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 The law that started this, CAPTA, must be repealed.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
September 1, 2008
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My grandchildren are in the process of being adopted out to their foster mom. My husband and I previously had visits with them with the foster mom and her mother supervising the visit. One instant I was alone with one of my grandchildren who told me that the foster mom pinches her on the back of the neckas a form of discipline. When her caseworker found out that I had questioned my grandchild she stopped our visits. Even though the foster mom had been pinching her neck. My husband and I have been trying over a year to get custody of them, however the judge ruled against us. And what did CPS say about the mark on the back of the neck that we, made it up so that we could get the kids. Although its been over six months since we have seen the marks, I am worried and want to call the CPS hotline to tell them. However, I’m afraid that CPS will say we’re just mad because we didn’t get the children. What should we do?
Comment by jean — September 1, 2008 @ 10:06 pm
my son was taken from the hospital from me 2wks after he was born. the main reason then was because im a pagan and then said i was crazy. They put him in foster care then a week later gave him back and we had to rush him to the hospital a few hours later because he was white paastey looking and was barely breathing they gave him RSV..he almost died from it.cps wouldnt let us see our son in the hospital for a while.he was then put back in foster care and we got visitation one hour a day once a week.now my mom and mother in law have him and its hell…we are still fighting and have court tomorrow..im scared i need a civil attourney someone who can fight harder than CPS..
Comment by Josephine Winship — September 2, 2008 @ 7:48 am
CPS has had my son who is alittle over 2 yrs.old they have out him on respiradal…..my last trial date is Dec.9th.
They have secheculed a 2nd opinion for him 9/30..Does anubody know anything about this med?
There is so much to this story its so sad.
I still can;t believe its happened?
He’s been moved 7 times in 1 year and they say he has Pervasive personality disorder.
They did this to him!!!!!!
This is child abuse.
Please emailIl me at Tracy6945@hotmail.com
Comment by Tracy Barrett — September 2, 2008 @ 6:14 pm
I’m a single mother in Texas, which by some interpretations of the Family Code governing CPS is very illegal. My daughter doesn’t know her father and I don’t know where he is. We are not the traditional single parent family in Texas either: I am not receiving TANF, WIC, and I am currently reapplying for medicaid and food stamps for our household. My daughter was born with a cleft lip and palate; CPS is currently working on trying to blame that on something I might have done in my pregnancy. CPS is always at my door 3 months after the previous csae is closed. This is my third case and I’m just not willing to roll over and play dead anymore. My daughter hasn’t any bruises, is exceptionally brilliant, enjoys playing with her friends at the daycare and is cautious of new people but not scared of anybody. I am a full-time college student and afford things we need with financial aid from the government. CPS is convinced since I am not at home with my child and do not have a retail show house I must be a bad parent. I am a bit freaked out about the fact that they want my kid so bad that they are willing to harass her specialists, willing to tell me to make up additional mental health problems so MHMR will see me about my adult ADD, and usually want me to move back to where I think her father might be so my family can take care of us. This worker obviously think all of the professionals who deal with my daughter are lying to them. The mental conditions I’d have to make up are grounds for CPS to take my child. If I were to move in with my family I would be taking her away from the medical care she needs for her lip and palate, both physically and monitarilly. I cannot afford to drive 2,400 miles to see surgeons on a regular basis with a 2.5 year old. I have been falsely accused three times because I took someone’s parking space, or I wouldn’t apply for more governmental support I obviously do not need, or because I’m skinny and my accussor is absolutly not. I have anxiety attacks when the CPS worker visits because if I breathe in the wrong interval and pitch they’re going to take my child. I cannot be the only person out there who is trying to make a better life for my daughter who has to fight for my child tooth and nail. I am scared and on the verge of losing hope which I know is the best way for a CPS worker to make me try to slip up. I am fighting but it seems to be a losing battle. If there is any positive energies My daughter and I can have for a while we will gladly take them. icechilled at hot.rr.com
Comment by Sarah Olds — September 2, 2008 @ 6:56 pm
Please, I need someone’s help!
My 17 year old step-daughter from my marriage (I’m divorced now) lives with me because her mother wants nothing to do with her, and never has.
Someone who has a grudge against me (I know who, based on the allegations) has reported me to CPS.
Now, for the third time in less than 9 months, CPS is performing an investigation. I’ll have to take time off work again, and subject myself and my home to search.
Each time, I explain that she has lived with me for over a year, that I have an improperly completed Power of Attorney, that her mother collects her disability check and I’m stuck in them middle. Instead, all they want to know is if she’s safe, and why she’s not on medication or in school.
I don’t know what else to do! What are my rights in North Carolina?
Sincerely,
Confused and Abused (by CPS)
Comment by Doug Eubanks — September 2, 2008 @ 6:59 pm
Hello. I just finished reading “Dark Secrets behind Child Protective Services” and it made me feel like I’m not the only one. I got caught in CPS’ web a little over a year ago and have always been distraught and confused. They took my kids for no reason.The way it is here, if enough cruel enemies tell enough lies to cps, they will take your kids. It doesn’t matter if the allegations were “unsubstantiated”. I was in a domestic violence relationship with my husband whom I was seperated from at the time. He got out of jail and things were fine between us again, I watched him around the kids and he wasn’t violent at all. I had him watch my kids while I went to night school. It was a three week course, in the beginning of my last week of classes, I was set up. I left him with the kids, he trashed my house and he called cps on me. I went to his dads home where he and the kids were staying, I called the police because I didnt know that cps had told him to take the kids. I called it in as a kidnapping, mainly because my daughter wasn’t his anyway.When the cops came, he and his dad lied to them and said I hit him. I was arrested and spent the night in jail. The next day, there was the meeting at cps saying that there was so much stuff being told to them that they had to take my kids, “Just until they could sort it all out”. The hearing date two days later, I was stuck in the hospital having surgery. I missed it, which looked bad. My kids were placed in two seperate homes for an entire year. We all only saw each other for a couple hours a week. I devoted my life to completing a case plan. I had everything done in August 07 and didnt get custody back until March 08.Then they gave my now ex-husband an extension to do his caseplan. The one who destroyed my kids lives to begin with, got extra time to bullshit his way through a caseplan that they say “fixed” his problems. He has many sociopathic characteristics, but now it’s okay for him to get unsupervised visits because a caseplan “fixes” people. He’s even threatened to take my son out of state and not come back. Even a couple hours will give him enough time to kidnap my son. But Caseplan=Miracle=Perfect Parent. Can anyone believe this shit???
Comment by Chrystal — September 2, 2008 @ 8:31 pm
update:
Trial is set for NEXT FRIDAY MORNING at Edelman Children’s Court, a division of the Los Angeles County Superior Court System, it is docket #CK73637, in case anyone wants to put their 2 cents in.
My county appointed counsel, Jennifer Meister, Esq. is doing a fantastic job so far. A request for county counsel to dismiss this case with or without condition (conditions would be that LA County pay for stress and parenting counseling for me and for my son, if necessary and make sure he goes, i.e., provide supervision and transportation directly to HIM).
My son admitted he battered me with a broomstick a couple of weeks ago. This fact was sifted out of the initial LAPD police report by Sandra Holguin, RN, Los Angeles County Department of Mental
Health. Nurse Holguin (referred to in previous posts as “nurse ratchett”) was assigned on July 10, 2008 to the LAPD SMART team to do a 5150. She has no training in education, audiology, pulomology etc. She came to my home on that day at approx. 2 pm, refused to ID herself, threatened to take my son away if I do not “talk” and then proceeded to accuse me of being either paranoid or manic, not sure how she decided I was manic. In any event DOCTOR Alvaro Campos, PhD, Los Angeles Department of Mental Health checked me out for two hours 8 days later and wrote a letter stating I have NO MENTAL ILLNESS but rather STRESS from the current custody dispute and stress related to how I internalize frustration related to my AUDIOLOGICAL impairment.
LAPD also accused me of “scratching his face” which my son admitted he himself had scratched. It itched. He had a bad sunburn from overnight camp, which he had JUST returned from before they snatched him.
SRF Bramachari Lee, SRF Boys Youth Program director remembers the sunburn and told DCFS worker MARCELINO that he is an eye witness to my child scratching his own face. This was left out of the detention report.
Brother Lee should be subpoenaed as a witness to testify that my son max had a bad sunburn received the week of July 5th, five days before the county mistook the sunburn for some sort of parent inflicted “scratches.”
My son never told any cop or social worker that he wants to live in a foster home. He told them that IF he could not go HOME to mom, he would prefer to stay in the same foster home. That was not honored. He has been moved three times, each time to a new “secret” Latino home, the address I have found each time on intellus for a fee of $4.50 as soon as DCFS gives me the phone number, they still cannot figure it out.
I reported the last foster home to DCFS for suspected abuse of my son. That report is now being investigated by DCFS emergency response worker Armando Franco, and the Maywood Police did also go over to make sure that everyone is OK, but they did not report to me, they were official told by DCFS that they were supposed to pretend my son was not in Maywood, because the juvenille court minute order says “keep foster location confidential.” they could not keep it confidential for 24 hours!
The county told the dependency court on July 15th that “an online school could not possibly be real.” Not only is it a certified and accredited charter school, but my son had top scores on the recent STAR exam, max scored in the top 1% of the NATION for reading comprehension, the top 2% of the NATION for written communication, the top 7% of the NATION for mathematics, the STAR results just came out last week.
The county thought I was being “uncooperative” because I prefer to use written communication in a crisis rather than attempting to speak to people who are loud and threatening me with violence. LAPD was very aggressive on 7/10/08, for no reason, I was on live relay with the station that had sent them the entire time they were outside my apartment, attempting to break down my door with a battering ram ordered specifically for the purpose of entering an apartment of a hearing impaired disabled single mom, WHILE THE CHILD SAT OUTSIDE THE ENTIRE TIME WATCHING THEM DO IT. LAPD could not receive a relay call because of equipment problems (they do not make it a policy to issue uniformed officers cellular telephones, according to Sergent Ventura at Wilshire Station). That topic, relay and assistive technology for deaf is covered by the Unruh Act, I am preparing a separate complaint for DFEH, the California Department of Fair Housing against the County of Los Angeles, that will be handled on a State level. If DFEH agrees that my evidence proves discrimination occurred, they will hand over the complaint to the California EEOC, which will set the case for mediation, stay tuned folks!
This may be a comedy of errors, but it is the child who is suffering the most. He hit me, I reported this to the LAPD the day it happened, they evidently left this out of the report, “they” is Sandra Hogluin, RN, DMH, assigned to the LAPD SMART team. I have not heard any comment from her boss, Linda Boyd, feel free to put your two cents in to the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health if you do not think psych nurses should be allowed into our homes without ID to lecture us on their personal views on homeschooling. My son made a formal request to HIS lawyer to remain in the homeschooling program, but to date that request has not been honored, he is now a student at Rivera Middle School in Pico Rivera, he just started the 8th grade. I sure hope he does not hit anybody!
The SMART team refused to honor my request that they use written language (live relay) to communicate with me, they barged into my home without a warrant and they refused ID. The nurse also threatened to take my son away the entire time, and threatened to “lock me up in the mental hospital” BECAUSE I asked for ID. Linda Boyd is her direct supervisor, if you do not think Nurse Holguin should have this much power, please send Ms. Boyd an email: LBoyd@dmh.lacounty.gov
I not only TOLD Nurse Holguin on 7/10/08 at 2 pm or so that my son battered me, leading to my screaming and that in turn leading to a random observer in the street calling 911, I showed her the broomstick my son used to batter me and showed her both bruises on my right arm, those were also observed 8 days later by Alvaro Campos, PhD at the Los Angeles Dept. of Mental Health.
PLEASE PUBLICIZE AND PRAY.
LA TIMES is still deciding last I read (about 2 weeks ago) whether or not they should assign a news reporter to this story. I have been asked by a few people (lawyers, mental health workers, friends) to WRITE A BOOK. I will if I can get funding. Send me an email: aovitsky@ca.rr.com if you have a source of SUPPORT. Blessings.
Comment by a.j. ovitsky — September 2, 2008 @ 10:31 pm
i hope this wonderful site gets a few more hits after my last post.
My son likes to talk to people about his miserable life as a teenage boy, stuck with an activist single mom who gave up a career as a professional legal assistant to homeschool him so that he would stay out of trouble until he is old enough (16) to take personal responsibility for the consquences of his actions.
What started all this with Los Angeles (where we actually got along just fine for the first year, but for some financial hard times, related to my hearing difference)
is my son went to LAPD, but not to report me. He went to have a chat with them about EMANCIPATION. The cops who took the report did not know it is a legal term; he was asking to be treated like an adult at the age of 12. I explained to the cop in February of this year what the term means: freedom from parents AT THE AGE OF SIXTEEN (16). That is about 3 years, 11 months and 3 weeks away….my son has a sometimes violent temper, that we can learn to control, it is under much better control now than ever before (no incidents for a whole year!) an the IQ of Einstein (well, one point lower), I am a single mom with unsupportive family and a hearing difference often mistaken for mental illness, but I keep pretty good records after 25 years in the law business.
Please pray for freedom!
Comment by a.j. ovitsky — September 2, 2008 @ 10:53 pm
correct, he just turned 13. it is 2 years, 11 months and 3 weeks away.
Comment by a.j. ovitsky — September 2, 2008 @ 10:54 pm
hii..nice to meet this web…success for you all especially to the admin..
Comment by piter — September 3, 2008 @ 2:22 am
Doug, check the law in your state. In mamy states, a child can leave school at the age of 16. If that is so in your state, educational neglect can not be found.
As to medication, what do her doctors say? Get a private dr’s report.
You might also look into emancipation.
Good luck.
Comment by MaggieC — September 3, 2008 @ 4:46 am
I belive emanciption is age 16 for all states, cld be wrong, also looking to emancipate in >3 years. Nobody can force anybody to take pills, my kid began refusing on his own when he was about 11, but never wanted to take them even at age 6. Prvt written report from tx MD or Phd will help a great deal, the court just needs some authority to act/reunify, the more written documentation you can provide, the better the chance you stand of getting him back. Blessings.
Comment by a.j. ovitsky — September 3, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
Ovitsky:
Troy Anderson?? of the LA Daily News tells it straight regarding DCFS.
Some thoughts–to ponder.
Are you of Latino heritage?
Check out:
http://www.theacf.org Charlie
Assaults on parents are NOT uncommon when children are your size and weight.
May I further suggest a support group for out of control teens, preteens?
Do some research, there should be some that are parent run and can also offer suggestions.
School counselor or local hospital might have pointers to these groups in your vicinity.
Do you have a friend who would take the teen?
Report back. This is a common story in the archives of parental troubles. F.
Comment by Fern — September 4, 2008 @ 6:09 am
in april of 2006 after my husband physically assaulted me in front of our 2 boys, the police was involved and at that time searched him and found drug paraphanalia. they immediatly took possession of my boys and escorted us to local p.d where c.p.s was waiting. long story short, my boys were removed because i neglected them by putting them in an abusive situation on numerous occasions, even tho it was me that was being hurt. devestated as i was i tried everything and complied everyway even put a restraining order on my husband and he was later arrested for violating it. While trying to comply with c.p.s and going through the most horrible depression because i could not get any progress on the case, i turned to drugs, got caught, ended up in prison along with my husband. c.p.s threatened to place my boys in foster care possibly seperating them, refusing to allow my family to take them (b/c of the cost for a home study?) my husbands grandparents said they would “adopt” them as a legal solution to rid of c.p.s. They have millions.. but the understanding wasd that when i got home i would get them back, granted i was doing good and drug free. reluctantly i agreed cuz i felt i had no other choice, i didnt want my boys with strangers or seperated. We voluntarilly allowed them to adopt, i get out of prison everythings great, im trying to work myself back in their lives,going to t-ball practice and games, having dinner at mc.donalds, etc whatever time the grandparents would allow…untill one day on my youngests b’day (3) after mamy failed attempts to celebrate with them, the granfather tells me via the phone not to ever call again that i will never see my boys again, and that they never planned on giving them back, this was the end of everything and that i shouldnt have got sent to prison. They have my boys call them mom and dad and they tell my kids lies and keep the truth from them. they basically have tried to erase all memory of me or their dad. I dont know what to do!!! legally i dont think i got a chance, unless someone knows different. otherwise im dying more inside everyday without them…please help
Comment by mwhittenton — September 4, 2008 @ 6:21 am
for 4 yrs I have been reading horrah stories, including mine, about how the state and gov kidnap families children. It is slavery at it’s best because NO ONE will stop this insane practice because it is above the law, it is the law and there is tons of money to be made by the evil people they train to do this. NO ONE knows how to fight this and win. Our babies are products of future jail bate when they discover the truth and resentment sets in. Amazing how NO ONE gives a damn… except to keep airing/hearing the ENDLESS stories of our legally kidnapped children. Who suffers the most… the drugged up kids that are forced to go to foster homes!! Wake me up when there is ACTION taken against this entire U.S. government driven child theft organization.
Comment by Keira Williams — September 4, 2008 @ 7:49 am
If there are any grandparents in Arizona who have tried to get their children from CPS and failed please contact me at admin@fancybooks.com there is a reporter that is doing a story and the more people we get the better. Let’s blow this thing out of the water.
Comment by jean — September 4, 2008 @ 8:31 am
Fl is the worst corrupt cps system in the country we are fighting to get three healthy boys back in the home.. One Doc is god in the court system what he says goes.. the judge wil rubber stamp this through to cover his butt. We are falsely accused and the state of FL will make us jump through hoops to achieve their goal ADOPTION and money to keep case workers, judges etc employed time for reform of the most corrupt system in the nation CPS is looking for “product” healthy kids to sell (adopt) any ideas?
Comment by frenchy — September 4, 2008 @ 8:25 pm
Do any of you know what the emancipation age in Colorado is? My daughter just turned 15. She was snatched by my lesbian mother & her controlling ‘partner’ two years ago. They snitched and lied to DHS about my husband & I. My daughter is an excellent student & plans to go to college. She will graduate when she’s 17, but she wants out of that untraditional liberal household as much as I want my children out of there!
Comment by Susan — September 5, 2008 @ 2:44 am
Our nightmare began in 2006, I am a mother and grandmother. There has always been a domestic situation between my oldest son and my grandson’s mother. In 2006 she made allegations against my youngest adult mentally handicapped son of sexual abuse. CPS followed up on the allegations and turned the information over to a detective. They even tried to bring a granddaughter into the mix. My son who is mild - moderately mentally handicapped
was indicted in 2007 and found guilty in 2008. He has been sittting in jail for a couple months now. I am so confused because my son had health servixes in place during the time this was suppose to happen. He had support staff with him from 9 - 24 hours a day. He had nursing services in place 4x a day. He had his own apartment and the location of the alleged
allegations was occupied by someone else. He didn’t visit there and neither did the child? There was no physical evidence.His casemanager was in court to testify but the lawyer sent him away and a home health nurse to. He had a court appointed lawyer,who had a trial by judge? The nightmare goes on and on. He will be sentenced next week 9-11 for something he has not done. CPS has torn another family apart. Not only is my mentally handicapped son sitting in jail and is innocent, I have not seen my grandson in 2 years. This situation is out of control,and is getting worse.
Comment by Lorene Watson — September 5, 2008 @ 12:07 pm
Hi everyone
my 14 y/o daugther was trying to date a boy who will be 18 this month i didnot aloud them june 11 of this year dcf showed up in my house allegation was i threw dish at my daughter i denied it but my daughter told them it happened we explained them the stituation we were in with this boy PI told us she is going to close the investigation with no finding june 27 dcf show up again this time allegation was i try to strangled my child we both denied it july 11 dcf show up again this time i hit her and knocked her to the ground we denied that also in one month they showed up in my house 3 time first PI who showed up in my house who told us she was going to close the case finally closed it in july 30th with some indicator i m not happy about all this happened to us just because we didnot let our child date to this boy i have proof he was the 1st caller 2nd caller was his bestfriend mom i dont know who the 3 rd caller was when i spoke to dcf after they closed the case with some indicatorsif i can file a complain about this people the PI told me no because my daugther was writing this letters to him saying things that didnot happened in the house because she provided this people with this letters and they defense was because of the letters they were concerned about her safety how fair is that i know why my child did what she did dcf knows too because she was somewhat sexually active with him and she didnot want me to find out about after the 2nd call i filed a complain about him to the law enforcement finally its in state attorney hands but i think way the dcf handled this calls was wrong because PI knew everything from the beginning when i got the summary from dcf i was not happy with it they told me i cant do anything to chance they findings and more i read about dcf more i get upset about
Comment by tajams — September 5, 2008 @ 12:12 pm
We have been observing what CPS has done to you all.
