Join a Massive Writing Campaign: CPS Caseworkers Should Be Tested
I just got an email from Cindy (last name withheld) who subscribed by email to this site’s blog postings. She read my last post - the one about parents and drugs, and had this question, “…Don’t you think it is time that we mandate random drug screening for all CPS workers and contractors?”
That’s so true, Cindy. It is LONG past time. And I believe we can do something about this.
CPS caseworkers and social workers DO need to be tested for drugs. They also need psychological testing. They need to be screened for past legal offenses. They also need to be licensed.
Who agrees with that?
So here’s what we can do. Let’s go to work writing letters to our state legislators asking them to introduce legislation requiring that all CPS employees having any contact with children be investigated for past legal problems, psychologically tested, drug tested regularly, and licensed.
Let’s tell our state legislators that we’ve been victims of bad social workers who should be screened out if they have psychological or drug problems. Any social worker or caseworker that lies in a report to the court is obviously mentally unstable. These people should be weeded out of the social services jobs, just as we wouldn’t want unstable people getting law enforcement jobs.
Tell your state legislators to read the comments on the guestbook pages here on Fight CPS so they can see what a huge problem false accusations are. Nobody tells it better than the hundreds of people who come to this site due to victimization by bad social services agents.
Any suggestions or comments on this writing campaign are welcome.
If you write a letter to your state legislators, you’re welcome to post a copy of it here in the comments section.
Keep it brief and to the point. Your legislators are more likely to read a short letter than one that is many pages long.
LET’S KEEP THE HEAT ON THEM until something is done about this travesty of unstable and incompetent social services caseworkers. Only our state legislators can help us on this one. I’ll remember to bring it up from time to time and hope that many of you will get positive responses from your state legislators that you can share with us.
Is there anyone here capable of drafting sample legislation that we can send to our legislators for consideration? If so, email me at the webmaster link at the bottom of this page.
To find out who your state legislators are, see the Write To Your Legislators page here at Fight CPS. And remember, we’re targeting STATE legislators, not federal.
Write letters - hand written letters will be fine, or type them. Don’t send emails as they are too easily deleted.
Thanks to everyone who takes part in this letter writing campaign.
P.S. - THANKS, CINDY, for the great idea!
…
Written by Linda Martin for Fight CPS.
I know of two Caseworkers who were currently on drugs, especially marjuanua. I am surprised that nothing is being done to warrant such tests for all Caseworkers. I also think they should have Mental Evaluations yearly because I know of some caseworkers always brings up their pasts into the family cases which I think deemed unprofessional. Their personal histories, they will say it is your fault and it should be left at home because you don’t mix personal and business in the same equation. Have you ever heard of bosses say “don’t bring personal from home to Work”? Leave it at home. And Work professionally. I think their Code of Ethics should be updated as well.
Comment by Frustrated — May 7, 2008 @ 10:59 am
I totally agree even though drugs weren’t involved I do believe the worker had to have been on them. I also believe we should test judges to see if there clean and or sober. Oh and for those of you that don’t know heres a true fact the CPS worker can and do have private meetings with judges. And this may or may not be a fact but I have heard (just rumors so not sure if Valid) that CPS workers get bonuses for all children adopted out .
Comment by James Currier — May 7, 2008 @ 11:21 am
Sorry for second post but have you also noticed what CPS does is covert and never makes the news? Even if there found to be doing illegal things. I myself consider what they do to be state sponsered kidnapping.
Comment by James Currier — May 7, 2008 @ 11:23 am
I wrote the letter below to all of the representives here in TN including the Gov. i can only hope it does not reach deaf ears. Please follow my example in your state, it is the only way anything is going to change. They can’t dismiss all of us!
Dear Sirs:
My name is Sonya Sizemore and I have recently been the victim of false abuse allegations by the Department of Human Services, the Department of Children Services, as well as Child Protective Services.
I am not writing you for help in this matter, I have retained a very competent attorney who is handling the matter for me. However, through out this whole process I have done some investigation into the dealings and practices of the above mentioned government agencies.
Currently there is no legislation that makes it mandatory for caseworkers and social workers to be tested for drugs, psychological testing, or to be screened for past legal offenses. I am writing you to plead with you to introduce legislation requiring that all government employees having any contact with children be investigated for past legal problems, psychologically tested, drug tested regularly, and licensed. Any social worker or caseworker that lies in a report to the court is obviously mentally unstable. These people should be weeded out of the social services jobs, just as we wouldn’t want unstable people getting law enforcement jobs.
