I informed Ms Catherine Bonardi, Adoption Social Worker for Best Nest Adoption Agency that Angel was going to be involved in a National Research Study conducted by the Shiners Hospital to determine what method of treatment would be best suited for children with Cerebral Palsy.
On May 18, 2007, I received a phone call from Shiners days before her last visit that the Department of Human Services, Best Nest Adoption Agency, and Ms. Holly Kisaulis refused to allow her to enter the hospital. This was a devastating blow to Angel. She could not understand why she could not go to the hospital; her question to me was “why are they destroying my life� This was a hard question for me to answer, because I could not give her a reasonable or logical answer.
Secondly, I was told by Angel’s Dentist that she needed braces for her teeth. On her bi-monthly visit to my home, I shared this information with Ms. Catherine Bonardi. I further told her that I had already called Angel’s insurance company about the Orthodontist who took her insurance plan. I was told after giving the healthcare provider my zip code that there was not an Orthodontist in the area that took her plan. She informed me in front of Angel that she would go back to her supervisor and tells another person who handles changes of medical insurance in her office. It would not be a problem to change this insurance so she could get her braces. This was in April 2007, as of the writing of this letter, this has not been done. She did send me a list that she got off the insurance website of orthodontists. After calling each one, I was told they no longer accepted this insurance. To date, Angel’s insurance has not been changed nor does she have her braces that were recommended by her dentist.
What has been the only constant throughout this arduous process is that I love Angel very much and she loves me and we want to stay together. However, the current powers that be that hold her life in their hands want to see me perform like a clown in the circus. I have been requested to give every inch of my soul to this cause, I have been treated like a common criminal, spoken to like a child, and demands have been placed upon me unlike other potential foster or adoptive parents. These things have been all done under the guise of having Angels’ best interest at heart. This is far from the truth. Had I never questioned the stipend, we would not be in this place today. We were on our way to being a permanent, legal family. It feels that by requesting a change in the subsidy, Angel’s existence in our home (mine and hers) her emotional health and well being is all being challenged because of the request.
Research has shown that children that are placed in foster homes away from their families do not excel in school or in life. These agencies are putting Angel on track to be unsuccessful in life. Angel is doing well in school; she has dreams, goals, and ambitions. All of which cannot be properly cultivated in a foster home environment and being away from her family.
A second meeting was held on April 11, 2007. At this meeting, the big guns went for the heart. I was spoken to by Ms. Holly Kisaulis like a criminal. She shook her finger in my face, she screamed at me as if I were a child who was acting out. She told me I did not have Angel’s best interest at heart. In addition, they wanted me to move from my apartment and said if I was resourceful, I could just move notes were being passed between Best Nest, Ms. Thiomass, her supervisor. The lawyer from DHS Mr. Holland pointed his finger at me and stated “we will take Angel and put her in foster care if you do not complyâ€. This meeting was the most degrading, rude, outrageous, harsh, demo riling meeting that I have ever attend. This was the first and only time that Ms. Kialius had ever seen Angel; she had never spoken to her, talked with her on the phone, made any verbal or written contact with her. It really appeared that she advocating for Best Nest and DHS and not Angel.
Angel and I want and need to be together because I am the only family she has left. I hope this can be done as soon as possible. This does and should not be drawn out any further. I am committed to Angel and have done everything to ensure her safety and well being in our home.
I implore you to see pass this confusion from all parties and see that Angel remains in my care. Please take the time to meet with Angel and ask her how she feels; also people who know us both, and who have witnessed our interaction together. Let us have the life we both want as a family.
Sincerely,
Ms. Modjeska L. Graham
7841 Ridge Ave
Philadelphia, Pa 19128
On November 14, 2007 the current Master stated that she was going to read or listen to any doctor, her brother is in a wheel chair and he lives on the first floor, she also told Angel that we have your best interest at heart, we have control of you until you are 18 years old. I have written to the Daily News no one has help me. Please
Comment by Modjeska Graham — November 18, 2007 @ 10:37 am
What bothers me MOST about this site and it’s comments is that the emphasis seems to be on the parents/grandparents rights instead of the children’s best interests.