It is beyond sickening to steal other people’s children - these people at CPS -
I hope I am never face to face with them - they are cruel and stupid - yes, probably degrees but they have no idea how angelic and normal you people are -
You know I really don’t have the words - I live in a very, very, very affluent area - have all my life - I would say that 80% of these rich people are really, really miserable.
I would much rather raise kids they way you do - riding horses and chasing greased pigs for fun is the way to go and I am serious - I am not making fun - these CPS people -
I would bet one million dollars that thye have forgotten how to laugh - I mean that - they are the reptiles.
Comment by penny eppler — September 5, 2008 @ 4:48 pm
I have a night mare so here I am. A friend of mine in Texas thought I should come here. My ex husband has really pulled a number on me. My ex called DHS here in Iowa April 28th of this year, and told them that I knew and approved anf gave permission for our then 11 year old how is 12 now to have sex with a 16 year old boy, which is not true at all. Then on the 29th of April DHS went to see him and in his interview with DHS when they asked him he said I did not do it and did not know. It is in black and white in the report but yet DHS proceeded. with this. It is in black and white in the report filed, because I did not get the report until after the china hearing like a dope I agreed but then when I realized what had been said I started to fight this thing. Our girl has been in foster care for 5 months. Not only did DHS allow this to go on they have the report all wrong. When I met my husband who I am married to now, I left her alone at our house as she did not want to come. She looks 16 years of age. Anyway I called her frequently to make sure she was home and alright plus I came home to check on her etc. DHS said I then allowed her to continue to go to the boys house after I found out about the pregnancy scare, that is not true at all. My ex gave her wine coolers and smoked pot around her admitted to it and DHS for the most part did nothing to him. I did win the right for appeal hearing on the phone and my court appointed attorney told me to call the Iowa attorney general to see what settlement meant. When I asked I was horrified of their reply. They want me to say their report is founded and then they will take my name off list, well this report was not founded. It was started by lies. They put me on a child abusers list for 10 years for something I did not do. My ex knows this and refuses to come forward he says DHS misworded what he said. They are making him take drug tests of which he continues to fail, as of yesterday said he has to go to rehab. He is planning on fighting for full custody but he is also behind $18,000 back child support. My husband says it is just a scam to get out of child support. For years my ex was not interested in our youngest and now all of a sudden he is? Anway my friend said you guys could help me through this. I have done everything DHS has told me to do. I have lost $400 a month in income from this hours at work and many tears. My appeal phone hearing is Wednesday if anyone has advice that would help please email me at poston_kathy@hotmail.com There were times DHS would not allow me to see my child and when I asked why they said I knew and approved of her having sex and had it coming to me. What ever happened to innocent before proven guilty?
Thanks
Kat Risinger
Comment by Kathy Risinger — September 5, 2008 @ 5:37 pm
DAYTON, OHIO ….Grandmother needs some assistance when filing prose. The steps from beginning to end! I don’t want to bore anyone but I really need my story heard from SOMEONE & theres NO keeping it Simple when something like this happens to you & your Family.As several of you know.I know if I was reading something this long I would probably stop unless it kept me interested & I hope some of you read my story so maybe you can advise me now at this point what I can do. I want to start out saying that “If Only I had Known” half of what I know now.Let me explain first that my Daughter (April) has 3 kids and Legal custody of my other daughter(Amy)s,Daughter & I have Legal custody of Amy’s son. We were granted legal custody in Jan.2006. In Nov. 2007 the school nurse called me & asked me to pick up 2 of my granddaughters because they had Lice. So I did.My daughter had them out of school for several months due to this problem & other problems going on with her at the time. I had tried myself several times to get them back into school but they always seemed to find lice & or nits so were not permitted to return. This was an on going problem. I did get Very upset with my Daughter that she wasn’t taking care of the situation Fast enough & or thorough enough. I realize that she had her hands full with 4 kids & trying to get her Life together & back on track for her & the kids. Her only income was the check she gets for taking care of my granddaughter & she doesn’t drive. she couldn’t keep buying All the needed stuff to get rid of the lice completely & to continue treatment untill Completely gone. I contacted the Health Dept. & asked if they could help her so kids could get back into school & she informed me that since my daughter was out of her area she would have to try & get another Nurse to go see her. My daughter told me that they had called 1 time & she had to reschedule & that was the Last she heard from them. Yes, I gave her pure Hell & told her to keep calling back until she gets the help. In the mean time I had spent a couple hundred dollars myself buying all the shampoo,conditioner, sprays, cleanning her Apt. & bombing it & washng ALL the laundry in the house. At this particular time it was the Holidays & her friend had an empty house that she let them stay in for awhile why she got things straightened out & got her Apt. fixed back up.She thought she was being evicted in Nov.& had everything packed up etc. You know how it is when your packing & moving. She didn’t have time to unpack & get the Apt. back together before Christmas so thats why she went to her friends house so kids could enjoy Christmas in a Big nice house. When she moved back to apt. in Jan.2008 I thought the girls were already back in school. My daughter didn’t have a phone at that time so I had no way to contact her. I relied on her to call me at the time for whatever reasons, or I would go there if I felt the need too. She had called me several times & didn’t tell me that the girls were still out of school.One day I got a call from the school nurse calling to check on girls & that is How I found out that they were still Not in school. At this point in time I asked my daughter to sign a paper for me to keep girls with me thru the week so I could get them in school in my district since we were having a hard time getting hem into school where she lived at.she refused to do it at the time because she wanted her kids with her & didnt want to live a Day without them. So again I tried my best to get them back into school. The nurse was not always in to be able to take them to be checked, & some of the times she was there I didnt have a way to get them there. one time I took them I had fallen into a Big snow bank trying to get to my car & I was a few minutes late & nurse refused to check them at that time. One time they needed proof that my daughter still lived in the district because they heard she moved (she didnt) & I took rent receipt to show them but that wasnt good enough so I had to get a copy of her lease thru the Legal dept. of housing she lives in & that took a couple weeks. After all the effort they still couldnt get back into school.In march my daughter had told me that children services(CPS) was trying to get in touch of her concerning a complaint they had. Well she ignored then for some time & refused to call them or answer her door.I was VERY upset with her for that because I told her they weren’t going to go away so she needed to talk to them. Eventually she did. At that time I had the girls back with me trying to get them back in school again & I refused to take them home because I didn’t want to risk them getting lice again after all the work I did finally getting rid of it. I received one phone call from a SW telling me that they needed to see the girls face to face & were coming to my house to see them since they were told thats where they were at & if I wasn’t home to call # to let them know so they can reschedule.I was in the basement getting out Easter stuff when she came by & called so I missed her & the call But i immediately called her back & appologized & told her what I was doing & told her she was welcome to come back anytime & that I was getting them into school & if this time they were not permitted back in for what ever reasons me & my daughter were going to write up a paper allowing me to provide for there educational needs etc. I Never received a call back from anyone & I wasn’t going to pursue them when they knew what was up & if they wanted to call me they could. In the mean time there was a First hearing which I really didnt understand what for but I knew my daughter didnt go because she was in the Hospital but she had the nurse call the SW & left her a message telling her she was in the Hospital.What happened after that I do not know but the next hearing I found out about the morning of the hearing & my daughter called me crying saying she just received the notice & had no babysitter or transportation there . She kept trying to reach someone at the agency leaving several messages so I told her I would go to the court house to see what was going on & explain to the Judge WHY she couldn’t make it. When I got there I wasn’t permitted past the guards desk because I wasn’t a Party to the case. I asked them if they could let someone know that I was there concerning my daughters case but they said they couldn’t do that & at that time anyone of them could have walked right by me & I wouldn’t have known it because I never seen them personally. I went outside & made several phone calls to the agency trying to reach someone to let them know that I was there & wanted to talk to someone. I even called the intake worker but she was on Vacation but I left a message anyway telling her what I was doing . After all that I finally left & went to my clients house to check on him since I left earlier to go to court & I received 1 phone call from someone at the agency telling me that there was a hearing that day & a new case worker VICKY CARTER was assigned to the case & that the Judge made a decission on the case & that I would have to contact the new case worker for any further information. I tried for DAYS leaving her Many messages as well as the worker that originally called me back . No RESPONSE from ANY ONE!! I left messages stating that I had the girls & that Monday April 14,2008 I was taking them to school to be checked & hopefully permitted to stay if Not I had Power of Attorney from my daughter allowing me to provide for there educational needs & I was going to enroll them into the school District that I lived in & they would be going to school with my Grandson that lives with me. Monday morning at 10:00 a.m is when this Whole Nightmare began! Vicky Carter called me & asked me if I had both Girls & I told her yes I did & she would have known that by my messages & that I was getting ready to take them to there school to be checked & she told me to bring the girls into the agency because she was the new worker on the case & she needed to see the girls face to face & I argued with her at first telling her that I had to get them to school to be checked & I told the nurse I would be there by 11:00 that moning & that I would bring them after school & she told me I had 2 hrs. to get them there or she would send the Police to get them. so Not to Cause any harm or mental cruelty to the girls I complied with her & took them there & when I did she told me that she was taking them into custody & placing them in Foster Care. My Heart Dropped, tears began to flow everywhere The girls clinging to me crying not to leave them. I was so LOST & NEVER felt so Helpless in my Life. I promise them that everything would be ok & that I would go talk to the JUDGE & I would get them out of there! To this day I have NOT stopped trying. Every single day I look up resources , laws, things I can do, my daughters can do. And like a Dumb Ass I helped the case worker with finding the fathers, & needed information. I was trying to be nice so they wouldn’t go against us. And helpful to get the girls out as soon as possible.The case worker got fed up with me Fast because I called every single day sometimes several times a day wanting answers. The main one being WHY SHE TRICKED ME INTO BRINGING THEM THERE & WHY SHE DIDN’T ALLOW ME TO KEEP THEM ESPECIALLY WHEN I HAVE LEGAL CUSTODY OF THE BROTHER TO ONE. ITS ONLY BEEN 2 YEARS SINCE I WAS GRANTED LEGAL CUSTODY. i HAVE 2 XTRA BEDROOMS A VERY BIG HOUSE & YARD MY HUSBAND & I BOTH WORK & WE HAVE A STRONG BOND WITH OUR GRAND DAUGHTERS. I could never get an answer.She would just say that this is a Process & I have to be patient & wait & that still was NOT good enough for me. I wanted to know WHY she didnt leave them in my care & that when we went through this before with my other daughters kids they were placed with us immediately while we went through the Process. So we didn’t care then about the timing or how long things were taking back then because the kids were with us “Family Members” U know “the Children’s Best Interest”! That is so NOT TRUE! WE thought that family members were always asked first before putting kids into custody? The first court papers that my daughters received about placement stated that there were NO KNOWN RELATIVES ABLE & OR WILLING TO CARE FOR THE CHILDREN. THEY WERE ALREADY WITH ME SO THATS A PROVEN BOLD FACE LIE.wE TRIED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THAT & WE WERE TOD THEY HAD TO WORD IT LIKE THAT & THAT WAS PROCEDURE. I made them do my finger printing that day & they came out the next day to do my home study. It took us 3 weeks to see the girls for the first time after they were taken & it took the Foster mom to get the visit to take place because I guess she knew it wasn’t right. She told the foster mom to limit the calls & only 1 call to the mother &(guardian). She didnt think that was right so she told her she let them call 2 x’s a day & put them on a time limit. We have been to court 3 times now & of course they Lied to the Judge, left out important information the judge should know . If someone like me were to Lie on the stand it would be purgery. Why can’t they be held countable for that? The judge asked them was a Homestudy done on me & they told her it wasn’t complete. Complete? They looked over my house which by the way was Perfect & they couldn’t tell me ONE thing I would need to do or change. My BCI report was mailed back to them On May5th & if I wouldnt have taken it upon myself to call BCI I still wouldn’t know it was back. I had to do this for my Job as well so they gave me the phone # to call & told me no way it was taking this long even with them being backed up. I had to do the “challenge & review” as well & at our last hearing we were told that when my Challenge review comes back we would have a hearing within 10 days for temp. custody & we would schedule a hearing on my case at a latter time so everyone could be served. Everyone was served for the temp. custody thats why it was allowed to take place but one of the fathers wasnt served for my custody case. In the mean time I was afraid I wouldnt be allowed in the court room & was told to file a Pro SE packet & that would make me a Party to the case so I did. This pissed the case worker off as well.My challenge & review has been back for 3 weeks & I cant get Anyone to get us OUR Hearing we were Promised to have within 10 days.My custody hearing is Sept.22,2008 & I really wanted to be back in that court room before then, but they are withholding my file & taking there time to do EVERYTHING! The case worker & others I believe are Sabatosing our family!I dont have to tell you about all the Lies,missing paper work, workers not showing up so there not put on stand & NEVER RETURNS OUR CALLS. We are not the only ones having problems with her either. The Foster Parent has problems getting ahold of her & even had to get her supervisors phone # from me because she is Familiar with my Research & calls & trying to get girls out & knew I would have the #. The Guardian Ad Litem doesnt get along with her either & she never returns her calls or e.mails What gets me is the fact that these people ALL know what shes about & how she is treating us so WHY cant they speak up & get something done? Or can they? The GAL has highly recommended me for placement.All involved have agreed to let the girls be placed with me temporarily while they work on there case plans. The SW keeps trying to talk my daughters into keeping them in Foster Care while they work on there case plans instead of placing them with me. The Lawyers aren’t doing anything to help.We havent even been able to contact the one since the last hearing on July9 & the other one is never in or when I do get in touch with her she tells me she cant do Anthing unless she hears from my daughter about it & that is BULLSHIT too. She knows were all in this together & that my daughter doesnt know what to ask her to do & i do but she doesnt return her calls & now it ALL makes sense why! I want so bad to prepare that “Memorandum of Points and Authorities”, paper work & take it to her & see her face! We even believe that the Judge is siding with the SW & judging us on past issues & not looking at the good we have done & the Loving close family that we are. The ONLY hopes I had was that 10 day hearing that was promised to us & we cant seem to get. Through my research everyday I prayed that I would come across the needed information for me to do Something & feel ome kind of relief & when I stumbled across this site I had a gut feeling that this was the one ive waited for for 5 months.SO IS IT TOO LATE FOR US TO BE ABLE TO DO SOMETHING NOW? FALSE INFORMATION WRITTEN BY CPS, signatures, due process, appeals, etc..Most people dont have any reason to search the laws, rights, How Too’s on Custody..until something like this happens to them & if they have a public defender they are relying on there help & dont know any better so I PRAY you can still help me. I will work on it 24/7 if I have too to make sure it gets done. I want good news this next hearing!.. One more thing I just remembered,the day after girls were taken I emailed the judges explaining what happened & how we feel CPS did us WRONG & what we can do & told them I would keep sending the same e.mail until someone answers me so they did & one told me who to call at CPS to file a complaint so I did this back in April & several times afterwards & we still have Not heard anything about it. So what do you do when you feel like EVERYONE in the agency is against you & they are all covering shit up for each other. Also I SWORE that even if & when girls are released from Foster Care I am going to continue the fight against CPS. ……….PLEASE TELL ME STEP BY STEP WHAT I CAN DO AT THIS POINT, PAPERS I need TO FILE , laws,rights, appeals, due process anything & everything I basicly explained the WHOLE CASE to you so you know where we stand. Thank-YOU sooooooooo Much & again I deeply appologize for the Very long message but I needed it to be written down & Heard! .Christine H.
Comment by Christine H. — September 6, 2008 @ 1:08 am
RE:……. Dayton,Ohio Grandmother… Remember I only have 2 weeks left to do whatever I can at this point. I have asked several people How I can get the Judge to hear our side of the story & get written documents to her but NO ONE could tell me anything! There not allowed to advise me & or I filed Pro Se so I am my own Lawyer now. PLEASE ANYONE what can we do at this point??? Thank-You .. Christine H.
Comment by Christine H. — September 6, 2008 @ 1:14 am
I not only am fighting CPS, but a judge and a GAL. Check out my web site at http://www.abusedswan.com. This site is for noncustodial mothers. My children live with my abuser in Montcalm county in Michigan, the same county Nicholas Braman lived in. Go to new on my web site to find out more about Nicholases story. I am adding a link from my web site to yours. If you wish that I do not email me and let me know. Thanks Legal Domestic Specialist for Woman, Deanna Kloostra
Comment by Deanna Kloostra — September 6, 2008 @ 1:33 am
Sorry that is Legal Domestic Abuse Specialist for Women.
Comment by Deanna Kloostra — September 6, 2008 @ 1:33 am
I have a couple Question for EVERYONE! Why isn’t something being done about All this stuff? How do we go about getting something done? Who can we tell? Who can we get to look at All the information, facts, statistics, faults, illegal Bull crap going on & HOW MAKE A CHANGE? I am so hooked on this case concerning my granddaughters that I want to make a difference & I would like to get “Something” started here but I am not sure What I can do. Can anyone advise me, Please. What would happen if EVERYONE that has been put through the ringer of CPS & Juvenile Courts , Public Defenders etc. would show up on the Front Lawn of the white House? Who can get us the help we need ? citygirl_23_2000-@-yahoo.com … Christine H.
Comment by Christine H. — September 6, 2008 @ 10:23 am
I used to have custody of my children I never had problems when I had them but my exhusband and his family would bully me I been divorce for 16 years and for 16 years I have been bullied and threathen by my exhusband and his family that family did a lot of mean stuff to me you could imagen but in 2005 my exhusband died and the Judge told that evil family they can adopt my children and she would help them the Judge DHS ,county attorney,attorney general,casa,guardian of litem, my children theripst was friends of my evil exinlaws, all went to my exhusband funeral I wasn’t allowed to go kind of fishy and the courts had knowledge that the stuff my exinlaws has done to me they always had strings pulled in the courts but here is a list of what happen when my exhusband got custody ( by the way my exinlaws would come to my door with a cam corder filming me when I open the door when my exhusband would come for my hids he had to have a family member with him they even went as far as goinh to my low housing asking for my files and low houing wouldn’t give them my files so they made a scene like they always do they keep calling low housing on me low houing knew it was them low houing told me that it just went into one ear and out the other ear because low housing knew they where causing problems for me anyway here are the things that happen when my exhusband had custody and yet cps knew all this1.when my daughter was in ele matery school she told her teacher that she was going to kill herself with a key because her dad was mean to her when he found out he slam her against the locker saying he was going to hurt her,when my son was in junioe high he threathen to bring a gun to school then when my son got to high school he brought to school then my son told me he sits in the dark he gets depress and also my son told me he feels like running alway my son got caught staggering down the street talking about the devil a neighbor told this to my evil exhusband and my exhusband had a neighbor gal and guy watching my children my daughter told me the guy would rub her back then he would rub her butt and my exhusband who he was freinds with watching my children he would have my children watching pornos and my daughter told me about that she wanted to suck men dicks she was about 7 or 8 or 9 at the time my children live in a 2 bedrooms roach infested trailor with no food my exhusband would have neighbors feeding my kids my exhusband was never home bottles all through out the trailor wires all over the placehaving my children playing in tehdumpsters and playing in the dirt my essister inlaws would always yell at my childre one time my daughter wanted a cookie my exinlaws got mad and threw a cookie at my daughter hitting my daughter in the face and one time my exinlaws threathen to slam the window down on my daughter and all of this is suppose to be ok now that they got my dhildren she brainwashed my children against me they are 16 and 19 I was accused of having my children going to the flea marker and having them put dirt on their faces and panhandle or stealing food or having my children diving in dumpsters whatever my exhusband had my children at his place he would say that i did it and at the time I had a large house first time I ever had a house a 3 bedroom2 bathroom large frontroom large dinning room large kitchen small basement large garage evn though i didn’t own a car I live in a quiet neighborhood on a deadend street by the woods 4 houses from the woods with lots of trees by a small creek since I din’t get my children back I had to move into a 1 bedroom apt I had to store my children in storage I can’t get rid of their things they have their clothes and toys in storage and their bikes skateboards scooters etc I can’t part from themher dollies his matchbox cars its like saying goodbye I can’t do it when my son turn 18 I met him on his birthday I gave him some money that night my exinlaws called the police on me the police came but the police couldn’t do nothing because he is of age my exinlaws where mad so they went to attorney general county attorney who they got wrapped arounf their fingers and they charge me for harrassment 3rd degree and they arrested me put me in jail for 2 weeks the judge put a 5 year no contact order on me against my son now when my daughter turns 18 they are goingh to do the same thinganother judge the evil one already put a nocontact order on my daughter because she is juvenile at my son graduation primary care went with me to see my son graduate myexinlaws made a scene again the minute I got there they had the police try to remove me I got a judge signing that I could go but i had to sit somewhere so that my son won/t see me I had the papera with me sigh by the 5 districts judge the cops said they didn’;t care so we went into thelobby try to call my laywer which I coulnt get ahold of primary care had my papers showing it to the police the police said it doesn’t show the date primary care said look down futher it shows the date my exinlaws was trying to snatch the papers out of primary care hands saying let them see it primary care wouln’t give my exinlaws the papers so I got to stay and my exinlas where mad they had to make another sence I wasn’t alllowed dfor my son to see me so 2 of the primary care workers and me went up in the balancy after graduation my exinlaws came up to by where I was at and when the graduates where going under the baloncey it was held at vets autotoriom my exinlaws stood not to far from me calling up to my son and my son look up and he saw me. My exinlaws called my family before graduation telling my mom if I go to my so graduation that they where going to have me arrested that the family is going to be scatteered all over with bincolors on me then they show up at my work then they had my son call county attorney saying he didn’t want me at at graduation how would he have know if they didn’t tell them that really I haven’t seen my children since 2006. see what I have to go thru and the courts and dhs etc know all this this is bullshit.