Until something is done about this travesty of unstable and incompetent social services caseworkers there will continue to be thousands of families needlessly torn to pieces all cross this country.
I ask for your help as a citizen of Tennessee and as a mother, only you can stop the pain that thousands of families are going threw because of unstable social workers and case workers.
Thank you for your time and attention in this mater.
Comment by Sonya — May 7, 2008 @ 11:51 am
Yes people, I can’t wait to write this letter. These slimebags have our referred recommendations mapped out (EVEN BEFORE YOUR VERDICT IS READ) to basically build a case for themselves in court. One always being a mental health eval.,substance abuse eval.(if drugs are in allegations), always parenting classes,if a domestic violence call was called in(hitting or not) thats on the list too. They should have all the above investigated on themselves before investigating our families. The ones in this state(NY) need the evaluations more than some of the families I’ve seen in the court room. Especially when they want you to do their services before you even get on the stand and there is a verdict from a judge. They tell you” This is what the judge wants”, “You’ll get your children back sooner if you just do these first”….Don’t listen to them…they are wanting you to do these before proving your case….you are admitting your guilt before they prove it …and they have to prove it …NOT YOU, BY TAKING THEIR RECOMMENDED SERVICES…THIS IS WHAT THEY WANT!!!!! DON’T DO IT…MAKE THEM PROVE BEYOND A PREPONDERANCE OF EVIDENCE…WHICH IS WHAT THEY HAVE TO DO…AND IF YOU STUPIDLY DO THIS…IT DOES NOT BRING THE CHILDREN HOME FASTER…THEY DRAG IT OUT TO MAKE THE MOST POSSIBLY MONEY THEY CAN….THE COURT PROCESS IS SLOWWWWWWWW…AND THEY TAKE THEIR SWEET TIME ALSO.
Go to http://familyrightsassociation.com/info/help/index.html …scroll down to The Process Chart. and click on it!!! this is the process they go thru…so don’t do their services…this is what they want u to do..YOU MIGHT AS WELL STAMP GUILTY ON YOUR HEAD..this only helps their case.this sight is good for people who are in the SORRY SYSTEM OF FAMILY COURT. please pass it on!!!!!
Comment by marie — May 8, 2008 @ 3:54 pm
Marie, I agree with most of what you said except for one thing: “so don’t do their services”.
Let’s qualify that.
If I were offered a “service plan” I wouldn’t do it, and would request a court hearing first. (Every parent has the right to make up their own mind on this; I’m just saying what I’d do if there was a false accusation.)
But when there’s a court order in place requiring “services” . . . it is folly not to do what is court ordered. If you don’t do it, then your children will not be returned. My policy is to always do what the judge requests in a written court order - but when in court, explain to the judge (or have your lawyer explain) when certain components of the service plan are not necessary.
Comment by Linda — May 8, 2008 @ 9:20 pm
And also make the CPS pay for its Services, not you. After all, it is the CPS that makes its case against you, not yourself. Make them pay for its services for you to “take” forcibily. It is laughable when it states “voluntary” which means you only can volunteer to take it, it is not a “must” take. but they said you must take it?
Talk about conflicts of interests here. lol It is a crazy system we are having here and we need to reform CPS and start all over again. Make them more accountable, and make them act more professionally instead acting like a bunch of banshees. It is childish and immature. Let’s think as Adults and do what’s best for our Children of our Futures. After all, these children are the product of the future generations, let’s not wreck it by mere little false allegations that CPS makes with poorly done investigations. Make them investigate properly. and prove Evidence in Civil Courts. Not using their “own words” or “their own thoughts” about you and your Family. It’s called Judgement. We should take Judgements out of the CPS’ policy standards and act evidently.
Comment by Frustrated — May 10, 2008 @ 12:11 pm
Sonya:
You certainly have struck a chord of agreement.
If cw’s lie in court, they have committed perjury.
It seems to me that all court personnel and folks in juvenile institutions and correctional facilities should be screened for the use of illegal substances, and their personnel records should be carefully vetted.
Those who have unaccountable and unsupervised power over children and teens need to uphold a high standard of conduct.