Abuses happen and the child welfare system is NOT a perfect system, by any stretch of the imagination, but the bottom line (unpopular here though it may be) is that if parents stepped up and put their children’s needs ahead of their own, we wouldn’t need the
system.
I’ve heard judges say more than once that the state makes a lousy parent. CPS’s mandate is reunification, wherever possible. The state recognizes that, not only is it in the best interest of the child to be with his own family, when possible, it’s more economical for the state as well. Contrary to what you all may think - NO ONE PROFITS FROM TAKING YOUR CHILDREN.
That’s why millions of dollars are spent on services to help parents learn the skills they need to be able to provide and safe and nurturing environments for their own children. Some of those very services you mock are drug and alcohol rehab programs, education programs and individual and family therapy to help parents overcome their own issues and learn to relate to their children and others in healthy ways.
The truth is that over 90% of CPA cases are, in some way, drug related. Denial is the trademark of addiction - if there’s nothing wrong, there’s no responsibility to change.
Another addiction trademark is the “oh poor me’s”. The truth is that ALL foster placements aren’t wicked and all CASA and CPS workers are NOT “out to get you”.
CPS workers are underpaid and overworked - no one does that horrible job for any other reason than the simple fact that they care. CASA workers are volunteers who’s mandate from the court is, very simply the “best interest” of the child. They aren’t interested in the State’s mandate, the parent’s wishes or, even the child’s wants but rather in determining what is in the best interest of this child in the long run.
These are tough decisions that only the Judge in the case has the power to make. CPS, Casa and the various attorneys make recommendations but the judge himself is charged with reviewing all the available information and making the decision.
Again, I realize there ARE abuses and some of the cases noted above may well be examples of that but come on guys - there wouldn’t be a system if there wasn’t a need for one.
And really, none of you see a problem with an out of control 5 year old with head lice living with 80+ year old grandparents and not even having a bed of his own? Visiting them and being a part of their lives - absolutely - but relying on them to provide a safe and nurturing environment? And for how long?
Again, whose interests are we looking for here? It’s naive of you to think the risks to that 5 year old don’t outweigh the benefits.
Comment by Pam — February 8, 2008 @ 4:36 pm
Hi Pam,
I can not argue that the grand parents may not be able to handle this child. However, is it right to sever all connections from the Grand Parents?? OR is there a way one can make the grandparents a part of the child’s Family????
You seem to have a lot of figures on how many cases are drug related. Sounds like you are or have relationships with a Child Services Agency.
Actually, I’ve been on both sides and consistantly or should I say greater than 80% of the time, there are bad decisions made by the Government because they do no LISTEN to the FAMILIES and CHILDREN’s Needs.
God Bless, GranPa Chuck
PS. My parents and grand parents have all lived to be over 90 years old
Comment by Granpa Chuck — February 10, 2008 @ 12:12 am
I HAVE had experiences with the system. I had a false report filed when my children were small and went through the humiliation of an investigation. It was one of the most horrendous experiences of my life but I understood even then that CPS had a responsibility to follow up on the reports, no matter how ridiculous.
Since there wasn’t any neglect or abuse, the disposition of the case was “unfounded” and the file was destroyed 6 months later. That’s not as unusual as folks on this site would have you believe. If there isn’t anything wrong, CPS moves on to help the children that need it.
You’re right in that I do have friends that are CPS and Casa and see them work innumerable hours on behalf of the children they serve. I have also been through some social work/child services training of my own.
There ARE abuses within the child welfare system - no one would disagree with that. What some of the kids suffer is horrendous and something SHOULD be done but blaming an entire system isn’t the answer.
CPS is no more 100% right than many of the folks posting here. When we all realize that and start working together towards real answers, maybe then the right balance of protection/provision will be found for our kids.
Comment by Pam — February 11, 2008 @ 8:27 am
Dear Pam–when CPS began, an immense propaganda drive was commenced. Most folks certainly agreed that someone should *notice* children with black eyes.
However, since your children were young, the system, like any other *business* has adopted a business model. Clients, head counts, reports, statistics are not client driven, but are paradigms taken from business. The needs of the children and families are secondary. Certainly, even Federal statutes state that family should have a preeminent role in keeping their blood.
Often folks find, and have stated here==this was NOT DONE. Perfectly acceptable relatives, like Diandra were completely shut out by CPS.