Comment by Terri Rote — September 6, 2008 @ 10:43 am
Christine H., We are doing somrthing about it. There are many orginations committed to changing this corrupt system of DHS. Unfortunately, the average person believes that they are here to help children, until they meet them personally. I was one of many. I make it a point to warn people and speak of the evil intentions of DHS/DCFS every day and every open opportunity. It’s been almost three years since I learned the truth of their corruptness. I brought my children home after ten months of dealing with them. I stopped playing their games. The best way to fight them is to spread the knowledge that they are corrupt and do not care about children or families. Never forget. I never will. Warn everyone. They do more damage than they do good.
Comment by daaronad — September 6, 2008 @ 10:49 pm
Christine H:
Did you go to the page on:
http://www.familyrights.us
Many of us have been active against CPS for years. MY DEAR, THIS IS AN INDUSTRY WHICH EMPLOYS PROBABLY CLOSE TO A MILLION PEOPLE.
I would like to remind everyone that if you wish to contact someone in your state you can go to the site:
http://www.familyrights.us
Under Contents on Home Page
Then to MEMBERS AND FRIENDS ON NEXT PAGE.
From there, select your state or territory.
There are folks within your state where you can network and talk and maybe even spread the word about CPS malfeasance.
Everyone with children should realize that you can be targeted.
Again, these are JOBS. Attorney jobs, caseworker jobs, social worker jobs, clerical etc.
This is an INDUSTRY. In the US, there are currently .5M children living in FOSTER CARE.
Many of us are working to reform this misguided system, which spends mucho bucks, and gets few results.
But the folks in the states can give you advice.
Advice you can take to an attorney, and possibly educate them, too.
But remember attorneys FEED OFF THE SYSTEM, TOO.
And curiously, many folk have commented that CPS takes children from parents who are defenseless, uneducated, and unaware.
The true child abuser knows how to scam the system. Which is why CPS is so backwards.
I hope you will work within Ohio to spread the word about the harm that CSB can perpetuate.
Know your rights—because if you don’t CPS will seize your children. You see, they need to meet THEIR QUOTAS.
And to parents–please don’t hook up with abusive folks and don’t drug.
You only get a limited number of years to raise your children.
Best. F.
Comment by Fern — September 7, 2008 @ 5:01 am
Very sad news…I just heard that Minister Ron Smith passed away Sept. 5th from a massive heart attack. He was the ultimate fighter for our cause. I had the pleasure of meeting him last year at the 1st Family Rights Rally in DC. It was an honor to have met him and our thoughts and prayers need to be with his family during this difficult time.
Comment by Susan — September 7, 2008 @ 6:14 am
He was an amazing man and helped out a lot of people. He will be missed tremendously. He fought for not just equal parenting, but for other causes dealing with family issues. He encouraged me plenty, in the fight to get my children back from CPS. He never judged, just listened and offered advice. Please pray for his family in their time of need. Lets keep his legacy alive!!!!
Comment by Kandice Cantrell — September 7, 2008 @ 9:43 am
Please go to http://cnbpinc.ning.com/ to get updated information on Ron Smith. That is an excellent website that he founded. May his legacy live on!
Comment by Susan — September 7, 2008 @ 7:31 pm
We are adoptive parents. We have adopted a medical needs baby, her name was Claire and she lived for seven years - I still miss her very much.
We have a son we adopted at birth. He is bright, well-adjusted and well liked by many people.
Then there is the younger son - we got him when he was almost 5 ys old. We were naive. We thought that we could love him into being a happy kid.
We were wrong. He came with no diagnoses and we found out the hard way that he had major mental health issues.
He lies, cheats, hits,and generally makes life miserable. Our marriage is damaged from him and the CPS fiasco.
We struggled for a year to get a therapist for him and then that turned into a day that I will never forget. I don’t know if this therapist has ever caused anyone to commit suicide, but she really upset me.
Then the psycho CPS worker came and accused me of being emotionally unstable, physically, emotionally, verbally and spiritually abusive.
We have a prayer table and some religous art. We are Catholic and evidently that isn’t acceptable.
We were fortunate that we had some very good witnesses that came to court for us. His pediatrician, his teacher, our neighbors, our older son’s birth mom and her mom, my mom, and some friends who have been in Bible studies with me who could testify about my faith life.
It has been over two years and we are free for now - although the son with the problems threatened “the next time I am in court, I will tell the judge….”
We told him that there was no next time. They take him next time and that is the end. He seemed very bummed out by this. He is only 8 years old.
He lied to the psycho worker and she thought he was honest. Ha! One knows he is lying because his lips are moving. He lies about obvious and blatant truths - but it doesn’t matter. He seems to like it.
We just plug on and pray a lot and I keep trying to put this crap behind me, but the abuse of me was just too awful and no one really seems to understand.
Thanks for being here.
Comment by Denise — September 7, 2008 @ 9:03 pm
have a question. As you all know my appeal over the phone is Wednesday but here is my question. Do parents ever win these things? I do know the judge suggested settlement and then I find out from DHS in Des Moines that it means to say the report is founded and then they will take you off the list I then find out most times the parent is not removed from the list. I know for me I refuse to settle because I did not do what is in report. Thanks guys for all your prayers and support
Comment by Kathy Risinger — September 8, 2008 @ 9:55 am
Sorry for all the questions. I just need to learn what I am up against. Has anyone here had friends and family turn on them due to the false accusations from DHS? People that used to be my friends said they loved me are rallying around the ex husband and treating me like trash. I did not know if this was normal.
Comment by Kathy Risinger — September 8, 2008 @ 7:52 pm
To Denise
You must realize that DHS/DCFS is not interested in helping families and children as much as they are interested in helping themselves. It rolls down to the worker, starting from the top. There position is/was considered highly respectable, because they are/ were thought to be the saviors of children in dire need. It’s obvious that that has went straight to their heads. Not all of them, but they are taught that and in their teachings they are not given the emotional effects that it has on parents or children. What they are given is quite the opposite. Many of them quit the job, due to contraversy. Some of them go along for the ride, even though they know it is wrong. And even more of them, the ones who are looking for promotions and enjoy the feeling of power, take advantage, lie, coerce, etc.
I am not a supporter of adoption through DHS/DCFS. They tell the adoptive parents one thing and you believe them. You use that to justify saying that you have met the parents and you did the right thing by adopting their child away from them. Now, you only see part of the truth and you hear even less of the truth within DHS/DCFS. What happens when they turn on you? You thought that you were making a good example by being an adoptive parent? DHS/DCFS doesn’t care. Whatever it takes to get the funding. An adoptive parent is no different than the natural parent to them. If someone makes an accusation against you, founded or unfounded, it’s an excuse to to justify their job.
With adoptive and foster parents, the accusation usually comes from the non-biological child. What that means , in many cases, is that ALL the children are taken, whether temporary or longer. Now, you are on DHS registry as an offender. That can not be removed. Even if it is cleared through court or through DHS/DCFS. The allegation was made. That not only follows you, it follows all the family members in the household. It is on record and no court can make it go away. Don’t believe the lies that DHS/DCFS tells you. They are a corporation. They follow the money. Trust in your own principles. They have to justify their jobs in order to get paid. Does a biological parent, foster parent or adoptive parent need that incentive? If they do, they need to stop listening to DHS/DCFS.
Comment by daaronad — September 8, 2008 @ 8:54 pm
To Denise,
I needed to rant a bit. My advice is to stick to your guns. If he is out of control, you will have to go through a trial and error period to understand how to get through to him. There is no simple answer. It takes time and committment. You took him in as your own child . You made a committment to him. Please, do not let him go. Get him the help that he needs, but stay with him. The last thing he needs is to be given over to another family. It will further his confusion. He needs to be shown that you are there for him, no matter what. If you can’t do that, no offense intended…just my advice, you shouldn’t ever adopt another child.
Comment by daaronad — September 8, 2008 @ 9:07 pm
Hello,
I have a question a friend just had a newborn and the baby has colic. It got to her and she started yelling back and a neighbor called the police. And now cps is involved telling them that they are going to take the baby from the both of them. she was arrested and now has a lawyer, but its for her not the baby. What should they do can cps take the baby from him when she is not in the house?
Comment by Nick — September 8, 2008 @ 10:16 pm
Hi Kathy, My mother’s female ‘partner’ totally LIED about us to DHS purely out of spite. She has turned my own mother against me, her ONLY child. They have custody of all 3 of our children thanks to the Beast’s lies & hearsay, which DHS believed. Our caseworker was a lesbian & is friends with my mother & ‘beast’. Now my children are alienated from my husband & I who only get to see them once a week for 2 hours. The ‘beast’ controls EVERY aspect of their lives & my mother’s. It is very similar to cult members being brainwashed. Honestly, I’d rather be beaten by a drunk man every day than have to deal with a control freak!
Good luck to you in your situation. Also, they have turned their friends & some of my family members totally against us. This really sucks, but in the end, I wouldn’t want their karma!
Comment by Susan — September 9, 2008 @ 6:38 am
Denise:
Kids do not come with guarantees and NO ,you generally cannot return them like defective merchandise.
You certain sound as if you were ill treated by the caseworker, but Daaaron has laid out the situation from the point of view of the caseworkers.
If there are NO PROBLEMS, this industry does NOT have employment.
And boys do act out more than girls.
Suggest you join a support group for those who have similar problems.
Sorry to sound harsh or jocular, but parenting is the most difficult job many of us undertake.
Besides, where are caseworkers gonna work if there are no open slots? ( JOKE)
F.
Comment by fern — September 9, 2008 @ 9:27 am
I am here because last week I had a CPS person come and tell me that there were allagations of child neglect against me. I am a young mother of 4 unmarried and doing the best I can. My oldest 2 are in school they go to school and make good grades have no disapline problems at school or at home. My younger 2 are both good happy lil boys. All attend a local daycare while I work and attend college. I pay my rent we have had a stable home for 5 years and they have food and clothes.. The accusations that were made mainly said that I had dirty diapers everywhere(but she could find none) and that I had dog feces all over my home. (again I have two dogs neither of which are in my home.) and that I had sewage in my home not true.. Anyways she found nothing wrong but still insists on comeing back into my home again. Is there any way for me to tell her that this is done since she found absolutly nothing (in her own words). Why should I have to submit my children to this one is highly emotinal and I don’t want them to think they are being taken. Also if a complaint is made about my home and there is nothing wrong with it. Do i legally have to let her speak to my kids? Not that I am hiding anything but I do not think it is nessecary. Do you
Comment by sylvia — September 9, 2008 @ 9:53 am
continue my story I forgot i left out that my son shop lifted while he lived with his dad like i said before when I had my children I never had problems with my children but ever since my exhusband had custody of my children I made a list of the bad things that happen in his care and that DHS knew all this. my exhusband brought his sister to my door with him he told his sister to hit me he said hit her hit her I tried to close the door but the fat bitch busted her way in my place and started hitting me when my exhusband had my children my children would call me his family would get on the phone and listen to our conversation or they would tape recored me. i would be on the streets walking and his family would take pictures of me and try to use it in court my exhusband and his family would sit in front of where I lived at. My exinlaws called the police on my boyfriend they would be sitting in their car and call the police on my boyfriend and lie and make up stuff and have my boyfriend arrested.and was sent to jail.. My exinlaws will not hestitate to put me in jail they make up stuff and gets me arrested they even come to my work i work at McDonalds and that isn’t the only McDonalds in DesMoines .Everytime I see a police I am afraid that I will get arrested again my exinlaws make up shit all the time and they get away with it. the courts always go on their side My exhusband at one time called my apt mgr asking questions about me the apt mngr wouldn’t give him any answers when he was alive.My exsisterinlaws husband left her for another women many years ago and I bet they put her exhusband thru hell anybody who divorces that family yu are going to be put thru hell.My exinlaws are very evil and hateful and spitful people.
Comment by Terri Rote — September 9, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
These Judges here in DesMoines should be impeached These Judges took oath under the constition and yet they go against constitional rights their decision should be voided it is treason and county attorney and attorney general is covering up from the courts these Judges are making up their own rules instead of congress I am being ingored because I’m poor what these Judges done to me is crooked Several other people that I talk to had the same Judge she did the same thing to them her name is Constance Cohen and Judge Linda Reade and the other Judge in room 102 the old man I don’t remember his name . Do you know that bribery can be taken by body laungage Judges make certain body lanugage to mean that they will take bribe I went to Drake law library to study to be my own laywer you have to really watch thebody langage between judges and laywers and attorney general and county attorney also do you know that Judges and laywers takes vacations togther Judges proscuseter county attorney attorney general they are all friends they take vacations together.Also Iowa Supreme courts are very crooked also they violated a partental rights they also take oath and they still go against oath.
Comment by Terri Rote — September 9, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
Michiganders must read
Libertarian Bill Parker to Run For Cass County Sheriff
Please come and support Bill Parker September 8th, 2008 as he will be
giving an introduction of his platform at the Advisory Committee of
Calvin Township located at 18727 Mount Zion Rd. Cassopolis, MI 49031.
The time is 6-8 pm. Bill will be there about 5:30 pm. The General
Election is Nov 4.
Quote from Bill Parker: Sheriff Underwood is Opposed for the General
Election
2008-08-19
From a Cass County Citizen:A little history about Cass County
aka `Cash County: Cass County has been sued, complained upon and
labeled as unjust because every election period the same individuals
get elected and nothing changes.
Cass county profits enormously off of exploiting parents in their
family court system. Cass County CPS has 2.2-4 times more removals of
children than any other county in Michigan. Cass County exploits
fathers and mother in the FOC by being unreasonable and currently
there is no one to address Cass County’s concerns too.
Bill Parker will set up a citizen complaint board, due away with
needless spending and he will support justice!!
Please support Bill Parker and if you can’t show up at the meeting
SHOW UP TO VOTE NOVEMBER 4TH!!!!
Show Cass County: WE ARE MAD AS HELL AND WE ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE IT
ANYMORE!!!!! !!!!
Comment by Diando — September 9, 2008 @ 1:48 pm
You can’t trust the system or the agencies because they work together to destroy families not to unify them. I am a perfect example of a falsely wrong doing because of acs and the agency. I had 2 children in the system, I was on drugs, got clean had a baby in treatment, did what I had to do, complied with the court order before the time limit was up and I ended up with getting 1 child back an the other stolen from me because I was forced and intimidated and threaatened to sign my parental rights for one of my children if I didn’t I was not getting either one!! Now you tell me if an injustice was not done to me, there was alot of false accusations, missisng pages in reports and not enough straight answers and alot of threats and intimidation comming at me. Mostly lies, all lies to make me look like a monster. Until this day I haven’t seen my child since x-mas 2000 I have to secretly speak to him when the parent isn’t around, which has not been much and letters have been sent back to me I hace tried to reach out but the foster mother blocks me and keeps him away from me. I have some contact only over the phone if I’m lucky. Get this it is an open adoption!! I will not give up hope that I will see him once again, I know because of my faith in od and my son told me so.
Keeping the hope alive.
Comment by Lucy D. Rodriguez-Rios — September 9, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
You’re totally right on about the judges Terri! The family court dishonorable judge Marshall is rumored to be having an affair with her female DA. They own a home together in the mountains. The persecuting attorney here is very prominent in the Democratic Party, therefore corrupting the politics in this hellhole town even more. Why can’t somebody investigate all this bullcrap?
Comment by Susan — September 9, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
Sylvia, stop talking to DHS. They want you to invite them into your home so they can find a reason to get involved. Speak nicely to them and tell them that they are wasting their time. Do not allow them into your home and do not give them any information. Do not believe what they say and not try to make them believe you. It’s a waste of words. Simply, say something like “thank you for your concern, but someone has caused you to waste your time.” Do not get into any further conversation with them. Smile, say good day, or whatever, and close the door. If they bring the police with them, ignore the police. If there was an issue that required the police, they would have a warrant. If the police is with DHS, it is simply for intimidation. DHS uses this method, often. Be polite and blunt. Close the door. The police officer knows that he has no right to continue with the harrassment. He/she will not will not persist. Without police support, the DHS worker will not continue. Most likely. Stand your ground, politely and let them make the mistakes. You have no obligation to let them into your home without a warrant. Do not let them talk you into it.
Comment by daaronad — September 9, 2008 @ 7:39 pm
Sylvia, No, you have no obligation to let them talk to your children. They have to have some type of authorization to talk to your children. You have the right to not allow them to do so. However, many schools allow them to talk to your children at school, without notification. Unless you spefically let the school know not to allow it. Even then, they often allow it.
Comment by daaronad — September 9, 2008 @ 7:48 pm
In my case they just marched in the Newton CHristian school with out my knowledge until afterwards. I think they had my ex permission even though we have joint custody I am the primary, so did they break the law?
Comment by Kathy Risinger — September 10, 2008 @ 4:13 am
Darronad:
Excellent advice and reasoned information!
Thanks. F.
If folks have further concerns, I would suggest that they look through AFRA Website:
http://www.familyrights.us
Go under Site Contents, then click on “Members and Friends”
From there, go to your state. Leonard has arranged for state groups to be either at the top of page or on right.
These folks are NOT attorneys, for the most part.
They can give you info which is state-specific. If you need an attorney, call the Bar Assn and ask for Family Law specialists.
Some will go to court to you for around $250 ( depends on your state)
Family Law is emotional work; especially when the client is blameless.
I think there are some attorneys who are listed on AFRA.
F.
Comment by fern — September 10, 2008 @ 5:32 am
up date:
We were to go to court this next week but I guess things were settled out of court. CPS said they would give my grandchildren back to the parents, if they comply with what they are asked of. Oct. 17, 2008 is when they said they would get the children back. I dont beleive CPS at all. I guess we can only pray that they do as they said.
Comment by seymour christina — September 10, 2008 @ 12:38 pm
Well had phone appeal and that was to set up main appeal June 23 2009. I spoke with attorney general as they are DHS attorney and they said as far as they were concerned my ex did not contradict his phone call and I guess it is alright ex gave her booze and smoked dope around her. They then tell me if I can give them proof I am innocent they want me to settle for a lesser charge to get my name off of the registry, and the lesser charge sounds just as horrible. So between now and June 23 I am going to collect evidence.
Comment by Kathy Risinger — September 10, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
I told her it is in black and white from his phone call to his interview he calls in one thing and says the total opposite then they tell me if they choose to take me off the list they need my ex approval to do so?
Comment by Kathy Risinger — September 10, 2008 @ 3:09 pm
I am so glad they have a web site on this I honestly thought I was going thru this alone-thanks
Comment by angila collingwood — September 10, 2008 @ 3:59 pm
In 2003, my 9yo son told a teacher that Daddy (his stepfather at the time, he was in the process of adopting him and his brother) had hit him in the back as he was going out the door for school that morning. I was at the school to talk to the teacher and the counselor about his lying and cheating at the time he came in and told her this. Long story short, they reported it, our stupid case worker - in spite of all the “evidence” - found it as ’substantiated abuse’ and ordered my husband to anger management classes, CPS would follow us, including unannounced visits for a year, and he could not adopt him and his brother until after they ‘cleared’ him. We refused, they took us to court, our adoption lawyer wound up being our lawyer for our defense, my son’s guardian ad lidem testified in our favor, my son himself testified that he was not abused, and by the Grace of God we won! Their requirements were overturned. Yeah!