Florida has made caseworker falsification of records a felony and I believe several caseworkers have been disciplined and/or terminated as a result of their exaggerations, fabrications and outright falsehoods.
I would suggest you join the Message Boards here and network with others from TN. I am certain that you find someone with you on your noteworthy suggestion.
People are tired of DCS’ tricks and deserve to be treated fairly. However, it is always better to treat the caseworkers with some respect, since they are unused to folk who are not GOING BALLISTIC with them.
Also, these folks do have and hold too much unsupervised power.
Senator Nancy Schaefer of Georgia has written extensively about the corruption and tricks which CPS tries to do WITH ALMOST EVERYONE.
You are not alone. Thanks for your suggestion. Linda has heard a lot over her years of trying to effect reform within DCFS.
Happy Mom’s Day…….
Comment by Fern — May 10, 2008 @ 12:25 pm
Is it true that caseworkers are immune to the law when it comes to lying?
My caseworker lied on stand to judge about my daughter having bruises when the pediatrician documented that there were no bruises?
Also my son is claiming abuse by foster dad but yet I keep getting brushed off and nothing is happening.
One more thing, one of my children will have to stay in foster care for treatment of bipolar. They are expecting the other 2 children to remain in foster care to go along for the ride while sibling gets treatment. Is this fair to keep other children away from family and friends? Also can anything be done about this type of situation? I agree my child should stay in foster care to get treatment but at the same time don’t think the the other 2 should have to stay and go along for the ride for months if not years. TIA to anyone who can help.
Comment by Meghan — May 10, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
I sure wish I had listened to Marie & Lindas advice when we were playing the ’service plan’ game. I got another question though: Does CPS have the legal right to snatch siblings, especially one’s that were not even BORN when the case started (mine was only against one child?) I guess it is common practice because look at all the kids that were ripped away from their families in El Dorado, TX. When the pregnant teen girls have or have had their babies in state care, do they pimp those babies out to foster care? I’m just wondering because the more kids they snatch, the more bucks for them. What a SORRY system we have. Anyways, happy Mother’s Day folks.
Comment by Susan — May 11, 2008 @ 5:59 am
Susan, yes, they can snatch sibilings that weren’t born when the case started. They do it all the time. And as for babies born to girls in foster care, I’ll bet a lot of them are taken away… but not all.
Happy Mother’s Day to you too, Susan.
Comment by Linda — May 11, 2008 @ 8:39 am
Yup that;s what they did to me. They will have to face the ultimate judge someday!
Comment by Susan — May 12, 2008 @ 5:53 am
Still don’t believe they should be tested? Read this link about worker who drove drunk t with child he was supposed to “protect”
Comment by Charlotte — May 18, 2008 @ 3:44 pm
Still don’t believe they should be tested? Read this link about worker who drove drunk with child he was supposed to “protect” . No one should be above the law. In fact those who work with children should be held to a higher standard. (Don’t they do this to parents in an effort to terminate rights?) If you have nothing to hide why would you care.? Another note here..I have read some over the counter medicines also give a positive result for illegal drugs. Parents who are forced by cps to do a drug test should be sure that they mention those to those testing so it can be documented in paperwork. I am a teacher and would gladly submit to a drug test anytime. I take my job very seriously and my children at school (and at home) deserve my best.
Comment by Charlotte — May 18, 2008 @ 3:48 pm
Still don’t believe they should be tested? Read this link about worker who drove drunk with child he was supposed to “protect” .http://www.familykb.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/spanking/3353/State-social-worker-charged-with-DUI-while-transporting-a-child
No one should be above the law. In fact those who work with children should be held to a higher standard. (Don’t they do this to parents in an effort to terminate rights?) If you have nothing to hide why would you care.? Another note here..I have read some over the counter medicines also give a positive result for illegal drugs. Parents who are forced by cps to do a drug test should be sure that they mention those to those testing so it can be documented in paperwork. I am a teacher and would gladly submit to a drug test anytime. I take my job very seriously and my children at school (and at home) deserve my best.