In reality, the difficult cases of extreme substance abusers, still remain hidden; yet to justify employment, employees must go out on calls.
Some states even report that cw’s call the Hot Lines to generate business.
Medline recently published valid research that not even home visitors seem to affect or change parental behavior. http://www.pubmed.gov
So, in reality the true abusers seem to know how to hide from the system, while those who are or were innocent like you are investigated.
Thankfully, public understanding is growing about the deceptive tactics of CPS, and most folks now are reluctant to speak to CPS.
As they should be. Curiously, even since CPS was instituted by Federal Law in 1975, the number of child deaths has remained constant at around 1300 per year.
So, paradoxically, while each state now can point to dangerous examples of foster abuse ( and increasingly, states are on the hook) CPS still does the make-work of visiting folks like you. And probably most of the folks on this list who are rightfully outraged by their conduct.
When folks take a number of drug tests and show up clean, something is wrong.
Take a look at a Georgia DFACS head honch’s website which shows her horror when her own family was targeted by her OWN AGENCY.
http://www.unseenscars.com ( or org)
And Pam, what evidence do you have that your files were destroyed?
Very unusual years ago. We would like proof of such or your guidance on how you verified they were shredded.
Thanks. F.
Comment by Fern — February 11, 2008 @ 9:26 am
Hi Pam,
Yes, children must be looked at first.
However, on a statement you made: “Contrary to what you all may think - NO ONE PROFITS FROM TAKING YOUR CHILDREN.”
Believe it or not Alot of People profit from taking child. This is the problem since the people that profit are the Government Agencies.
Yes, 90 percent cases are probably drug related. But what percent of this is when one compares it to all the families.
Unfortunately, this is the type of statistics the the Government agencies uses. ie Child Abuse is rampart. And we as an agency are trying to do something about it. Unfortunately, the child gets caught in the middle, when in reality, there should have been intervention to help the family to help the child. And if there is an abuser. Identify the abuser and remove the abuser and not the child.
God Bless, GrandPa Chuck
Comment by Granpa Chuck — March 5, 2008 @ 10:33 pm
I was subject to DSS when my son was in pre-k, my son had a overly protective assistant in the class who wanted to be a hero. She says that my son came to school with a bruise the size of a adults shoe on his side and was in extreme pain, well 5 days later DSS interviewed myself and my husband only to find out that our son had wet himself on our futon and its color had bleed into his skin (it was overdyed black). The stain was still there 3 weeks later and DSS found the claim unfounded. Well know that I have said that here is my story I come from a family that has been in foster care for the last 20 years. Both aunts and my mother all have cared for children in NC who were taken away from there parents with good reason. I now along with my husband and 2 children (11yo DS & 8yo DD) offer emergency foster care in our home to children who in the middle of the night need someone to be there for them. Who is there? Not there family that was supose to be there and to protect them, but my family who did’nt know them until they were brought scared and hurt in the middle of the night to my home. I have 15 adopted siblings that will tell you that there life is 100 times better than the life they lived with there “natural parents”. Parents who loose there children to DSS do so when they do not complete a reunification contract with there children not with DSS. If you have nothing to hide and have done nothing wrong, then don’t hide and run away don’t refuse to answer q’s- you are just asking for someone to think what are you hiding what have you done that you don’t want anyone to know? As for some of the stories of families loosing there baby’s at the hospital 2 of my adopted siblings were taken that way after 6 of there siblings were taken because the mother refused to get help, its like she just liked them when they were baby’s not when they needed her to make a lunch for 2nd grade. God doesn’t make orphans he just gives us all a chance to raise our young in a safe and loving enviroment and when that doesn’t happen he provides foster parents to pick up the pieces.
Comment by Susan — April 7, 2008 @ 8:08 pm
i just found out that my two grandson are in the foster home and the case worker did not tell me able this i know for a fact that they are suppose to let the next of tin know about the family because i have my four other grandchildren living with me what can i do about getting my grandson with me, ms washington
Comment by patricia washington — July 20, 2008 @ 7:05 pm
Hi Patricia,
You should have been notified. Supposedly, relatives are supposed to be notified. Plus, I am assuming you are capable of caring for your grand kids, since you have four.