My question is this: Is it still on record somewhere that my husband (officially their dad as of 3/04, and EVERYONE is happy) is a child abuser? Or did our win in court make that go away? We are working on relocating, and my husband has opportunities getting a civilian government job and would hate for this to come back and haunt him.
On another note, looking for prayers for my friend and her family since their almost 13yo son made a stupid remark in front of the wrong person (a social worker who happened to be in the group at a function they were at) that he is afraid that his dad is going to kill him because he beats him. (not true) He now regrets his comment, but an investigation has now commenced, and all of us here know that the truth doesn’t always set you free with the CPS.
Comment by Laura — September 10, 2008 @ 5:18 pm
I am writing one of our Iowa senators. I wonder if it would help us if we all who have been hurt by CPS or DHS write to our state senators about our cases. I would think if enough letters went out to our senators in each and every state they would listen, or I would hope they would.
Comment by Kathy Risinger — September 10, 2008 @ 6:44 pm
HI MY NAME IS SHANNON HYDE, I LIVE IN SALINAS CALIFORNIA AND I CURRENTLY HAVE AN ON GOING CPS CASE. I’M LOOKING FOR HELP IN REGARDS TO MY CASE MY RIGHTS AND MY CPS WORKER AND HOW IT IS HE IS NOT DOING HIS JOB ACCURATLY.. IF ANYONE COULD PLEASE HELP ME OR POINT ME IN THE RIGHT DIRRECTION I WOULD REALLY APPRECEIATE…THANK YOU SO MUCH..
Comment by shannonhyde — September 10, 2008 @ 10:01 pm
My Daughter was 3 mon. old when we took her to the hospital because something was wrong, and we didnt know what it was. The doctor comes in after her X-rays with a CPS investigator and a detective and took her immediatly into there custody and questioning/accusing us of child abuse. This was 6 almost 7 mon. ago. Since then they havent done any medical testing for any kind of bone diseases/disorders. They have given my fiance’ placement after 4 mon. of foster care (beause I was home alone with her a majority of the day). They have indicted me with felony child abuse charges. (I turned myself in almost 2 weeks ago) 25,000 unsecured bond. (We didnt have to pay anything). I get visitation with my daughter 2x a week 4 hours tuesday and 3 hours friday. I have shown nothing other than im a good loving mother, have done everything they asked, taking lie detector test (passed) psych eval (came out good) enrolled in there stupid parenting program. taking upon my self to take an online parenting class (they done actually offer real classes where I live) went to therepy, taking an infant/toddler saftey and development class (which I also did on my own) Not only did they take my daughter away from me, I can only see my finace’ the 2nd most important person in my life, the person i’ve needed to support me through these false claims. 2x a week. Please, if possible..I could use some help.
Comment by Sheila — September 10, 2008 @ 10:38 pm
I have three lovely, well, taken are of children, who excel at school and sports. They are in the first, second and fourth grades, respectively. They have all gone to the same elementary school for all of their lives. My husband and I are at ALL school events, parent /teacher conferences, field day, open school night, breakfast with Santa, etc. On Monday of this week a case worker from CPS showed up at our door and said she had a report that our children were dirty, our home was dirty, their was no food in the house, and my husband did drugs in front of the children. My husband had opened the door and was stunned at these allegations, also he had just been to the funeral of a close family member. He reacted in shock and told the women this was preposterous, and to leave the property. She told him that she knew where the children attended school and would go to the school. We live in very small, close knit town where everyone knows everyone. Fearing that my children would be humiliated. My husband said he would call her supervisor. After, the caseworker left, my husband thought about it calmly and decided that we would cooperate and have the matter resolved. We figured out that the allegation came from a local policeman who we had recently had a dispute with and had made a complaint about to a supervisor. This dispute happened when my husband and I were away for the weekend with our three youngest daughters to visit my oldest daughter in college. While we were gone my adult (22 year old son, was home, had friends over, and left the house a mess. We we came we found the police walking through our house having entered illegally when no one at all was home. it seems that my son had taken a 7 dollar taxi ride back to the area and didn’t pay the taxi fee. After my husband threw the police out of the house and threatened to call a supervisor, the police officer got mad. By the way, my husband paid the taxi what was owed. Subsequently, the officer retaliated by calling child protective services. Now after this caseworker comes by Monday afternoon, and tells my husband of the allegations, we call her 8:00am Tuesday morning and leave a message on her voice mail that he apologizes for his initial reaction having just had a death in the family, but that we’d like to meet with her to resolve these false accusations. She calls back two times, one immediately after the next and says she been trying to reach us ( she got voice mail , just like we did). The next morning, Wednesday, My husband call her again and tells her since he will be out of town on business ( we own a building up state and he was going up to so work on it) that we would be glad to meet with her next week. The same day, instead of returning our call she heads up to the school, where the girls are pulled out of class, and in front of the principal she tells the girls she got a report that our house is dirty, the kitchen’s dirty, and their clothes are dirty. She asks they if their mother works, their father works, did he go to work today, and if their father ever leaves the area to work. To which my fourth grade daughter replies, no the house is not dirty, my mom does laundry everyday, we had lasangna for dinner, yes my dad goes to work to build houses up state, and yes he went to work today. The caseworker also asks if mom and dad fight and if dad gets angry, eventhough there were no allegations of violence. My daughters tell her that we don’t and when we do some thing wrong, my dad just talks to us about it. This worker deliberately came up to the school thinking she could catch the child and substantiate the allegations. She went on a fishing expedition about my husband and I fighting , eventhough that wasn’t even a claim. She also tried to “catch” my husband in what she thought was a lie about working up state. While all of this was taking place, teacher’s, school personnel, the school psychologist were all in the outer office gossiping about it. The Principal got to hear all the details of these made up allegations. The children were humiliated and our reputation in this small town had been tarnished. Immediately called the supervisor and said why would the caseworker go up to the school less then 48 after contacting us when we called her two times to set up an appointment, especially, when these allegations were
not life threatening, or physically harmful in anyway. He just said that they could. After that I told him that we were planning on cooperating and that we would have given them access to the children’ school records, but that we will definitely not cooperate now. I also said, if there was any truth to these allegations (that the kids were dirty and there was no food in the house) don’t you think to school would have called you. I asked how can you undo the damage that you’ve done, the humiliation. After today, it was clear that this woman, didn’t want to objectively investigate child abuse, she was on a mission to dig for dirty and justify an abuse claim. We will not cooperate now and we are contacting a lawyer, but I’m worried about what damage this woman can do by abusing her power.
Comment by c.a. — September 10, 2008 @ 11:43 pm
I know the humilation is bad but it can get worse. They can take the kids on an allegation only.
Are you in NY? I ask because of the resferences to upstate.
Please do get an attorney immediately.
Maggie
Comment by MaggieC — September 11, 2008 @ 6:26 am
WOW did I hit a can of worms?!!!!! I had no idea just six short months ago that I would be caught up in such a web!
I am a grandmother of 7 children, 4 girls age 5 and under and two boys, the oldest 14. My three youngest granddaughters have been taken by cps. They were in my “temporary” custody until Monday, September 8th, 2008. On that day cps came to my home with the sheriff and took them. Now they are in fostercare with strangers and we have no idea who these people are and if they safe. The caseworker says they are doing well but they have lied to us about other things how can I trust them?
I have no real idea how to go about getting them back I just plan to make alot of noise. My daughter has been doing all she can to comply with cps requirements but I still am very suspicious of all that has happened so far and some of the horror stories I have read here.
My heart goes out to all who have posted here and the ones who haven’t found this site.
Cps is too powerful and go on day after day unchecked. Someone has to do something.
My name is LeAnn Addleman and I live in WI.
Comment by LeAnn Addleman — September 11, 2008 @ 8:46 am
i am so glad that there are other people that have had the unfortunate experience of social services “helping” their families too. THE MORE PEOPLE THAT KNOW THE INJUSTICE,……… THE BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
does anyone know of any authors or other media outlet that would be interested in a story of the extremes that social services can do? i think that the whole social services system needs reconstructed.
just a little background about my case…..i have a ten year old that stays home for 2 hours after school alone. state of colorado county of boulder, charged me with child abuse. if i just plead guilty they will go easy on me…..HA! (WHAT A DEAL) no way! in colorado there is no age that a child can’t be left alone. i am a good parent and i made sure that he was safe with an after school plan completely written down for him on a sign in the kitchen. complete with instructions to call me immediatly when arriving home, and no turning on stove. i always left out a non-cooking required snack. do not answer the phone or door UNLESS it is mommy or your uncle. but when the police department knocks on the door and no one answers….do they have the right to knock on the windows and say through the windows “your mom told us to come get you, answer the door!”? then come in MY home and take MY child and say i left him in an “unsafe” environment. first of all the only thing “unsafe” about my son being home during that time…..IS THE LOCAL POLICE BANGING ON THE WINDOW!!!!!
now i have to deal with all the social services and all the programs that they think my family needs to survive as a productive household (their standards)! it has cost me more time and money than i could ever afford. being a single mom trying to juggle all the family dynamics is a struggle in itself! then you add the unneccesary hurdles that social services gives a family. it is impossible to balance.
if anyone has any comments or advice i would love to know that i am not alone in the fight to keep my family together fighting social services.
thanks
carrie
carrieisbelle@yahoo.com
Comment by carrie — September 11, 2008 @ 12:15 pm
Colorado is the most CORRUPT state for social services! There is NO justice here. I suggest if you have your kid(s) now & there is no abuse, MOVE. They are starting a witch hunt against your family. At least go to a safe state, or another county to get away from the Nazis. They are the most evil corrupt thing you will ever encounter. They destroyed my family.
Comment by Susan — September 11, 2008 @ 7:10 pm
Laura, from my research, I’m sad to say that once an allegation is made, it goes into the KIDDS file. Mind you, there is a differrence betwen civil and criminal. That is where the confusion begins. If a criminal allegation is made, and proved false, it is on the record. But, you can hire an attorney to have it removed. DHS is a civil issue. Once you are on their registry, it is there. However, as far as I know, it should not be available to a possible employer, unless you are looking for a job within DHS. I’m not sure about that, but I have not seen any cases when the accused parent felt repercussions, legally, due to false accusations.
Comment by daaronad — September 11, 2008 @ 8:43 pm
c.a, you’ve done the right thing by standing your ground. Many parents, myself included, believed that DHS was there to help children, and that they would listen to us and realize that they were led on a wild goose chase. The school is required to act according to the law. Yes, DHS coerces schools just as they do families. Give the school a pardon, even if you know they could’ve acted differently. It’s DHS that caused the problem. Once they are involved, they are after your children. The school is a compilation of parents and alumn, for the most part. They want to help and to be a part of raising the community. DHS is far from that. But, DHS is all about intimidation and coercion and lies. Stand your ground. The school officials are not new to DHS. They are new to parents getting tired of the abuse by DHS and doing something about it. Stand your ground.
Comment by daaronad — September 11, 2008 @ 9:11 pm
LeAnn Addleman, no one seems to listen until it happens to them or someone close to them. I was the same way. I used to hear people talk about DHS, but I thought that they were only talking that way because there must be more to it than meets the eye. Was I ever right. DHS is never wrong. Ask them, if you think otherwise. But, if you question them, be prepared to face the concequences. They take it personally. The children are forgotten and now they have a vendetta against you. They will commit perjury to ensure that they justify there actions. Make noise. Make much noise. Inform everyone. It’s the right thing to do. We cannot be silent and allow this to continue any longer. I speak, not only for my children, or their children, but for all the innocent families, present and in the future.
Comment by daaronad — September 11, 2008 @ 9:33 pm
carrie, I relate to your situation. I’ve been raising my children solo for over ten years. I thought I was doing well. Making good money, keeping them in daycare, school, etc. Working for the government. What did I have to worry about? I was ignorant. I was unaware of the sociopaths within DHS. I was an easy target for them. All it took was one allegation. I played their games and tried to jump through their hoops. But, I couldn’t fathom why they would not see my side of the “truth.” It took ten months for me to realize that they would not budge. My 15 year old daughter bieng raped twice while DHS refused to let them come home. My children seperated. Eleven homes in ten months for my oldest daughter. She ran away from 9 of them. DHS told me that until I complete their recomendations, my children will not come home. They cared nothing about my children. I talked to the supervisor, same thing. I brought my children home. I played their game long enough. I haven’t heard from them since. Do I have a lawsuit? Sure I do. But, It’s DHS that I’m up against. I’ll fight them in the best way that I can. Learning the law, learning why they get away with what they do, and informing others.
Comment by daaronad — September 11, 2008 @ 10:01 pm
Carrie:
You need to contact Christine in Colorado.
Check out:
http://www.profane-justice.org
This is the Web Home of Suzanne Shell of Colorado who has trained advocates in 11 states. Their links are noted on this site.
Christine acts as the person in Colorado who has been thru DHS and can give you some guidance.
Look under Advocates on Home page or Trained Family Advocates.
Please get back here if you have addtl questions.
Addtl states with trained advocates include:
AK
CT
WI
CO
KS
HI ( Hawaii)
and some others whom I have omitted.
Best luck. Please communicate there first and then get listed on fightcps
Message Boards.
There is help, support and guidance within your OWN STATE.
Best. F.
Comment by Fern — September 12, 2008 @ 5:52 am
Donna Suzanne Ostrum-Strand-Shell is currently married to a Dennis Gene Shell, who is the epitome of a momma’s boy. Donna and Dennis live in his daddy’s trailer on a crappy chicken farm in Colorado. They still live with his parents.
Allegedly, Dennis sought greener pastures in the arms of another woman awhile back, and has allegedly kindled some more extramarital bonds just recently.
One William O. Tower of Sacramento California sued Donna Suzanne Shell for putting slanderous information about him on her website http://www.badadvocates.com. Interestingly, she claims that the site isn’t hers, even though it is registered in her name, and all email from the online forms goes to her own personal email account.
Donna is a graduate of the Coon Rapids High School. She got knocked up at age 17 which is the alleged reason for her father, a Mr. Donald Ostrum of Minnesota, punching her in the face. She was a high school cheerleader and alleged floozy.
Donna had two sons from her first marriage, which were the subjects of her involvement with Child Protective Services. While it is true that she got CPS off her back with her tactics of bullying, the boys deigned to reside with their father instead. Thus she allegedly never truly retained custody.
She not only allowed, but condoned, her new husband, Dennis Shell, an upholsterer, to beat her child Jacob with a martinet, which is a cat’o'nine tails. Allegedly this whipping left no marks, and resulted in an acquittal for Mr. Shell.
Since then, Ms. Shell has proclaimed herself to be the expert on how to deal with parents falsely accused of Child Abuse and Neglect. However, her longstanding ability to alienate others who refused to kowtow to her leadership has earned her relentless scorn and ridicule from usenet groups and other areas of the vast internet. Truth be told, her tactics of bullying lawyers guardian at litem (LGALs), CPS caseworkers, judges, and other officials, have only caused woe to her cases and clients rather than weal.
While other groups emerged to combat the false allegations of child abuse and neglect rampant in the United States, Ms. Shell has done everything within her power to discredit, disparage, and disenfranchise those people who worked hard to make a difference in their respective communities. Particularly those who disagreed with her.
Claiming to be a journalist, Ms. Shell, who actually does possess some published works of dubious quality, chose to create what would later be known as the “Bad Advocate List” (BAL). This BAL’s purpose was to slander and malign any of her competitors in the Child Protection Reform “Industry”. Despite most of her claims, very few of the people on her BAL actually charge any money for their advocacy/activism work. This BAL can be found at the same place mentioned above.
Ms. Shell then tangled with a man by the name of Billy Wiseman, who really is a journalist. His website may be found at http://www.thetruthistold.com.
Every single person on her Bad Advocate List had not been contacted by her prior to their inclusion on the list, to show their side of the story. Most of her allegations involve some sort of sexual impropriety, such as a California man being a child molester, a Michigan pastor having an affair, and an Illinois woman being a strip club dancer. Also, most of her BAL entries are men, as she has a victim complex and hates men.
To fully relay the details of this poor, sick woman would take as many pages as her huge book of dubious value, “Profane Justice”. Let it suffice to say that it shouldn’t take a judge long to realize what a scam artist she is, and rule accordingly. However, she is a force to be pitied, not feared, and her evil shenannigans under the auspices of Christianity should not be taken seriously.
Comment by bILLY wISEMAN — September 12, 2008 @ 11:18 am
By Jason Lee Miller - Wed, 04/25/2007 - 5:42pm.
One of the most bizarre Internet stories this year gets more bizarre. Internet Archive and Suzanne Shell have resolved their lawsuits against each other “amicably,” a word that follows words like “theft” and “racketeering” about as well as toothpaste follows orange juice. Next on her list: a 15-year-old Canadian jokester.
http://www.webpronews.com/tag/suzanne-shell
Comment by bILLY wISEMAN — September 12, 2008 @ 11:18 am
I am currently still battling the county of Laurens Department of Social Services,in regards to Rena Victoria Burdette,whom still remains in foster care with Mr.and Mrs.Taylor of Laurens County.There are alot of things in my life that i may have messesd up,but a bad mother I am not.They claim to be keeping my child because of failed drug screenings ,which I have more than proven to be my medications.Laurens county is grasping straws to keep my child from me and she has now after 5 months been expedited to Alabama with my father,where she’s being pulled away from everything she knows and loves.She will no longer graduate with her class,she will be ripped from dance and most of all me,her mother.Any help or advice or anything would be greatly appreciated.256-521-3306.
Comment by Victoria — September 12, 2008 @ 12:33 pm
Again, if you’re dealing with DHS in Corrupt Colorado, in the initial stages: RUN LIKE HELL!
Comment by Susan — September 12, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
I to was a victim,in the state of ca.
my baby was taken from mercy general hosp on h st.in sac .all i did was piss off 2 nurses .i happend to catch them outside at 3;00am making
out. all i did was go outside to smoke a cig.she made my life a living H***L
she called cps and then said i was crazy.the physchiatrist at the end gave a good report.my court orderd atty and social wkrs never produced that report.they lied ,twisted info and you know the rest.my parental rights were terminated it has been 8 yrs.i was not aware of my rights.i have never had my new born home ever.
victim of false accusations.
Comment by margie meeks — September 12, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
if you take care of your kids appropriately and lovingly…the state wouldn’t have to step in and do it for you…I really don’t feel sorry for you!
Comment by iamom — September 12, 2008 @ 7:02 pm
Iamom, you are SO misinformed. This is a website for VICTIMS OF FALSE ALLEGATIONS BY CPS. Personally, my husband & I DID take care of our kids lovingly & approprately & jumped thru all of the hoops dhs asked of us, & we still didn’t get our kids back. I am so sick of people coming to this site & judging us. I wouldn’t want your Karma!
Comment by Susan — September 14, 2008 @ 6:09 am
A few months back, some comments were posted about us by an anonymous stalker who was misinformed. I won’t address all comments, but I will remind people to be careful what you post here, because there are people who will use it against you.
First of all, my family is not now, and never has been, on the run from CPS. We did not flee our house in the middle of the night, but moved out of town for reasons that had nothing whatsoever to do with that.
While I did for a few months access the Internet at the local library, I had not done so for several years before the comment was posted on the guestbook. And I was unaware that accessing the Internet at a library was a crime.
My wife has never been isolated in our home, she chooses to be a stay at home mother. Again, I was unaware that that choice was a crime.
The alleged “soot” from our woodstove was actually ash that hadn’t been swept up from cleaning it out. But it makes for a nice story.
Some of the pictures of the house are accurate. But they were partly from storage areas of the house, and partly from a mess left by the prior occupants (who, oddly enough, launched the attack) that we did not know how to clean up. And one picture from a bathroom that was not in use….AFTER the owner had gutted it for remodelling.
We also were not staying in the house rent free. It’s fun the fiction people’s minds can create when they really want to do so.
Yes, there were dirty areas of the house. I won’t deny that. And yes, we did deny CPS entry. I won’t deny that either. But neither of those are criminal actions.
And yes, sadly, we had mice. But living at the edge of town next to wide open countryside will often produce that result. I did not have the money to hire an exterminator.
As for specifics, let it be known that not only did I not hide, but I actually provided my address to these cretins and INVITED them to send CPS out. Their allegations were so poorly substantiated that even CPS refused to launch an investigation.
These people have stalked me, libelled me, and went to the length of calling every potential employer in my field to do everything they could to deny me employment. Ironically, they accuse us of breaking laws, yet I cannot count the number of laws they broke in pursuit of us.
So don’t believe everything you read. These people may be back here, they may not, I don’t know. But I DO know that I’ve learned a lot about talking with people online.