Comment by Charlotte — May 18, 2008 @ 3:49 pm
i was in the care of child protection growing up. i developed behavioural problems as a result of it. i was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. grew up had two beautifuk girls and child protection swiped them from me. anybody out there with similar problem. please respond
Comment by diane — May 18, 2008 @ 6:59 pm
There should be mandatory drug testing for all employees working for the government, be it directly or subcontract positions and most importantly in fields where one is working with issues so important as family preservation and child saftey. As an exCPS supervisor I can personally speak to the fact that some CPS workers partake in illegal drugs. As a supervisor I knew this and couldn’t do a thing about it unless they did it while on the clock. Funny world we live in, eh? Talk about double standards. It was okay for them to smoke pot but not the parents on their caseloads.
Comment by ex-CPSsupervisor — May 22, 2008 @ 3:35 pm
Yes, Linda,I agree, I was just saying not to do them before there is a verdict on the case, I get carried away talking about “these issues” and don’t reread what I write..then it comes out wrong. Sorry!
Really, NO SERVICES people until you hear a verdict!! Then when you do there is a catch 22 also……CPS will immediately sign you up for Medicaid so they will pay for it all, but the catch is they add on all kinds of stuff. One example is: Instead of just a urine test and a substance abuse evaluation….they send you to their long armed hospital and you get blood taken,urine test, and swab test, plus your going thru their “PEOPLE” and they can say anything they want…to make you be in “SERVICES” for way longer than is necessary, to keep your children longer, jack up the medicaid bill, and get their reimbursement fees while you do. This all needs reform…it’s DISGUSTING!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREE OUR CHILDREN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by marie — May 22, 2008 @ 3:58 pm
Susan-
Yes, they can take a newborn just because the older children are in foster care.
There’s an entry in Wexler’s blog at: http://nccpr.blogspot.com/2008/05/texas-style-child-welfare-comes-to-new.html
Diane-
There are many many parents in your situation. Having been in the CPS system as a child puts your own kids at risk for being taken. In our case, my husband had been abused as a child and ended up being put in (and running away from) a series of group homes without having anyone really help him deal with his issues or prepare him for adulthood by teaching him basic grown-up life skills, like how to drive or balance a checkbook. Big surprise, he had a hard time adjusting to family life and I had a hard time trying to deal with his issues, take care of the kids, and keep the house clean. Add financial stress on top of all that, and it was a predictably bad situation that could have been avoided if we’d just gotten actual help instead of “services” that were more about spying on and insulting us.
Comment by Stitchwitch D — May 22, 2008 @ 7:49 pm
I KNEW it! Finally someone who worked in ‘the system’ admits to CPS agents doing drugs! I wonder if they give them random drug test. Can an anonymous tipster call & say they suspect one of their employees is using drugs? Have you all read the AFRA website about a CPS worker in AZ who molested numerous children, including having sex with a 4 year old??? That makes me absolutely SICK! How many others are doing the same thing that haven’t been caught?
Thank God the appellate judges in TX are finally seeing the TRUTH about the FLDS situation & are going to give some of the kids back to their rightful parents. I wish the state of CO will review all the non abuse cases including my own as well!
Comment by Susan — May 23, 2008 @ 6:17 am
Sonya–Good letter. Second to last paragraph typo: “threw” should be “through.” Also, I would break it into two sentences. I hop you send it & post what response you get, if any.
Comment by Lisa — May 24, 2008 @ 11:39 am
I definitely agree that CPS workers should receive mandatory drug screens. I also believe that there should be an ethics committee overseeing CPS in each state that would hold CPS accountable for their lies, for the times that they are in contempt of court orders (in NH nobody holds CPS accountable and our legislative committee has voted down CACR23, which allows our NH parents to be in charge of the general welfare, the medical care and the education of our children! It’s a said time for NH as the state dictates the parenting for our children instead of allowing parents to be parents!) CPS most definitely should be abolished as they destroy families instead of helping families!
Comment by Hope Nardone — May 25, 2008 @ 5:17 am
I agree that everyone that comes in contact with children that are in the custody of the state should be screened, however that would and SHOULD also include family members wanting the children. I worked in a emergency room and so many children would come in and their guardian usually being a grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc.. I myself noticed a lot of them looked like they were on drugs themselves, and had the bio parent with them there a lot of the time. The whole point was to take the child out of a unstable environment and put them in a stable one. Unfortunately where I live meth runs rampid which is the reason for a lot of children in out of home care in the first place. Statistically only 30 percent of meth addicts get clean. That is astounding considering how many children get sent back to live with their parents.
Comment by Mary — May 30, 2008 @ 6:58 pm