What state are you from? Or you may look at our state references for your state by going to our state page at: http://rscraps.com/NFPCAR/States/ . Have most states. But can also go to Cecile’s site found on the left of the state page.
Good Luck, GranPa Chuck
Comment by GranPa Chuck — July 21, 2008 @ 5:47 pm
activ proactiv pro solution activ pro solution active
Comment by solution fields activ pro — September 20, 2008 @ 12:23 pm
I am a PA resident involved with CPS. I found a link to a case that was fought against CPS in PA that might be of some interest.
http://www.aclupa.org/legal/legaldocket/fatherskidsremovedimproper.htm
It’s true, if you don’t know your rights and CPS’s legal limitations, they will walk all over you. Getting a lawyer doesn’t mean you’re guilty, it means you want to know that the facts and your rights will be legally represented. –That is what I have learned. Just wish I’d known that sooner.
Comment by CW — November 26, 2008 @ 10:27 pm
Pennsylvania residents:
http://www.headsheldhigh.com Or org.
Located in Pocono area, I believe.
Phone # on Website. Nice folks. F.
Comment by Fern — November 27, 2008 @ 7:20 am
I can tell you horrific stories of foster homes I was placed in for 14 years of my youth. Instead I am focusing on the welfare of my 11 yr old Autistic son who was recently ripped away from me witout any signs or warnings by CYS. He too, was ripped from school without me knowing and they filed a emergency court hearing that day ( 18, March 2009) without telling me at 1:30 pm. I was waiting for his bus to drop him off and instead was greeted by two state police officers and two CYS workers. They acted like I was a criminal and I asked where my son was they replied “it is none of your buisness.” We have him now oh and then they handed me a piece of paper stating the next series of court hearings. I again demanded to know where he was and the police were acting as if I was retaliating. I gave the CYS worker his medications and a change of clothing, thinking I would get him the next day. The damage was done, no one will produce any documentation to me so I know what was said at that emergency meeting. I attended the 72 hour hearing thinking I would get him back, I was devistated. I had a hand me down lawyer who advised I thank them for taking my son and having time to cope with what just happened. I was baffled and the lawyer continued telling me I needed to “roll over” and play dead and become a less factor in this case and act like I do not exist. If I tried resisting and continued to fight for my son and his rights that I would never see him again and they always win, no one can beat the “system”. I have always had my son’s best interests and well-being at heart, I have made him the center of my life and even advocate for him where school is concerned. I still do not know where he is at and they say get help, you need to talk to someone because this has to be stressful for you. I went to CYS after court and asked what they wanted me to do between then and this MOnday the 23rd so I could get him home , they replied “nothing, we have nothing for you. Do you want us to make something up.? I said yes atleast I could be working on something to prove I am safe and the proper placement for my son. They said they were not going to argue with me. Making me sound like a criminal. They made arrangements for me to visit my son after court at they’re building supervised. The only thing they claim as a foundation for removal was that I never follow through with things. I have witnesses that can testify different but they removed her from the court hearing and I provided the court with charatcer references, nothing seemed to matter. I am also a Criminal Justice major and my professors have all written character references on my behalf. I am not a criminal and I love my son. I have not harmed him and I advocate for him and his rights. The judge stated that I only agree to services that benifit myself and my son. That I am oppostionally defiant and do not like authority. WRONG! I have no trust for CYS and the lies. I am a law abiding citizen that just got a criminal history background check approved to go to SCI Rockview with my CJA class to visit and talk to life sentenced inmates. I have tried to work with CYS and always get lied about and my character gets torn apart. They use the fact that I was in foster care for 14 yrs as a bases to keep me involved. I was 2yrs old when they got involved and was taken when I was 4yrs old. I got released when I was 18 yrs old and have been followed ever since I am now 30. I have never been freed and my son is best with me, I love him and can protect him far better than they have or ever will. One foster parent beat my son with a cast iron frying pan and I turned it into the state police. Although she admitted to it, they let her go saying she snapped and they could understand because my son was special needs. Case was closed and it turned up onfounded. I am all about my son and his well-being, and the more I advocate for him the more I am being bullied. They have him now and I refuse to play a game, I did nothing wrong here and neither did my son to deserve this. In Tioga County there is so much injustice and threats being made to parents like myself that if we try and fight the system we will never see our child/children again. Tell me where the justice is and how does that classify helping my son like they claim? So for those of you who are on here defending CYS, your not only blind but very disrespectful. What do we have to lie about on here? We do put our child/children first. My son is my life and my priority. Let me ask you then, what kind of mother would I be to let my 11 yr old son who has Autism, be allowed to remain in the sytstem and play the game? That tells my son I dont care and that I will let them do whatever they want to, to him because he is intelligent enough to know his mother will fight for him. For his rights and for us to be together. When will my son and I be freed? Tell me that!!!!!