Comment by Gideon Macleish — September 14, 2008 @ 3:01 pm
Hello, I am a CPS Investigator and I understand that people do make false allegations to us and IF these allegations meet the state’s criteria for abuse, neglect, and/or dependency, they must be looked into. My heart goes out to those innocent people that truly care for and try as much as possible to provide for their children. Please understand that if we did not do our jobs and look into all accepted allegations, we would never be able to save the lives of the children who are in danger. I know that this site is for those who were falsely accused but after reading some of the comments, I see major points being left out of these stories. Trust me, CPS has to PROVE to the courts that children are not safe in a home before they can be removed. Parents have rights (grandparents dont) and these rights cannot be violated UNLESS the parent is deemed unfit. Many of the comments imply (or straight out say) “CPS just took my children for no reason”. There is NO WAY this could be. I’m sure if the people making these comments were being true to themselves they would see that they were given chances to straighten up but failed to do so. Also, keep in mind that when a child is placed outside the home, the parents still have rights until they are terminated by a judge. This is called TPR (Terminate Parental Rights). Before a case is TPR’d the parent is given a chance to work a case plan to work on the issues that need to be addressed so that the child/ren may return home.
Of course, our job is to make sure children are safe but in doing so we also have an obligation to work with the parent (if needed) to help them address issues surrounding safety. I truly believe that every child should be with their parent(s) but unfortunately a lot of parents put no effort into keeping their family together until the child is placed in CPS custody. I NEVER go into a home thinking that “I am going to take this child and there is nothing to talk about”. Not only is this immoral and unethical, it is not supported in our system. Yes, we have attorneys but we have to show and prove to that attorney that there is no way around not taking custody. I have been in my job for 5 years and have only taken custody 4 times. I can honestly say that when I am investigating/ assessing a home, I listen to all sides and work with the facts only. People do change and that is to be respected and praised. Unfortunately, some people opt to stay the same and attempt to manipulate instead- this usually produces another generation of unfit parents in their family. When their manipulation stops working, they turn to projecting the blame on others.
In closing, those of you who were truly wronged, my prayers go out to you. Please know that ANYONE can be reported to CPS but if there is no evidence to support the allegations, CPS will step out. For those who KNOW in their heart of hearts that they “gave” CPS their children by not making that child a priority, I will pray for you even more. If you do not start making better choices, CPS is the last thing you will have to worry about. Process my comments with yourself and I am sure you will understand what I’m saying. ~Peace and Blessings~
Comment by Advocate — September 14, 2008 @ 5:41 pm
Advocate,
In theory you’re right. And when it works right, then yes, that is what happens. I have seen it firsthand.
The problem is, that’s not always what happens. I have personally witnessed situations where CPS has entered homes under false pretenses, and seized children without a good cause. It’s called “erring on the side of the child”.
The FLDS case in Texas is a good example. The call was a hoax, the warrant was obtained on false pretenses, and several adult mothers were held until their babies were born on the pretense that they were minors when they were not.
What CPS knew and when they knew it is a matter of discussion, and we’ll let the courts decide that. But that does not change the fact that mothers who did nothing wrong lost their children.
I appreciate your comments and believe your heart is in the right place. But if you take a long hard look at the system as it operates, I think you’ll find there are a lot of situations that badly need to be remedied.
Comment by Gideon Macleish — September 14, 2008 @ 5:50 pm
Advocate, why don’t you use your real name? What are you afraid of? Retribution by your ’superiors’? Are you pro homosexual marriage? Are you an advocate for sociopaths who won’t let natural parents see their own kids, even those NO abuse occured & the children were NEVER in any clear & imminent danger? An authoritarian type of personality is a type of sociopath, as well as having some type of sexual deviation. Are you a person of faith? Do you believe in God? Do you believe in what comes around, goes around? Do you believe in ‘an eye for an eye’? I don’t know what state you are in, but here in Corrupt Colorado, CPS is in cahoots with judges & if they don’t get bonuses, then why do they live in such HUGE houses? Makes me wonder…
Comment by Susan — September 14, 2008 @ 7:49 pm
Isn’t it strange that Texas is sweeping the FLDS fiasco under the rug and changing its laws making it harder for removal of children on the basis of hearsay? I wish all the corruption going on in this hellhole would be brought into the light!
Comment by Susan — September 14, 2008 @ 7:52 pm
yes, the FLDS case was a MAJOR blow to CPS…and a serious victory for parents here…
Comment by Gideon Macleish — September 14, 2008 @ 8:37 pm
oh, and, advocate? It’s my understanding that poverty is not reason for removal of a child. So a family should never have their child removed simply because they have no money.
Yet I have seen that happen with my own eyes. A family had no furniture in their home because they had been evicted from their last home and had to move 1/2 mile loading everything they had in a child’s wagon…they had no means to move the furniture.
The case worker cited that and the fact that they did not have a state certified babysitter (my wife was babysitting the child…at NO CHARGE to the family) as reasons to remove the child.
I also know many, many families who have become accustomed to opening cans from the bottom so they can rinse them out and put “dummy” cans in the cupboard so they can’t have the kids pulled for a bare cupboard.
Again, I’m assuming you’re here to do some good. So look at these cases and don’t assume everyone here is just paranoid. Make the system better!
Comment by Gideon Macleish — September 14, 2008 @ 8:42 pm
Susan-
What in the world are you talking about??? Do you even know? How did you know I lived in a mansion? I actually have three and a house on the lake. And did you see my Porsche outside? I like to drive it to all of my clients’ homes to show them how much better I am than them cause Lord knows I love putting my life on the line to beg people to put down a crack pipe and pick up their child. I will pray for you the most, sweetie.
Gideon-
You are correct- poverty is not a well- being issue IF the parents are finding ways to meet the basic needs of the children. For example, if a family has no electricity but cooks on a grill and stores their food in a cooler- they have met the basic need for food eliminating need for CPS recommended intervention. And I completely agree that there are holes in the system (thats a no brainer) but social workers like myself make it a priority to make sure parents are given ample opprotunity to work on identified issues. In the meantime, I will be thorough in assessing the home for safety and I will remove the child if need be. I am an ADVOCATE but I am a MOTHER first and would never take away that gift- unless, you dont make your child a priority.
I would encourage anyone who feels as though they have been wronged to look up the policies and statutes regarding CPS in your area. There are regulations that must be followed. If these were not followed you can point this out in court instead of leaving comments on a site that cant speak for you.
And as for the FLDS case, I dont think that its fair for us to judge one way or another what was/is really going on. I do know that due to the amount of people at the ranch, allegations of sexual abuse (which warrants a much quicker response), and lack of cooperation from the caregivers- removal may have been the best option. (Lets keep in mind that five people including Jeffs have been indicted for reasons related to sexual abuse). One of his wives was 14 years old when they got married! If CPS had not intervened and one of these children had really gotten hurt CPS would still be the bad guys….but thats OK. I will be the bad guy everyday all day because I know what I and the majority of CPS workers do makes a difference and saves lives. ~Peace and Blessings~
Comment by Advocate — September 14, 2008 @ 11:59 pm
Advocate,
As for the FLDS case, you are correct…partly. There was abuse going on in some households, but not in all. The problem is, children were removed from all households improperly. That much has been legally established.
One of the problems that I have as do many others is accountability. It is absolutely critical to hold government agents to the very laws they put in place. It’s all too common for them to circumvent laws because they consider them a hassle. And it’s not just in CPS.
Police officers in Texas are trained that if you don’t have a screen door, the minute your door opens, you’ve just given consent for entry. I’ve heard this independently from at least five different officers, so I know that this is something they’ve been taught by their superiors. It is also wrong.
Since you’re here, let me ask you a question. How would you personally react if the families accused of abuse had an agency that worked like CASA, only with the families? What I’m thinking about here is a group that’s geared towards making sure the legitimate concerns of CPS are met while advocating for families. If a family voluntarily worked with such a group and you knew there was oversight, would you be less inclined to do a removal? And if a removal had been done, would you consider advocating for the return of a child sooner? I’m just weighing options that could be done to help some of these families where legitimate concerns are present without having them get run over.
I anticipate your reply.
Comment by Gideon MacLeish — September 15, 2008 @ 5:23 am
Gideon, BEWARE OF CASA: they work FOR CPS! If you do enough digging into cps records (those made public), CASA is on their payroll. They are NOT your or your childs friends fiends maybe :). Advocate, I don’t know where you are working out of, but I have investigated the corruption going on in my specific county in corrupt CO, & I know EXACTLY where the ‘bad guys’ live. Those idiots wrote in their distorts, err, reports, that ‘my house is cluttered’. WELL DUH…my son was 2 at the time. BTW, my husband & I work 2 jobs each, & we still can’t afford a maid though it would be nice!
He had an excellent babysitter (my neighbor, who is a mom of 2 herself). Now my 15 year old isn’t allowed to babysit my 2 younger kids & this childless c*ntroll freak watches them, instead of their loving parents. My situation is one of the worst & I’m NOT SHUTTING UP until justice is served!
Comment by Susan — September 15, 2008 @ 6:24 am
Oh yea, Advocate, I’m NOT a druggie or alkie, or anything else. DHS tried to nab me with random UAs. ALL WERE CLEAN. I’ve NEVER had a substance abuse issue, but the evilness that lied to them about me is a total sociopath in every sense of the word!
Comment by Susan — September 15, 2008 @ 6:28 am
Gideon-
Good afternoon. I think that everyone should have a voice. If there was an agency (no matter what agency) that could advocate for families who have been wronged while still allowing us to do our jobs, I am all for it. I think that a lot of people think that CPS workers are “baby snatchers”. Honestly, I myself thought the same thing before I educated myself (long before I actually became one). Our main goal is to keep families together. If we enter a home and there is a need we must offer resources to the family to address these issues. If the issues remain after CPS has intervened (sometimes several times), it may be necessary to remove the child to eliminate risk. The last two petitions that I filed had an extensive history with CPS- the parents had been given chance after chance after chance to address their issues but instead chose to manipulate. It was not until we came to the home to pick the children up that she put any type of energy into the case. She tried every avenue in attempts to get her children back with no success. It was clear that the children were not safe with her. Surprisingly, two of these three children were happy to leave. They were older and were tired of it. I am so happy to say that they are doing well in a wonderful foster home. The mother in this case still has the opprotunity to get her children back since her rights have not been terminated. Sadly, this probably wont happen because she is sitting in jail as we speak on drug related charges.
All in all, I feel as though anything that can truly help families without enabling them to continue to make bad choices is a WONDERFUL thing and I am all for it. I personally build bonds with the majority of the families I work with because I step into their lives with an open mind and optimism. I dont enter like I am a police officer telling them what they have to do. One of the first things I ask is “How can I help you?” If the parent chooses to ignore what is hindering them from being a good parent, then………. The last thing I want to do is take away someone’s child but will do so if issues are not addressed. Nobody is perfect, Lord knows I am far from it but I know that continuing to repeat negative behaviors are unacceptable in any capacity. If any of my families want to dispute my findings, I am more than 100% fine with it. I deal with facts and facts only so the time and effort put into challenging CPS decisions should be put into working a case plan so that the child will be home where he/she should have always been. I hold no personal grudges, etc against any family. Trust me, if I take what parents tell me to heart I would be in a mental hospital. Everyone has God given rights that they should definetly exercise, but they must be prepared to dispute facts. ~Peace and Blessings~
Comment by Advocate — September 15, 2008 @ 11:31 am
And as far as the FLDS case goes, the caretakers refused to give vital identifying information to CPS so the agency had to list them all as being one household. It is mandated that if you have to remove one child from a home, you should remove them all. If there is enough risk present to warrant taking a child out of the home, chances are the risk is there for all of the children. Last time I checked, sexual predators were not that picky. I feel as though this situation is a very touchy one due to the fact that the issue of being able to practice one’s chosen religious beliefs without ridicule and/or prejudice was a major part of this controversy.
Comment by Advocate — September 15, 2008 @ 11:45 am
Advocate-
I checked my CPS policy handbook and one of the CLEAR policies is to seek out relatives for placement and possible guardianship.
This practice legally gives Grandparents and the like, maternal or paternal relative rights.
Perhaps, what you meant to say is that CPS DOES NOT seek out willing and able grandparents for placement, so that their rights are not handed over on a silver platter! This seems to be the case many times over.
I know FOR A FACT that my Grandkids told CPS where to find us and requested us, yet they were denied, then split up 4 ways to foster care many miles away from each other!!!
I’ve read you guidlines and know them inside and out!
Trust me, IF ALL CASEWORKERS would actually follow them, I wouldn’t have a problem with CPS at all. But I saw the result of lies and manipulation, not on the part of the parents, but the 5 caseworkers assigned over the 2 years we had an open case.
And I should think that 5 CLEAN UA’s per week for 30 days is quite enough proof that there is absolutley NO illegal drug use in the home, not the same # of UA’s for over 1 year!!!
So when does it stop?
Comment by Cheryl — September 15, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
Ms. Cheryl,
I am sorry to hear about the situation that you and your grandchildren are going through. You are right, family should be considered first when it comes to child placement but the suggestion as to which family member the child should be placed with is usually offered by the parent and not the child. If the child is older, then yes their recommendations should be considered. There are several factors that go into deciding if it is appropriate to place a child with a certain relative. The relationship that the parent has with this family member has to be considered as the parent may be allowed full access to the child OR the parent’s chances of getting their children back are ruined due to the relative not liking them and “coaching” the child into saying that the parent did XYZ during a visit. Trust me, it does happen. Everyone involved should be able to communicate with each other effectively and appropriately (this also holds true for foster parents/non-relative placements). Also, those being considered for placement have to be approved after a full home study is complete along with CPS history checks and criminal record checks. The person has to be financially, physically, etc able to care for the children as there may not be any assistance given by the state. They also have to prove that they will take an active role in family reunification. This means any appointments that the child may have (including visits with the parent) are made and kept. I am very sorry to hear that your grandchildren were split up. Thats the biggest tragedy. I would hope that the agency did what they could to avoid this. Do any of the children have any special needs (behavioral, medical, etc)? Please do not take offense, I am trying to explore why such placements were made. Some children require specialized placements.
Also, I am sorry to say that unless they are given court ordered visitation/custody grandparents dont have any rights. This is a big misconception that a lot of people have. When a child is born, the only people with legal rights over them are those that sign the birth certificate, unless later on a judge diverts this.
I understand that there are some people who should not be social workers (as in any profession) but in many situations where CPS workers are looked at as “the bad guys” it is really an attempt to put the blame on someone other than who should be held accountable. Over the years CPS has made mistakes (sometimes fatal) so it is very easy for those not doing our job to point the finger at us as soon as something goes wrong, but most of us have the best intentions and that is to keep the family together by making it stronger.
I truly wish nothing but the best for you and your grandchildren.
~Peace and Blessings~
Comment by Advocate — September 15, 2008 @ 5:25 pm
Mortgage the farm-find and retain a private attorney skilled in fighting these bogus CPS cases.
The only way is to use the law -
Do not trust CPS.
Get a private atty.
Comment by MaggieC — September 15, 2008 @ 6:37 pm
Advocate, I’m not sure of your position within DHS, however it is apparent that you are not are not a field worker.You seem to justify ” to err on the on the childs behalf” as if it saved a life? You do not realize, or fail to recognize, the lasting damage that this “err” has on children and adults. This err causes many suicides. This err has a compounding effect. My example, you may have read, includes a false allegation that cost my eldest daughter being raped, twice, while I tried to follow reccomendations. Is that traumatic ordeal, for my daughter, worth making the err? It was not only her who felt the pain. Much damage was done to our whole family. When should a parent stop believing that DHS is sincere? I blame myself for her ordeal, because I should’ve stood fast at the beginning. I thought that they would see that made a mistake. I trusted DHS. I and my family paid for it, dearly. I begged DHS to do something to stop her abuse, while I tried to cooperate. I stopped. I had enough. I brought my children home without DHS approval. I have not heard from DHS since then. Why is that? They were wrong from the beginning, but they are never wrong. They will not admit to a mistake. Especially, if it caused so much damage. So, you can keep on with your ideals, but realize that, it’s people like you that keep allowing DHS to get away with “err on the side of the child”. Somehow, you do not see the whole picture, even though you assume to say that you do.
Comment by daaronad — September 15, 2008 @ 7:05 pm
Advocate, your comment about putting your life on the line to beg a parent to put down the crack pipe says alot about your and the common DHS social worker mentality. I, too, am against drug use. However, does an addiction make an unfit parent? DHS assumes that an addict, regardless of the substance, is not a capable parent. Some are, but, not all. For those capable and good parents who have some type of addiction, they are treated as if they are horrible parents, and they are coerced to put their children in true danger with threats by DHS. Children go to group homes, foster care, etc. The abuse is much more common in these “services.” That’s not even mentioning the emotional trauma of being seperated from family, for both parents and children.
Comment by daaronad — September 15, 2008 @ 7:26 pm
Advocate, I agree with looking up the policies of DHS. I couldn’t understand why my family was living this nightmare. I learned more than I wanted to know. The old adage, “ignorance is bliss” is true. I am not happy with what I have learned. The reason that we are a family again is because I researched OKDHS policies and protocol, and the state statutes. I did indepth research. I was willing to go to prison for a false claim, by a DHS worker with her documented report of facts. Most people are unaware that a DHS workers’ report is taken as fact. It takes a subpoena to get that report, which costs you an attorney, and gives DHS time to doctor that report. Most parents do not have the money that it takes to hire an attorney that will actually work FOR them. I wasted $5,000 on one. I talked to other attorneys without his knowledge. One attorney said ” Look, we are all retained by DHS. We have to live in this town.” So, I researched the law. I paid thousands of dollars to find out that if I want to get a fair deal within DHS, I have to learn the truth, learn the law, learn DHS policies and stand up for my rights.
Comment by daaronad — September 15, 2008 @ 7:47 pm
DHS’s intent was initally intended for the betterment of the family. People are judgemental, in nature. The feeling of power is “addicting.” When you have the backing of the government to judge families and to coerce them into doing what you say, or they’re children will be taken away. It continues. I would’ve given a limb rather than have my children go through the ordeal that DHS had us go through. Which, is probably all changed on record, now. Because, I finally stood my ground. But, I know what hasn’t changed is that when my children have children of there own, and if DHD knocks on there door, is that they have a history of DHS involvement. That’s already a strike against them. Is that sensible?
Comment by daaronad — September 15, 2008 @ 8:23 pm
A DHS investigator’s report has requirements to meet to enable the removal of a child. Most parents are unaware that they include reports from persons that will remain anonymous. How can you confront the accuser when the law does not allow you to know who they are? So, the accuser becomes the DHS worker that is not required to indulge the source of his/her information. OK law has a statute that requires mandated reporters and holds them in comtempt if they say nothing. OK law has a statute that gives mandated reporters, including DHS, a no-tort claim, as long as the allegation was made in “good faith.” Now, if your allegation is made through a third party, that will not be named, who’s to say that there even is a third party? The law needs reformed as well as DHS.
Comment by daaronad — September 15, 2008 @ 8:43 pm
Daaronad-
I think that what happened to your daughter is terrible and that person should be prosectued to the fullest extent of the law and thrown under the jail. I dont care if you are the biological parent, a neighbor, a social worker, whats wrong is wrong.
I believe some people on here fail to point out very important factors in their stories. If your child was truly in CPS custody and you took her out of that placement without any kind of notice you would have the police knocking at your door. Unless of course, you moved away or are at an unknown location. Like I said before I feel like this type of discussion can be a good thing for those truly wronged, but please believe that when you step away from the computer you are living your reality and have to answer to your children-people way more important than CPS, more important than anyone on this site, and more important than yourself. Your children have to be a priority at all times and if anyone fails make sure their children are priority have an issue. Every situation is different and accidents happen. For example, I had a young teen get burned while trying to cook for a sibling. The single parent was not at home at the time but they were not out partying or getting high- they were working and could not afford daycare. In a situation like this- would I run into one of the attorney’s offices and demand that we file for custody immediately? Of course not. I would however refer the parent to the agency that provides free daycare to low income families. If the parent fails to follow through and there is another incident, well…….
I understand that you are upset but a lot of what you are explaining makes little to no sense (no offense).
And yes, I am very much so out in the field. How could I “investigate” if I wasn’t? What did I say to make you think that I wasn’t? And I believe if you had taken your time to see the comment that I was replying to you would understand that response about the crack pipe. Which leads me another statement you made regarding the relationship between substance abuse and being a fit parent. We all know that there are functioning addicts. We all know that there are some people who never did drugs in their life who should not be allowed in the same room as their children. I am not going to (nor will I be allowed to) take a child away from someone who keeps their child safe and decreases risk of harm to where I can walk away from the investigation without worrying about if the child is ok. But there are people who are so deep into their disease that they have put their children in or risks putting their children in harm’s way. I think that everyone should have a voice and stand up for their rights but unfortuantely many people put more energy into “fighting” CPS than they do creating safe environments for their children. Please note too that there are lawyers appointed by CPS that will fight for you until the end if they see that you have legitimate concerns. But there are some that shouldnt represent the Pope disputing a traffic ticket. In the end, it all comes down to you being able to demonstrate with confidence that you were wronged and that there was no reason for your child to be out of your care. Quick question- did you go to mediation for your case and what was the ajudication decision? I am really interested since you took your child from placement without CPS intervening. If the situation is that the child was really in CPS custody (both legally and physically) and you are now on the run- you may be making the situation worse. If you are still staying the same place you were before, I am sure the child was never brought into CPS custody- no offense, but that is impossible. If a child is in custody the State is responsible for the child and would not just “let it ride”.
Comment by Advocate — September 15, 2008 @ 9:13 pm
Comment by Selina Layne — September 16, 2008 @ 12:57 am
Advocate, what daaronad said is right concerning my own specific situation. We DID hire an attorney, who said the exact same thing about ‘not wanting to step on dhs’s toes’. Our children are being subjected to an ‘alternative lifestyle’, and believe me, talking FROM EXPERIENCE, that this is the WRONG thing. One of my children’s ‘caregivers’ has several characteristics of a sociopath, yet has NEVER had to undergo a psych exam. I WANT MY CHILDREN SAFE & IN A SAFE PLACE. Their ‘caregivers’ are also friends with a caseworker assigned to our case, who also happens to be a lesbian. I did file a complaint to the main office in Denver, but they send it back here to investigate. Of course this hellhole county found NOTHING wrong & I am the ‘bad one’ as usual. Tell me, is this JUSTICE?
Comment by Susan — September 16, 2008 @ 5:26 am
Dear Advocate,
Maybe you can answer this question for me, since my caseworker can’t seem to keep her stories straight. First of all I have never said that my children were taken for nothing. I made a mistake and yelled and screamed at my child out of frustration. He was taken from me immediately. My other two children were taken by the judge because of the fact that they witnessed domestic violence between me and my now ex boyfriend. I have done EVERYTHING required of me by CPS. My caseworker, however did not do her job. I made all contacts to her, never her contacting me. She made one visit to my home, and told me everything looked great needed to get odds and ends, but other then that everything was fine. I told her when she first became my caseworker that I had to male roommates, she even interviewed them and did a criminal background check, of course they came out great!!! Two months after she became my caseworker she filed for my TPR. How can this woman justify this when she really didn’t even know me? She was lazy and did not do anything that her job required her to do. She made up stories in court, and could not even tell the judge how big my house was, nor could she remember one of my roomates name. She told me in my own kitchen that as long as my personal sexual life was seperate from my childrens that my roomates and I could have a threesome!!!! Of course she denied it in court, and then try to say she said it differently. I understand why one of my children were removed, I even gave up rights to him knowing I could never give him what he needed. However, I am very capable of taking care and being responsible for my oldest two, why did she lie to keep them from me? Reunification is supposed to be first, but she made this impossible for me. Evertime I completed a parenting plna, there would be another waiting for me at my three month hearing. I completed all of them by the time my TPR took place. Why do they still have my kids? I fought long and hard to prove myself a fit parent, however I do not think the caseworker like the fact that she could not discourage me and she knew that I would never walk away from them. Youo should hear the things she told me kids. When she was asked in court how my kids knew certain things she couldn’t answer. CPS is nothing more then a way of stealing children. You may be out to help families, but clearly not all CPS workers are.
Comment by Kandice Cantrell — September 16, 2008 @ 5:59 am
Advocate-
I had the home study and the background checks on ALL family memebrs in the household. We have NEVER been on drugs, been arrested or detained by the police or anyhting of the like. We are extremely finacially responsible people and stable in home and work. The Parents DID make the request that WE have their children and after 3 months of foster care, we were given 2 of them. In fact, they signed over to us on a POA years before just in case anything ever happened. We DID get court ordered visitation with the others, but the foster family denied our court order deliberatley to break the bond we had as they were told they could adopt them, no question. Every time we enforced the visitation order, they changed our case worker and we’d have to start over again!
We were at the very 1st hearing and every single meeting, counselor appt, class and CFT etc. from DAY ONE! We took an active interest in the case every step of the way and playing absolutley no favorites (children came 1st above parents; our own son), even though the parents did have court ordered visitions.
When we attempted reunification, I dropped everything to drive over 200 miles every Friday night after work, to be there for parental visitation. I stayed at a local motel the entire time or slept on the parents floor if no motel room was available. Te Judge had APPROVED me as the parental visitation coordinator. So I must have been more than acceptable and posed no threat to the case, in his eyes. That should speak volumes about the trust he had in me!
Still, despite all our hard work, thousands of dollars in attorney’s and TOTAL SUPPORT, we eventually got only the 2 that were to be adopted out. But this took almost 18 months!!!!!!
Now that is absolutely ridiculous! And we worry every day, that despite our perm. guardianship orders, they will show up without notice and suddenly take the kids for no reason.
We love our grandkids too much to EVER let CPS in the door. Knowing what we do now about our local CPs, and our civil rights under the orders we hold, I will never trust this gov’t office again!
Comment by Cheryl — September 16, 2008 @ 8:18 am
Advocate-
I should mention that all the children were over 10 years old!!
Their requests and the parents should have been listened to. At 10 + a child knows if they want to be with a grandparent or not.
Comment by Cheryl — September 16, 2008 @ 8:26 am
Selina-
I will definetly being praying for your stepson. CPS is always wary when it comes to reports that are made when there is a custody matter due to many people attempting to use us so that they will have some type of proof to show in court or so that they can “avoid” family court and all of its expenses. The truth is when you get CPS involved allegations start coming up from both ends so either the case is closed due lack of evidence/ support, or the child is placed in foster care because both sides are found to be unfit, or the child is placed with the other parent. In your situation it sounds as though you all did do the right things: you took pictures, you took the child to the ER, you filed for custody, etc. I dont know what the reasons could be for the worker not intervening more than she did. In this case I would think that the response should have been immediate (due to his age and the marks). Have you tried calling her supervisor or her supervisor’s supervisor or the director of the agency? You have that right to talk to them and tell them your story. Have you asked the once supportive officer why his position on the matter changed so quickly? For him to be as invested as he was in the beginning and then just switch his opinion light a light switch is unusual. Do you think that maybe the mom has some type of proof (be it real or fake) to support an allegation that you and your husband are not appropriate caretakers? Remember, once CPS is involved a lot of allegations are made (true and false). Do you and your husband have any type of criminal history or CPS history? Please hear me when I say that I am not trying to minimize or make excuses- if this lady is doing these things she does not need to have custody of any of her children.
Let me say that I am offering no legal direction in your matter because I dont know you and your family and am not certain of all the facts. I do know of people who have been in your situation and have taken steps in attempts to get the child placed in their home primarily/ completely. In my state you can file for an emergency temporary order with the courts. This allows you to attain full custody of the child until there is a court hearing in which these issues are brought back before the judge. It is a good idea to have legal representation. I understand that money is an issue with many people. You may be able to attain counsel for a reduced fee through legal aide.
If what you are saying is true and you and your husband have no identified risk factors according to CPS, I wish you luck. I will pray that the child is kept safe no matter where he is. I would advise you and your husband to go about things the right way- if the mom is mad I wouldn’t have told her where I was having the party, etc. You did take a lot of appropriate steps and I would continue to do these. I know as a parent I would want to take matters into my own hands but I also know as a worker that this will only make me look like “an angry bad guy”. Not to put thoughts in anyone’s heads but I read that he gave the mom the child back even though he had concerns (this was before any court orders were put in place)- He did not have to do this as he is the biological father and has equal rights to the child. This doesn’t mean that mom could not herself went to the courthouse to file for emergency custody but its something to think about. Also, working with families as much as I do I have to be the devil’s advocate (ha, advocate) and say that if there is any legit reasons why your stepson should not be in the home with you and your husband full time I wouldn’t hope that he be placed with you all. I know it sounds harsh but I am amazed at how worked up I used to get listening to stories only to find out that the person before me with tears in their eyes are truly monsters with agendas other then keeping the child safe. But, if what you are saying is true and there is no reason for the child not to be safe with you, I wish you all the best of luck and I pray that the madness ends so that you and your husband can enjoy him and most of all this child can start living a healthy, happy life as God intended. ~Peace and Blessings~
Comment by Advocate — September 16, 2008 @ 7:15 pm
Susan-
Quick question: Do you enjoy typing the word “sociopath” or is everyone you dont agree with automatically one? Either way you may want to stop diagnosing people as one before a qualified person labels you as one. Many of the comments that you have made have been ignorant, immature, and offensive. I would hope that when you are expressing your concerns regarding your children to CPS you dont communicate in such a way. If you do, your message of concern is overpowered by nonsense.
Comment by Advocate — September 16, 2008 @ 10:08 pm
Kandice-
Just to get a clear understanding- were all of your children removed from your home at the same time? Yelling and screaming is not enough to file a petition. Did you have any CPS history? Did you yell any type of serious threat to the child? Does the child have any special needs? How are you ok with giving up one child but not the next two? I’m not trying to minimize/ defend anyone’s actions, just trying to get a better understanding.
Comment by Advocate — September 16, 2008 @ 10:24 pm
Advocate, who is a qualified person to label a person a sociopath? The qualified persons to label a parent as an unfit parent, often have no degree, as far as collegiate qualification goes. I’m sure that you will agree with that, with your extensive knowledge. Even so, does a certification truly mean that that person is responsible to make that judgement? On paper, yes. I’m sure that you get my point. You asked about my situation, however, I don’t trust you. Certainly, you understand that there are misguided workers within DHS. I will tell you this: I was threatened, by the DHS investigator, that if I didn’t give my full cooperation that my children would go into a foster home. As time progressed, I researched the law and OKDHS. The point is that DHS had no concrete justification to take my children. They intimidated me into believing their initial threat. In Oklahoma, the threat of losing your children is not coercion. I allowed DHS to intimidate me into go along with them. Was an investigation conducted? It was conducted on paper. My case is a single case. But I learned the law. I saw how and why my case was allowed to go as far as it did. The damage CANNOT be undone. I, seriously, doubt that my case is unique. I have made a committment to helping others against DHS. Because, I am no longer close minded. I will ask of to, please, not try to hinder or judge people by their comments on this site. Your experiance with “clients” is only just that. You do not know these posters. Even if their story sounds like “clients” of yours, you must realize that every situation is different. That is part of the problem. DHS workers prejudge. Now, I ask you, where did DHS workers get the qualification to prejudge with minimal information?
Comment by daaronad — September 16, 2008 @ 10:52 pm
Advocate, back to your response to me, who should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law? The people who raped my daughter? The people who I informed about it, that did nothing and ignored it? That included two DHS workers, their supervisor, and a subsidiary component of DHS. I was told that until I meet their requirements etc… My daughter had to live through this because I failed to meet DHS requirements, which I had to stand up against because they were wrong. So, what should I have done? Admit to false allegations in order to protect my daughter.
? Ignore the blatant lies by DHS, because it takes time to go through the courts to stand up against DHS, while my children are being abused? I might have been able to prevent the traumatic ordeal done to my children by ceding to DHS in the beginning. Did I do the right thing or not? My children are home. I chose the hard right over the easy wrong and it cost us dearly. Am I a bad parent for doing that? Society has learned that it’s easier to go along than it is to stand up for what is right. A parent that gives in to intimidation because of their children is misguided. But, I understand the pressure and I sympothize . DHS understands how easy it is to intimidate a parent when their children are threatened. So, to justify the idea of saving a childs life by taking and traumitizing, “may be harmed or neglected” children, affects not only the child, but the parents, grandparents, friends and society in general. I hope that you get out of the mindset that you are in and, someday, see that all people matter. Seriously, what gives you the right to take a child away from a parent? A college degree? A judge? The law? A degree is only worth the paper that it is printed on. Judges and lawyers are biased and self serving. Just think about what I said. No need to comment, because I don’t want you to comment defensively.
Comment by daaronad — September 16, 2008 @ 11:23 pm
Advocate, thank you for calling me ignorant, immature, and offensive. Believe me, I’ve been called much worse. Guess what though? I’ve got my BA in Social Work/Management! I am using my training to help victims of CPS’s unwanted advances and intrusion. What is your education level? Believe me, I’m NOT as stupid as I look.
Daaronad is doing the RIGHT thing. He’s done research, as well as quite a few of us have from experience! The truth WILL come out! I was wrongly diagnosed by one of your agency’s paid goons. Come to find out, this quack gives EVERYONE the same diagnosis: Borderline Personality Disorder. Coincidence or not? As for offensive, how DARE you judge me. Have you walked in my shoes? Were you beaten as a child by your mother’s many live-in girlfriends? You NEVER did answer my question about where you live or your religion (if any)?
Comment by Susan — September 17, 2008 @ 12:19 am
Susan-
Your last comment only supports my last comment addressed to you. As far as where I live and what my religion is, that has nothing to do with my dedication to the people I service, so I would appreciate you not asking me again. If you want to have a discussion about what qualities make or breaks a person when it comes to being able to do my job then we can definetly discuss that. I am sorry that you went through what you did as a child but you never know what anyone’s background is. How do you know that I wasn’t abuse and neglected as a child? How do you know if I was never investigated as a parent? You dont know. As far as the education level of anyone, that means absolutley nothing to me. A title does not sway me one way or the other as to deciding if you did or did not do anything to harm a child. A title does not hold anyone back from mental illness. I have actually found in my years of work that those with money and status get away with easier from being held accountable due to them being able to afford lawyers who know what to say and when to say it and have connections with people who can help the guilty get away with almost anything. That is why I have said- the most important conversation would be with yourself. Only you know what you did/ didnt do and will be forever held accountable within. You having a “BA” in SW (which I have never heard of) does not for one second make me want to change my thoughts on what an ignorant statement is. The comments you made were ignorant, immature, and offensive if you get a Masters or PhD they will still be that way. I think that you are looking for personal characteristics in a person that have absolutely nothing to do with the most important goal which is to protect children. Ask me if I am a sexual predator or if I have ever left my child alone as an infant or if I have ever exposed a child to domestic violence, then you will be going somewhere with this discussion. Until then, you are just spinning your wheels and wasting valuable energy. As for my education, just know that I am highly qualified “educationally” for the job that I do and could easily be doing another job in the service field paying twice as much but I what I do is my calling and I dont see myself walking away from it anytime soon. I do not “enjoy” removing anyone’s child from them. If I could have it my way I would have never filed a petition because the parent would have made changes to keep their child safe. I have even given a parent the chance to retain physical custody while the department had legal custody. There was an issue of domestic violence and mom said that she would no longer have dad in the lives of her and her daughter. When we arrived to court for the initial 7 day hearing mom had a black eye and dad was in jail. Days before SHE and the child went to HIS house and there was an incident. So, just like you I will not SHUT UP and I will not BACK DOWN. Whats wrong is wrong and people need to be held accountable- including me when if need be. Have I ever dropped the ball in any of my cases? Heck yes! I took full responsibility in doing so even when my counterparts tried to justify the Departments actions. Me making mistakes does not eliminate the wrong doings of someone else. Nobody can love a child like a biological parent can but unfortunately there are sometimes underlying issues that deter parents from making the best decisions for their family and they too must be held accountable. I think that a parent admitting that they were wrong (if they were wrong) and making changes is the best thing for a child to see. Nobody is perfect and this is important to recognize but will we continue to expose our children to this ideation that “the world is against me and I am always the victim and I must point out what everybody else is doing wrong and brush my wrong doings under the rug”? If we do, rest assured that the cycle will continue. One day our children will have children and God forbid a case of dejavu. Everyone should have a voice no matter where they come from, what type of education they have, what their socioeconomic status is- unfortunately a lot of those who shout the loudest are saying nothing at all. ~Peace and Blessings~
Comment by Advocate — September 17, 2008 @ 1:06 pm
i had let my mom take care of my son for 4 years and then she didnt want to give my son back i faught her in courts sacramento county and cps also and now i reside in placer county my mom wont stop i wish someone could help me all this is fals statements and me and my son are suffering over this. thank you. joy richardson
Comment by joy richardson — September 17, 2008 @ 1:30 pm
Daaronad-
You are right, everyone is different. Things happen, mistakes happen- we are all human. My comments are not intended to judge. I think that this type of discussion is needed for both parents and workers. I know that the people on here are not my clients. If they were these discussions would be face to face. But it is only logical for me to honest in my words. The reality is a lot of people have fought my decisions, a lot of people have lied on my doings and it is only right that we explore the entire situation. I think that people should tell their stories but is me asking a question that will help fill in gaps too much? It should not be because when these same people do get a chance (and I pray that they do) to express their concerns to the people who can actually make the change- they will be presented with these same questions x2. Trust me, there have been times when I have gotten into heated discussions with my own supervisor about how my decision to step out of a case was only right. Of couse, her decision would be the final decision, but my username was not pulled out of the air. I am the type of worker that a lot of supervisors would not want to work for them (I have actually been told this) because I do question actions and I do speak up for the rights of my clients when I feel like they were being bullied. But at the same time I have some clients that I will debate on that I feel should not be allowed to lay eyes on their children without supervision and the final case decision was for us to step out completely. So, I ask that if we are not going to “prejudge” in this discussion that you offer me that same respect. I am no better than anyone else on this planet but I know that our job is needed and I know that some of the things being said on here is complete BS (sorry to be so blunt). If the world was full of enablers there would be no need for discussions like this but we live in a world where power, influence, intimidation, money, etc says a lot more than our hearts- but I refuse to get lost that kind of senseless ideation. I work with facts and facts only. We are allowed full access to a family’s CPS history, criminal history but I NEVER look at these things before I initially go out to meet a family. I allow them to tell me. My theory is if you made a mistake and have learned from it and make changes, you will have no problems being upfront about it. I dont even consider a lot of things that are more than 5 years old. People change. If I didnt believe in this, I would not be working for CPS. I am not going to minimize or defend anyone’s negative actions:CPS or a parent’s. It is what it is and everyone does not always speak the truth. Am I going to call people out on contradictions? Definetly. Will this discussion help those who are not victims as they say and are really only looking to justify their wrongs? Hopefully.
And to comment on the issue of if someone is qualified to diagnose mental illness? Uhh, yeah. If someone knows/ understands the theory of mental illness and has practiced this, gaining expertise along the way- yes, they can label me, you, or anyone else as suffering from a particular illness. The same can be said of a medical doctor, a substance abuse counselor, or a refrigerator repairman. If a professional can justify why without prejudice a person is XYZ, then yes, it can be considered factual. It is not fair of us to disregard legitimate proof. Are there quacks? Uhhh, yeah. But quacks cannot scientifically prove without doubt why they have made the decisions that they have made. Mental illness is real but I dont think that its fair for anyone to make assumptions without beiong qualified. I believe the statements that you made regarding this were in response to my response to another participant in this discussion. I believe if you read the previous posts you will see why I made the comments that I made. And you are right, I know that a lot of comments made are fueled by emotion but I am sure that there is just as much emotion when speaking in front of the people making final decisions and yes, if the same type of comments are made before these decision makers, people may be digging a hole deeper than CPS ever could.
~Peace and Blessings~
Comment by Advocate — September 17, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
Joy-
Does your mom have legal custody?
Comment by Advocate — September 17, 2008 @ 1:42 pm
Daarond-
In response to your last comment:
This is a discussion so I take the liberty to comment. I am not hear to “defend” anyone. I dont know you or the worker who was/ is on your case. I am just pointing out that there are some things that dont add up and am trying to get a clear understanding. There is no need to “defend” because these are not my actions. With that being said, if you want to respond to my inquiries without too much detail we can continue the discussion, if not…. you are living your reality and I wish everyone involved in that reality the best.