Comment by Melissa A. Cole — March 21, 2009 @ 7:29 pm
Also, I must comment on the percentages given about 90% of the CYS cases being about DRUGS. Wow were you mislead and mis-informed. I am not dependant upon, nor have I ever been on any drugs whatsoever. The worst thing I do is smoke cigarettes and drink coffee! I know 90% of foster parents who smoke cigarettes and drink coffee. You can place percentages and labels on parents but get your own facts straight because that is not only slander, libel and defemantion of our characters, it is fabricated and falseified information. You should be aware of posting such falsehoods. Like I said I just had to do a Criminal History backgorund check to be allowed to visit and enter SCI Rockview, which is a state correctional institution! I passed and that also meant drug testing. So do yourself and the rest of us well-respected and hurting parents who are innocent a huge favor: go sell your negativity and lies to someone who will buy them. I say fight for whats right and never give up, our children need us and we must keep our heads high and write our State to pass laws and legislations protecting us from this “kidnapping” epidemic. It is a form of human trafficing if you think about it. Our children deserve a real system that works and we have not found one that does work yet!
Comment by Melissa A. Cole — March 21, 2009 @ 7:42 pm
Know your consitutional rights; allowing us to fight for our children and they’re best interests. Do not let CYS threaten and lie in court. Get a lawyer who will fight for you and your children. I am getting another lawyer who is going to make the heads spin in this case. When I am done I will set my county: Tioga County PA as an example of how human trafficing of our children and exploiting them will not be tolerated! Kidnapping our children and not respecting our rights is all unlawful. We must stick togther to free our children!
Comment by Melissa A. Cole — March 21, 2009 @ 7:46 pm
Melissa,
I am not an attorney but I have been doing a bit of research into autism and CPS. In addition, to looking for an attorney, I humbly suggest that you cantact any and all organzations working with Autistic chilcren. Apparaently, a pattern has emerged wherein, Autistic children are taken into care by CPS.
Comment by MaggieC — March 22, 2009 @ 6:09 am
That’s pretty clever of the government, Maggie — first they cause autism with vaccines, then they steal the kids from their parents because they’re autistic — and probably because they qualify for SSI and want to keep that money for the county.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — March 22, 2009 @ 11:21 am
Updating the case, grandfather had severe medical issues he was hiding. Having the child in the home could have cost him his life.
Father of child was hiding drug addiction and chronic mental health issues.
Child was diagnosed as having Aspergers.
Grand Father eventually passed away from hidden medical condition. Grand Mother ended up in a Nursing Facility last I had heard per reports.
Comment by GWA — September 8, 2009 @ 12:08 pm
Best interest of children, right? How so! This is sickening! But they are CYS or DHS, they can do what they want. Do you know they hire freelance social workers???? hmmm. Within a 4-week period, a freelance Social Worker, made decisions in your loved ones lives. There is also a few SUPERVISORS, whom you may never meet, who will make calls in your families lives, without even meeting you (or the children). Hows that work?
Comment by karla — September 10, 2009 @ 2:04 pm
Bottom line though, our coping mechanism should be more healthy. If anyone has any info from our publics, Children, Youth and Family Services Depts. on how they ASSIST us in making our coping mechanism more suitable to them (and our children), please let me know!!!!
Because they have NOT, I am a failure to them.
Thanx
Comment by karla — September 10, 2009 @ 2:10 pm
This is a cruel world, cps can give a 74+ widowed foster woman a 3yrs old child, yet! find the biological grandparents unable to care for her grandson/daughter?
it is all in the name of “Almighty dollars”
Ann Swire.
Comment by ANN SWIRE — September 15, 2009 @ 2:44 am