Comment by Advocate — September 17, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
To Everyone-
I work for CPS as an investigator- I am the person who initially comes out to the home to address the allegations reported to the agency to gather facts and make a decision as to what needs to happen next: Do we close the case? Do we send the case on for further support without filing for custody? Or do we make an appt with our attorneys to discuss filing a petition? Or do I take the children with me before leaving the home during the first visit? I have worked in the human services field for many years in different capacities, all of which are family related. I have worked in substance abuse, mental health, case planning, placement, and now investigations. I am a parent. I grew up in what is to be considered a poor family with a single mother who had the weight of the world on her back and which sometimes led to her acting out in ways that would be considered abusive. My father was an alcoholic and was constantly in and out of me and my siblings lives until he passed when I was a young teenager. I have been violated sexually, involved in violent relationships, and at one point in time was going down a path similar to the one my father took. I endured and took accountability. I put myself through school and worked hard, committing myself to the people without a voice. I work in areas where the people have almost nothing and I am constantly aware of this. My most important role is being a mother to my beautiful daughter. I am her primary role model and refuse to let any harm come her way. All foolish things must come to an end when you are reponsible for the life of another. It is not about me and what would be the easiest thing to do. It is about her and it will always be about her. Anything that I may be accused of doing wrong as a parent will easily be unsupported because I dont focus on the trivial and I dont make excuses for my behavior. Before I answer to anyone else, I answer to her. She watches my every move and it is naturally enstilled in her that the way I live my life is right. I refuse to set her up for failure. The worls is far from perfect and change is needed. I have all of the confidence in the world that she too will be a strong person who faces hardships with confidence and learns from her mistakes. Because of this, I am at peace with myself. Becasue of this, I know that nobody, no organization, nothing can take this away. I am aware that CPS will sometimes require too much of people at one time. I understand that some people are accused of being the worst parents when in actuality they are wonderful parents. But I also understand that everyday there are children being beaten, starved, violated sexually, deprived of an education, made to be the parent of their younger siblings, burned, put in the middle of their parents beating on one another, being made to live with parents that are addicts, made to feel like they are not worthy to be alive, etc. These are all reality. I am glad that I ran across this site, it is needed. I am in no way in any position to offer any legal advice but for those of you who are truly victims, I will tell you of the experiences and results of some of the families I have worked with in the hopes that one day you may find justice. To those of you looking to be enabled in your lack of dedication to your children and change, I wish you insight and a more honest look into why things happened the way they did and I pray that a change is made. I am open to discussion without bias but do not be shocked or take offense when you are not met with a “Whoa is me- type response”. A discussion without accountability is better had with oneself. ~Peace and Blessings~
Comment by Advocate — September 17, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
Facts. What people who have been falsely accused need are facts i nwhich to fight the allegations. Not platitudes.
Again, people who come to this forum are falsely accused.
The accusations do not even meet the legal standard of abuse or neglect.
CPS had better get a little more saavy about the law.
It is not the CPS’s impressions. It is about facts.
If you truly wish to make a difference then become discerning-that takes logic and facts. Thjink.
Godspeed to you, I know you mean well but you are misguided.
Comment by MaggieC — September 17, 2008 @ 6:30 pm
Sorry fo the typos. It’s been a long night. At the office for about 12 hrs today.
Again, sorry for the typos.
Maggie
Comment by MaggieC — September 17, 2008 @ 6:32 pm
I think that you are right. People who are falsely accused do need facts, thats my point. I am sure that some of the people who participate in this discussion are not falsely accused but are looking for someone to tell them that they have no issues and CPS is the only blame for their troubles when they know that they have done something that warrants CPS involvement. Before blood pressures rise, I said SOME. (Someone will take my last statement and respond that I am wrong for saying that everyone on here has not been wronged). I’m not telling you what I “think”, I’m telling you what I know, like it or not. I encounter families all the time in which the allegations made against them are bogus- sometimes I can tell from the allegations that they are bogus but they meet the criteria for abuse, neglect, and dependency had they been true.
FYI: There is a process to which reports are accepted for investigation. There is a two level decision at Intake as to if the allegations meets the state’s definition for A/N/D. The case is then assigned to an Investigator. If there is an issue as to if CPS should even be involved, you will probably never lay eyes on the people who accepted the case and thats something to keep in mind. Now if your children are brought into custody, your issue would be with the Investigator or their supervisor IF the basis for the removal was a lie.
Let me ask this of the parents who have had their children removed without just cause, was their mediation on the case before it was ajudicated? If so, what was the outcome? Were there any changes made to the petition itself? Did you sign off on these changes after mediation?
Comment by Advocate — September 17, 2008 @ 8:09 pm
Maggie C-
See above. The allegations have to meet the criteria in order to be investigated.
This is what I mean by some people saying things that obviously doesn’t make any sense. Nobody prays for a higher caseload. We don’t come into the office hoping to get a new case to investigate. The majority of the allegations reported to CPS are not accepted. There has to be something in the allegation that pushes the report into being accepted. It is all about the wording used by the reporter. And understand that sometimes reports come from something that the child has said, even though it may not be true it is not fair to “blame” CPS.
And here is my disclaimer for the fifth time:
YES, CPS MAKES MISTAKES. YES, SOME PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE SOCIAL WORKERS. YES, SOME OF THE PEOPLE WHO COME ON THIS SITE HAS BEEN WRONGED BY CPS. But, some of the things being said (directly to me) makes no sense. Either they are forgetting part of what they are meaning to say or they are lying and looking for someone to say “It’s not your fault” when it is your fault. You did something or failed to do something which lead to your child being removed out of your home. ~Peace and Blessings~
Comment by Advocate — September 17, 2008 @ 8:20 pm
cps always takes children from stabble homes and leaves kids in homes where they end ip getting killed.,and they want you to do all these services and classes and work too there is only 24 hrs in a day,they have turned my kids and my life upside down
Comment by norma allen — September 17, 2008 @ 10:15 pm
sometimes cps is right to take kids from there parents,but just because you make a mistake or you do have a past doesnt make you a bad parent or bad person and our kids dont deserve to be traumatiesed by our or your actions
Comment by norma allen — September 17, 2008 @ 10:20 pm
Advocate. Ha. What an oxymoron.
You and your fellow minions work for an agency that ‘advocates’ interference into the lives of people where your interference is not only unwanted, it’s unwarranted.
You all have either superiority complexes, or/and, personalities in which you are overcompensating for bad childhoods. You had it rough growing up, so now it’s your unethical mission in life to trespass into other people’s lives with the supposed innocent purpose of helping.
GIVE US A BREAK!
Even if all of you went through extensive, recurrent mental health screening it wouldn’t matter, because so called psych evaluations are a joke. Psychology is a nazi science. The human brain is too immense and diverse to be fully understood. The naming, diagnozing of most mental illnesses are based purely on conjecture. They are speculations, opinions, because there is no concrete proof to support them.
Yet, your fallible agency orders psych evals to be done on parents, by people YOU pay, and thus the outcome is reports written to the benefit of cps, not the parents. Why? Well to justify your unwanted, unwarranted interference of course. Without families to meddle in, how would you people feel like you’re doing your supposed good deeds. How would you people feed your superiority complexes.
No matter the good intentions anyone has when they say they want to be a social worker, sooner or later, the rampant corruption touches them, because it’s like a disease, that has spread like wildfire aided by an equally tyrannical government comprised of other people with superiority complexes, feeding off the hard earned dollars of people, which they use to further their deceitful, and self serving agendas.
You people are just that, people. You have no more qualifications than the rest of us, to intrude upon our lives and try to exert misused authority over us. Furthermore, when you raise a village of children, wait, better yet, when you are God and know everything, and have the ability too look into a person’s heart to know if they should have their child or not, then and only then would any of you have any moral standing to do what you do. Since most of you don’t even have children, but more importantly since none of you are, nor ever will be God, the positions you all hold are nothing more than that of glorified God wannabes!
Get a grip. Nobody is perfect, thus no parent is perfect. No matter how bad a childhood any of you had, you can’t undo what happened to you, by taking children away from parents you think MIGHT be like yours in anyway, big or small. You also can’t make the world a better place by plucking children from the roots, and transplanting them somewhere else. If that was too over your head, that means taking children from their biological parents and placing them with people they are either not related to, or with family who have their own agenda and use your interference to fight against parental reunification and instead, fight to keep the child(ren) for themselves, often with cps’ allowance. WHO really gives a damn about the children. WHO’S really looking out for their best interests. It surely isn’t you people nor any of the other people who aid you in the destruction of families!
You apparently want to overlook a fact. The fact that you faced adversity growing up, and you came out better for it. People who face adversity can turn out worse. However, in most cases, adversity is beneficial. It teaches you things you don’t learn when you live the kind of life you people seek out to give the children whose lives you are interfering with. A parent may not have the best home, the best stocked cupboards, the best car, the best clothes, the best toys, the best friends and family. They may not have the luxury to give a child everything, and exactly how you people feel they should, but that in no way makes them unfit. Going without food sometimes can make you more appreciate of it when you have it. Having hand me downs can make you more appreciative of the new clothes you get as a Christmas present. Going without a room full of toys can make you more appreciate of the few you do have. Not always seeing the one taking care of you, because they’re working two jobs to provide for you, can make you all the more appreciate of them when they are with you. The absence of things, makes one realize that it’s not material possessions that make one happy. It’s simply the joy of knowing you are alive and that someone, mom, dad, loves you, and to them, you’re their everything!
How do you suppose these children you rip away from their God given families will feel growing up. Wondering all sorts of questions no child should have to wonder. Like “did my mom/dad ever want me” or “why did I have to come from such messed up parents that I had to be taken away”. Or how about all the questions and false ideas of their parents the children will harbor because of the malice of other people who will tell them lies against their biological parents, just to justify to themselves, why they have the child, and why the child isn’t where they belong!
You people think you have so much education. You have your handbook with it’s rules that most of you mostly never follow. Even if you people were held accountable, and followed all the rules you have, two things would still hold true. 1.You could never save every child. 2.All the families, all the children whose lives you interfere in, will forever carry with them the memories of the emotional turmoil, and trauma of being forced into your petri dish in which with bias they are scrutinized and judged. In which they are put through unnecessary parental separation/alienation.
You are not helping children. You are messing with the innocence of their youth. You are negatively affecting their mental and social development. You are setting them up to have behavioral problems. You are setting them up to be drugged out of their minds, broken, shells of what they should be.
You treat parents like show dogs. You make them have to jump through ridiculous hoops that even the few of you who have children, didn’t have to go through and yet you people are somehow excluded, and are allowed to raise the children you gave birth to, all because you’re on the side of the fence that has the power, a temporary power I might add. If parents were meant to be perfect as you people push, it wouldn’t matter how many hoops you put before us, we’d never be deemed deserving of raising OUR GOD GIVEN CHILDREN!
You and your kind are an abomination and unless you take good hard looks at yourself and have the truth of God’s word and His Holy Spirit living in you, the punishment for the crimes you are committing against others will surely bring you to the fate of eternal torment in hell.
My finishing “religious” comments may likely cause me to lose credit in your eyes, but I don’t care how you view me with your distorted vision.
You may believe you’re some kind hearted person just trying to protect children. When do you realize your attempt at protection from what you perceive to be harm from their parents, backfires into causing irreprable harm and that it is you and your ilk that families need protection from.
You clearly lack tact, because your comments here are not only unwanted, and unwarranted, they are without merit, they are patronizing, they are insulting, they are demeaning. You are minimizing/nullifying the pain those here who were/are falsely accused, and unjustly victimized, experience daily, and will for as long as they live without their children in their homes, in their arms. Thanks to the supposed good of your supposedly well intentioned agency.
Some good ‘advocate’ you are. You clearly lack common sense, or else you’d realize your presence here, just as ‘out in the field’ is harmful, NOT beneficial.
We KNOW cps and the other names it goes by, is nothing but a corrupt government funded child stealing business, whose days are numbered. You will be overthrown, you just better HOPE it’s not by Jesus Christ.
Now, I suggest you LEAVE this site, and if you have ANY decency in you, don’t you ever come back!
Comment by GodHelpedMe — September 18, 2008 @ 12:28 am
?
Comment by Advocate — September 18, 2008 @ 12:59 am
GHM-
Thanks for echoing what I had just said.
I think i’ll make a few more comments, but thanks anyways!
Comment by Advocate — September 18, 2008 @ 1:11 am
GHM is totally right on! Advocate still refuses to take accountability and identify itself! Advocate doesn’t scare or intimidate me either. It doesn’t have the power to! Politically speaking, we need to cut CPS by at least 90% so we can focus on IMPORTANT issues like the economy, instead of abducting children from their non-abusive biological parents!
Comment by Susan — September 18, 2008 @ 5:51 am
Dear Advocate,
First of all I had no choice, but to relinquish my rights to him. I was told I would never have a chance of getting him back, so my attorney along with my caseworker pushed me into giving him up. Yes he is MMR, but he knows right from wrong, and a lie from the truth. As far as prior CPS involvement my ex mother in law used to call them on me when she did not get her way with my children. All of the allegations were proven “unsubstantiated”. No I did not threaten his life I just used curse words and was very horrible to him. I know what I did was wrong, I lost my temper. It is hard to raise a child who thinks it is ok to lie to teachers, social workers or anyone else who will give him attention. He got into trouble at school and so the teacher would not call me he lied and said my ex boyfriend punched him in the eye. There was no bruising, marks or anything indicating that this child has ever been hit!!! Most of my CPS allegations came from this child lying to people at school and the fact that his grandma wanted to raise him. I even took him to a physocologist at CPS request, and was told that I would have problems with this child because he simply does not care about telling the truth. He even apoligized to the caseworker for lying.When she told him that this was ok, He smiled at her and told her another lie. She figured this out, only too late. I gave him up because truthfully I could not take the chance of them all coming home and this nightmare starting all over again because he was mad at me, or because he did not want to be in trouble. I am not a perfect parent, nor do I try to be. I will do whatever I have to for my children, but he was just unreachable. My heartaches everyday at this decision and it is something that I must live with for the rest of my life. I spent months in the hospital before he was ever born to give him life. I spent every minute I could with him until he came home. My whole life revolved around him, and my other children suffered because I just had no time for them and him. He needed 24 hour a day attention, and if he didn’t have my full attention he would go to school and make up an abuse story and my other children would be put through hell. I will always love him he is my son, but I cannot mentally go through all that pain again. As far as my other children, I have always been responsible and tried to do the right thing. They have suffered because of one horrible day and for this I am sorry. It was not like I am someone who yells and curses all the time, I just had enough with him lying all the time and thinking that it was ok I couldn’t take it anymore. I would sell my soul to SATAN to have all my children at home with me, I have done everything to prove to CPS that I am not the same person anymore, but what does it matter now they have what they came for my family. With Michigan CPS there is no such thing as reunification. I am labeled as “evil” and nothing I do will ever get them back. Why don’t you use your background and help people instead of helping CPS keep our children. I am really a good mom and I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.
Comment by Kandice Cantrell — September 18, 2008 @ 5:51 am
Also Advocate, do you give a flying F*CK what the children say? Do you even take into consideration when they are CRYING to live with mommy & daddy? The DHS Nazis sure DID NOT in my case!
Comment by Susan — September 18, 2008 @ 5:53 am
Advocate,
I forgot to tell you he was taken and then at the hearing the next day CPS told the judge thtat my other children were in no danger and the judge decided to take them away. OF cours CPS changed their minds and agreed and then 18 months later my children are now in danger if they come home? To me it makes no sense. CPS did not have to agree with the judge or at least aided my in their return. How can my caseworker make sucha big decision as to take away my rights when she was only on my case for two months and never tried to make any contact, but one home visit, a meeting with my roommates, and me calling HER every week to make sure my children were ok. She even lied to the judge and said she watched my last visit with a therapist. Now mind you there are no mirrors in this room and they only ones in there were my two children, the therapist and myself. How can I prove she lied? The therapist was not allowed to testify per the judges orders. THe judge felt the therapist would be no help because she only supervised my visits. It was nothing,but lies and corruption!!! I would be more then happy to send you personally EVERY SINGLE DOCUMENT I have. I have kept everything to show my children that I never gave up on them. When you have corruption, not just with the caseworkers, but the judge too you can kiss your children goodbye. I never got that chance. I was supposed to have a visit to say my final good byes, I was even denied that. My last day with my children was hearing them scream and cry for me not to leave them. THey weren’t even allowed to say good bye to thier little brother, whom I get to see whenever want. My children will never know what I have done for them until they are 18. THey will never know how much I love them and miss them. THey aren’t even allowed to have a picture of me. You tell me this is justice!! You say that everyone makes mistakes and you understand, well your the only caseworker that feels that way. I don’t come here for a pity party I come here for help, for people to understand my pain. I will never get rid of the guilt I feel and cannot forgive myself for what I have done. If GOD can forgive and my children have forgiven me why can’t CPS? are they better then the rest? In MIchigan lsoing your temper on one occasion costitues that you lose your GOD given right as a parent forever. You explain to me how this is fair.
Comment by Kandice Cantrell — September 18, 2008 @ 6:22 am
Susan-
You are becoming almost comical- I understand you are upset and at first I could understand you taking your frustrations out on me because I represent CPS but now its as if you think that I am the worker that filed the petition. I am not so if you want to have a discussion I ask that you address me without prejudging. If not, you are only making yourself look as though you have anger issues. You know nothing of how I practice social work so please do not assume. I have filed 4 petitions in my entire time in this position and I promise you 3 of the 4 did not protest leaving their home. The other was upset only because she was being placed out of state in the home of a RELATIVE (can you believe it, a relative) and would not be able to attend the same school for the remainder of the school year. Do you know why the children in these situations did not protest? Because children know- they live with it everyday. Naturally children are going to want to be with their parents but some are actually waiting for a way out- at least until the parent can make better decisions.
Please save your ranting for the judge or at least do not direct it towards me because I am not familiar with you or know your entire situation. And you will never know my name- how is that going to help anything? I am not your worker, your judge, or your child. I wish you the best. ~Peace and Blessings~
Comment by Advocate — September 18, 2008 @ 12:58 pm
Kandice-
You are completely right. If you completed the goals of the reunification plan, I dont understand how you were not able to get your children back. If what you are saying is true then yes there was an injustice. As social workers we must operate on the premise that a change will take place not the thought of “there’s no hope so lets get the TPR paperwork ready”. Thats the whole point of having the plan in the first place. Did they ever say that having two adults living with you may hurt the chances of reunification? Obviously, I ask that because the home has to have appropriate space/ sleeping arrangements, etc in order for the children to return. Is there a stipulation in your state that the children may only be returned to a home where everyone there has participated in the plan? Just asking- even though we all know that everyone’s home is not composed the same but when it comes to reunification and the state OKing the home, there are strict guidelines. If it was serious enough for the children to be removed, the home must be in order according to policy. I heard you say that the worker made a comment about her thinking that the home was OK but this may have been a situation where she went back to her office, staffed the case with her supervisor and then found out that she was wrong. If this is the case she should have been professional enough to explain to you her mistake and allowed you time to make arrangements. What all did you have to do in your case plans? What length of time was it between ajudication and the TPR hearing?
As a human, I am truly sorry for the hurt that you feel. I wish the difficult decisions that you had to make on no one. You feeling guilty shows that you are being accountable for your actions and plan to/ have made changes and I praise you for that. I think you said it right when you expressed that these are still YOUR children and will always be YOUR children. If you were manipulated into agreeing to an order that you did not fully understand that is unacceptable and is just the opposite of what we should be striving for as social workers.
Comment by Advocate — September 18, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
Whatever. You just represent the evilness of cps (child predatory services). Just go ahead & patronize us. Keep kicking us when we’re down. You are NO better than the corrupt case workers, judges, GALs, public pretenders, anonymous ‘tipsters’, & everything else pro-dhs. This site is for VICTIMS of cps.
Comment by Susan — September 18, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
Wow! For months now I thought I was the crazy one! Thank you for all of your comments; this is unbelievable. I am involved in a D&N because my ex-husband has pending criminal charges against him that my children filed. CPS has treated me like the criminal since their involvement. The details of my case can be like any of these that I have read.
What can be done? Can’t people join together? These rejects have too much power coupled by their level of incompetency. As far as hiring an expensive attorney, they are just part of the market…they make a lot of money…because we are scared.
Can’t we band together and get a legislator’s ear? Somebody has to know someone out there….
Comment by Cathryn — September 18, 2008 @ 4:03 pm
I read the information on What to do if a Worker come to your home- Some of the information given is not accurate. For example, if you are under investigation CPS has the right to see your child at school. You can request that your child not be seen by anyone but by law the school is not going to uphold this. You can ask your child to not give any information but a lot of times-if this is initial contact- you will have no knowledge that a worker is going out to the school to see your child.
Please do not respond directly to me with senseless comments about power, corruption, etc. I understand that this is the way some of you feel about CPS and I respect your opinions. There’s no need to keep saying it over and over again directly to ME as I am truly invested in the families that I serve and get many thanks from a lot of them. I’m just providing information to those that are unaware.
Has anyone on here had any success with the resources provided on this site? Not anyone else’s story or something that you heard or read about but personal stories of justice against CPS.
Comment by Advocate — September 18, 2008 @ 7:34 pm
CPS wrote a report which was taken to Judge Carpenter in Kent County Michigan. The judge signed an exparte order which removed my 11 year old daughter from my home 12/2007. We had a trial on Sept 8, 2008 at which the CPS worker admitted her report was false there was not abuse or neglect. She admitted she was aware the home which my daughter was placed the father had domestic assault, 1 year probation, admitted to 3 sexual misconducts, 2 substanated child abuses and 7 illegally wire taped my personal phone conversations. She admitted the young 17 year old man that reported abuse was smoking cigerattes but was unaware he was also doing drugs.
My daughter has been removed from her christian home, school and church. Isn’t allowed to pray or communicate with anyone outside of the fathers home. She is being verbally abused and has also been physically mistreated during this time. I need assistence to get my daughter home and safe. I have a appeal case with CPS on Oct 7, 2008 to remove my name from a list of potential child abusers. Please contact me to help my child.
Comment by Denise Bruns — September 18, 2008 @ 8:56 pm
CPS worker Nyela Hooks/Bolden Kent County Michigan lied in her report which has placed my 11 year old daughter in harms way. She is today being abused by the father, step mother even today. I need an attorney to defend my daughter and I with the injustices that have denied us our rights since December 2008. PLEASE RESPOND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Denise Bruns — September 18, 2008 @ 9:01 pm
Advocate,
Yes, I have had great success with the information on this site. When we were falsely accused and investigated, I told the investigator I wouldn’t allow them in my home without a warrant, and while they initially resisted, I showed them appellate court cases that supported my position. I gave them the information they needed to close the case, but didn’t allow them entry into my home.
When they asked to interview my children, we discussed the right to have an attorney present and, because we could not afford one, got the case worker and her supervisor to agree to let us observe the interviews from behind a two way mirror while taping, and to limit the scope of the interview to actual allegations not go on a “fishing” trip.
As to the interviews at the school, that actually depends on the state and even those laws could be challengeable. Most agencies aren’t going to want to provide a test case, so if you file a written statement with the school ahead of time and refuse to allow the interview, they will probably go a different route.
As an investigator, I’m sure you’ve sat in on many court cases. The reason objections are lobbied is because the attorney wants them on record, and no attorney has a 10% success rate with objections. It’s the same with the recommendations for what to do. It gives you a basis for appeal.
If you are referring to the article by Chris Klicka, by the way, I assure you, Klicka knows his stuff. As legal counsel for the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, he’s represented more cases than most of us will ever hear, and is a recognized expert in his field.
Comment by Gideon MacLeish — September 19, 2008 @ 8:22 am
Gideon-
Thanks for the insight. I didnt make this clear but I was referring to children that are actually placed out of their homes.
I have myself had a couple of investigations that were closed due to the parents knowing their rights and the agency not having enough grounds to file for a noncompliance order. These decisions to shut the cases down without further intervention are seen more with those families who have no CPS history and recent relevant criminal activity. Parents do have rights and these must be respected.
Of course, there are certain situations that will warrant a worker asking a judge for an interference order. This includes allegations of a more “serious” nature. Parents should be informed and empowered, knowing what any agency can and cannot do legally. If there is a thought that a worker can retaliate due to some kind of personal issue, being informed is the best defense.
One of the cases that I have had that were shut down was due to the fact that even though I was not allowed inside the home, I was allowed to see the children (it was during summer vacation, which meant that I couldnt go to the school to see them). I did however have to talk with neighbors which in my opinion can be more harmful than allowing a worker into the home. These statements (some of which can be damaging later if another case is opened on the family) are on record and this parent still has a “history” with CPS.
In my other case, the parents exercised their rights and refused to speak to me without their attorney being present. The allegations in this case were related to the decision to homeschool their children (along with other allegations of inappropriate discipline). That case was closed but CPS but was passed along to the state agency overseeing homeschooling. Even though I am not sure of the outcome, I am sure that their investigation was a lot more stringent than ours.
To summarize, parents should know their rights and know how having no previous involvement with the agency will support their decision to not cooperate but also keep in mind that dilligent efforts must be made by CPS to show their attempts in assuring safety. This may mean that a neighbor with something against you may make additional allegations and defame your character or a totally seperate agency may open an investigation on the family because they can address certain well- being areas better that Child Protection.
Comment by Advocate — September 19, 2008 @ 7:11 pm
Again Gideon, thanks for the information!
Has anyone here personally fought a CPS injustice in which a child had been removed and won?
Comment by Advocate — September 19, 2008 @ 7:14 pm
Advocate
TRUST ME YOU ARE SO WRONG! I personally know couples who have had their babies taken at birth or from an elementary school. In neither situation were their children or babies “in danger” or unfit. They may not have been in that perfect little pink and white house, or that perfect outfit, or their perfect hair do but they are the most peaceful citizens you could ask for. This is not danger! But in the instance, where the couple had their babies taken from birth TRUST ME they had the perfect cutest babies you could imagine perfectly healthy. What you may see as unfit can also be peacefull law abiding citizens who never did any harm to any one. TRUST ME! It is all in how your perception is. A worker can think they are doing a great job and then the boss comes along and says they there not meeting job requirements. How can that be? It is two different perceptions. Unfortunately, the person with the power controls.
Comment by Gina M. G. — September 19, 2008 @ 9:59 pm
Advocate
Yes, when my youngest sister was in elementary school and I was in high school. Yes, that time our family won. Literally, our family was torn apart and I at the age of 17 was left to not only care for myself but a younger sibling for a short time because my father in self defense took his daughter on a visitation and fled the country. He is deceased. They promptly threw my mother in jail until his return. This happened over thirty years ago. We were a poverty stricken family. I had to grow up fast and quickly; and I to had to fight to keep the family going. Then many years later I could not help my brother and sister-in-law; I did not live close enough to help. They lost their beautiful healthy babies who are now adults. Where they are today; we don’t know. They do not know us and we do not know them. They were taken directly from the hospital room. I wasn’t even going to come to this web site any longer because I’m trying to simply move on; but I keep coming back.
Comment by Gina M. G. — September 19, 2008 @ 10:10 pm
Advocate,
Like I said she said my home was fine, needed dressers, other than that she could not find anything wrong. As far as my roommates there is NO law stating that I cannot have roommates, male or female. Even the prosecutor had to admit to that in open court. My case plan invloved counseling, I did 18 months of it, parenting classes, which I completed right away and did very well in it, only to hear the judge tell me in open court that anyone could complete them, so it was no big deal that I even did the program. I was supposed to have counseling with my children, however the caseworker never set up the appointments, this too was raised in courts and she came up with every reason why she never started them. I was to have a home and a job. I have never been without a job, a good job at that so that wasn’t even an issue and like I said she checked out my house. The issue of my home never even came up unitl court. If my home was inappropriate it was her job to help me find proper housing, however she never lifted a finger to help me. I was basically cruxified for loving my childen. As far as the parental bond being broken my children are not toddlers or infants. They were 10 1/2, 9 and 8. We had a bond long before this ever happened. It does not just go away because they were taken from me. I have always taken responsibility for my actions and asked and took what ever help I could get to rectify this situation. I was simply railroaded to cover up my caseworkers incompetence. She should have been fired a new caseworker assigned and my hearing supsended, however my judge in the case loves adoption and has even been featured in various newspapers in Michigan about adoption. Most of her adoptions are children that are in foster care. I recieved no justice and neither did my children, my caseworker told my son that he couldn’t come home because his mom and dad did not do what they were told to do. She lied to my child and now he hates me because he thinks that I didn’t do my job in order for him to come home. This started in June ‘06 and ended on March 11, 2008. This day will forever be etched into my heart. Cassopolis, MIchigan is known for their corruption, but people are scared to speak out because the judge has a lot of clout here. Here husband is Cheif of Police in a neighboring town, and she has everyone wrapped around her finger including Governor Jennifer Grandholm. Filing a grevience against her or CPS could cause my family a lot more pain and I am not willing to put my family at risk. All i can do is pray that my appeal is looked at carefully and hope they are willing to rectify the situation. I am pnly speaking out now, because the damage has already been done to me they cannot hurt me anymore then they have, losing my children is like sentencing me to death without actually being put out of my misery. Instead I am forced to live my life knowing that my children are out there somewhere wondering where their mommy is and if I am ok. You will never know the pain of wondering if your children are ok and if they know that you still love them. I would never wish this pain on my worst enemy. I have taken accountablility for my actions, and it still cost me my children. With CPS there is no such thing as “winning”, because in the end our families are the ones who will suffer for the rest of their lives. They are supposed to help you, instead they lie,coerce, and fabricate things to make you out to be the most horrible person imaginable, I know this for a fact because I am living it everyday!!!
Comment by Kandice Cantrell — September 19, 2008 @ 10:55 pm
Gina,
Thanks for the response. I am fairly new to this site and you may have already shared your story with the details of how you were unjustly taken into custody. I did read that you were taken over 30 years ago and as I am sure you know there has been a lot of reform in the CPS profession. There are now more audits/reviews in place. Most importantly, the practice has changed. I am not clear on your situation but there were clearly a lot of injustices regarding CPS back then- not to say that there isn’t any now because we all know that this does still go on but the guidelines now are more strict than before and as a result there are less incidents of intentional and on-going problems.
And regarding the first response you posted: Was the infant that was taken from the hospital at birth born positive for drugs? Had the mother already lost the rights of another child? Did the mom have the capacity to care for the child? (In other words was she cognitively delayed, have mental health issues, etc.) Was she already involved with CPS regarding another child and the risk in the home was already identified? I ask these questions because if this was her first child there is no way she could have her child taken out of her custody at birth for no reason- even the worst social worker would not have enough of anything to lie about at the child’s birth.
Comment by Advocate — September 20, 2008 @ 12:51 am
Also Gina, if you read my comment it said nothing about workers not being able to take a child into emergency custody. How did you conclude that this is my thinking?
Comment by Advocate — September 20, 2008 @ 12:54 am
Kandice-
I wish your family the best in your appeal. I read that two of your children witnessed domestic violence. Were any of your goals related to this? I think that its wonderful that you completed your parenting class because the reality is that sadly a lot of parents wont even go to the first class due to their failure to admit that there were issues present. Were you made to participate in domestic violence counseling? Was your ex- boyfriend the father of the children? If so, was he made to complete any treatment regarding domestic violence? And was the worker under the influence that you continued to have a relationship with the ex boyfriend even though he had not worked his plan (if he is the biological father and had a plan to work)?
Comment by Advocate — September 20, 2008 @ 1:31 am
I have a question: What exactly constitutes a ‘cps history’? For example, does it mean having cps called on you once before & finding nothing wrong, even if it happened in another faraway state? Is there a national cps database? I’m serious. Does cps purge records after the child has turned 18? Or do those records exist to possibly be used against children who were once in the ’system’ if they have kids?
Comment by Susan — September 20, 2008 @ 5:55 am
Each state has a CPS database so whenever research is done by the Intake worker the Investigator will automatically get a listing of which counties have had involvement with the family. If a worker finds out that a family has lived out of state for any period of time the worker should contact that county to request either a summary of or the full file from the previous state (if any). Not every worker does this but most do as it is considered being thorough. Again, any involvement within the state is always given but there are no details (it will just give the dates, type of allegation, and what the case decision was) so the worker must also contact counties within the state for the details (some will only do so if there were any substantiations, if there is an extensive out of county history, or if a petition is being filed as a full history is to be included in the document).
CPS History is defined by any involvement with CPS as an adult. If a child was brought into care it will be in their parent’s file. If the child grows up, has children, and become involved with CPS as a parent, they are assigned their own case which will not include the involvement they had as a child. You can not assign the same case number to a mother and then her child when they grow up. There are some situations in which a worker may ask for a grandparent’s history especially if the grandparents live in the home where a case is opened. Everyone over 18 in a home is considered a caretaker so they too will have checks for CPS history and criminal history- so its not very hard to see if there is a need to request additional records for the purpose of review.
A child cannot be held accountable for their parent’s behavior so if they were brought into custody, grow up, and are under investigation themselves it is unlikely that there will be anything in these old records to support that they are unfit parents. There are exceptions. If a parent was diagnosed with a serious mental health disorder that requires ongoing, active treatment as a child and were not given the OK to stop the treatment by a doctor and are now disputing the need for treatment as a part of their case plan as a parent, then it is possible that the history will be used to justify an assessment, etc.
Comment by Advocate — September 20, 2008 @ 10:41 am
In addition, CPS history does include cases that were unfounded. Of course we know that a lot of cases are bogus so it is unlikely that one unsubstianted case is cause for alarm- unless the child is a baby and there was no much time between the last case and the present one.
I read a comment in one of the sections on here saying that being listed on the Central Registry cannot effect employment and this is not true. The Central Registry is a listing of people who have been substantiated for Abuse and Serious Neglect. For example if it is found that there was inappropriate discipline used by a parent but it did not result in injury to the child, the parent will not be on this listing. Employers in fields involving children (schools, daycares, group homes, CPS, etc) have access to this list and will deny employment if you are listed. Also, if you are found to have inflicted Abuse and/or Serious Neglect on your child, it is likely that the DA has been notified and criminal charges will be brought against you which will of course show if any employer runs a criminal check before hiring or if a current employer runs checks annually.
Comment by Advocate — September 20, 2008 @ 10:52 am
Advocate: What about a case that was found “substantiated abuse”? The allegation was that daddy pushed “hard” on his back to get him moving. The case worker did a crappy job investigating, refused to contact the child’s pediatrician or therapist (who he had been seeing before/during/after allegation) and even hinted that the wife must be abused, too, because her family lives an hour away and she has “dark circles under her eyes”. (All the “quotes” are from her report, that was acquired through a lawyer.) After their finding of “substantiated abuse” by the father, they ordered anger management, continuation of child’s therapy, and unlimited access to the family/home for at least a year (then would be reevaluated.)
Family refused. CPS took family to court. Court stated it wasn’t necessary, dismissed it. CPS could not prove their finding of the ’substantiated abuse,’ and child, child’s guardian ad lidem, and child’s therapist all testified on behalf of the family.
I want to know if the ’substantiated abuse’ on their records went away, or simply that there were no repercussions from it? No, no criminal charges were filed.
He is in a job position that requires background checks and fingerprinting, as is she. They’re worried about his trying to get a new job with what this power-stricken case worker’s inadequacies have bestowed upon their family.
This all happened 4 years ago.
Comment by Laura — September 20, 2008 @ 6:42 pm
Folks might be interested in Judge Palllmeyer’s holdings in Illiinois where many folks who worked in the Child Care profession were listed, on the Illinois Central Registry.
Judge Pallmeyer basically held that the list was unconstitutional, since folks never had the chance to challenge their placement on such a list. Basically the list was an internal catalog of those unfortunates who happened to interface with disgruntled DCFS employees.
She is an Appeals Judge and the holding was significant for Illinois.
Something like 5 thousand folks finally protested, in writing, their placement on such a registry.
Case is something like DCFS v …….
and was active around 2005.
This holding, would be significant law for those residing in other states who feel they have been illegally or unfairly placed on such a database, wthout having the chance to present their side of the story and without any legal representation afforded to them, which might result in their being deprived of an opportunity to engage in a certain occupation,.
Folks should consult attorneys within their own states to challenge their own inclusion or to get a read on how the law reads within their own state as it evolves.
Comment by Fern — September 20, 2008 @ 7:53 pm
Advocate,
When I was 17 years old; my youngest sister was taken directly from the elementary school; over thirty years ago. Today, she is my best friend. This left me emotionally scarred. I never trusted CPS from that point forward. It was my father on a visitation who out of self defense for the family had to flee the country with my youngest sister. This showed them we intended to fight their abuse. They threw my mother in jail and I was left to care for myself and a younger sibling. I was left parentless and now I had a younger sibling to care for. My father returned and we gave my sister back; but I guess they finally realized we were simply a nice poor family. However, many years later; my brother and sister-in-law gave birth to their first born child. No, she was born healthy. They took her directly from the hospital room. There was nothing that the parents did . However, they did begin to accuse the mother of having mental problems even though she had never had any problems before this. The couple did not do anything wrong and I lived to far away to help. The grandparents were also not allowed to help. However, even if I lived closer I doubt very much that they would have allowed me to. After several years; another child was born and again they took my nephew from birth. Again, born healthy. What I forgot to mention is that I intended to sue CPS after several years of my niece and nephew lingering in foster care. I was sick and tired of this. I could not do it; it would cost to much. They told me to “tell them that if they don’t relinquish their parental rights they would take both of the children” . This was their deal. However, the foster mother continued to interfere with my newphews life after loosing custody and he also had grown accustomed to a life much differently than that of his parents (poverty). Anyway, she simply basically took my nephew and took him back to her house. While he visited he somehow turned on us after we attempted to locate his sister. His sister sent a letter stating that she might meet her brother but only him. Her adoptive parents had contacted the former foster mother and she told my nephew who then completely shut us off after that. So, while I have met my nephew; he doesn’t realize the pain he has caused us. He told me he has lived most of his life with the foster mother and surrounded by his friends and considered his friends his family who live in another town. We don’t mean to much to him. All three of these instances involved the use of an emergency court order. What I am saying is that there was nothing dangerous about any of these situations. Just their perception that had my parents (the couple lived with my parents) lived in that perfect little pink and white house, that perfect hair do, perfect clothes; perhaps all this would have turned out differently.
Comment by Gina M. G. — September 20, 2008 @ 8:29 pm
Laura-
If he was substantiated for abuse then his name is on the CPS Central Registry. If there were no criminal charges brought against him then his criminal record wont be effected. The only employers with access to the Central Registry are those in positions where the person would be in constant contact with children. Was the substantiation on abuse or inappropriate discipline? I ask this because inappropriate discipline falls under Neglect which will not lead to a person being listed on the Registry. Only Abuse and Serious Neglect decisions are listed on the Registry.
Comment by Advocate — September 20, 2008 @ 8:48 pm
Fern-
The process of appeals is at the bottom of the decision letters. Every person who is to be placed on the registry has a certain amount of time to submit an appeal. I’m sure this came about due to situations like the one you discussed.
Comment by Advocate — September 20, 2008 @ 8:52 pm
In some states this information is given in person by the actual social worker in a letter seperate from the case decision letter.
In every case decision the parent has the right to dispute a finding but those decisions which would lead you to be listed on the Central Registry have a more formal appeals process.
Comment by Advocate — September 20, 2008 @ 8:55 pm
GIna-
Regarding the babies that were taken into custody at birth: What were the initial allegations that brought CPS to the hospital? There had to be some type of concern reported (be it true or false) from someone either working at the hospital or someone familiar with the family who knew that the child was being born.
Comment by Advocate — September 20, 2008 @ 9:04 pm
Dear Advocate:
The cases were extant in the 90’s. Apparently at that time, notification was NOT given to potential defendants.
I am certain you understand that the law is constantly evolving, and that wrongs perpetuated by the State are often overturned in Appeals Courts.
There were THOUSANDS OF FOLKS AFFECTED IN iLLINOIS.
I urge folks who have questions about their inclusion on a Registry to consult a law librarian to look up Pallmeyer holding.
Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer, Illinois Appeals Court.
Comment by Fern — September 21, 2008 @ 7:26 am
Another question: can a parent have access to their cps file once a case is ‘closed’, in my case meaning my mother & her ‘?’ have permanent custody of our 3 children? I still desperately need an attorney who is not corrupt to help us fight to get the kids back. My old lawyer advised me not to look in the file & to go along with everything dhs said. Well we did, and us & our children’s lives are beyond miserable. That is why I am so angry & bitter.
Comment by Susan — September 21, 2008 @ 8:14 am
We have NOT been TPR’d & dhs said I would have had recieved a letter stating I’m on an abuse registry. I’ve never gotten such a letter. Our case is entirely based on my yelling at my 2 yr old son outside at the time & shutting the door on him for about 20 seconds! Yes, I was wrong to do that & I’ll never forgive myself. That is what launched the dhs intrusion into my family.
Comment by Susan — September 21, 2008 @ 8:18 am
People:
You need to indicate the STATE YOU RESIDE IN OR WHERE THE CPS CASE TOOK PLACE.
We cannot possibly assist you w/o this information.
Check out:
http://www.familyrights.us
Under Contents of site
Go to Members and Friends. For groups within many of the United States who can assist you.
Pay it forward to others.
Best. F.
Comment by Fern — September 21, 2008 @ 8:19 am
Susan-
All files are sealed unless the judge orders that they be handed over for review.
Are your children in CPS custody or your parents’ custody? I know that your parents have Physical custody but is CPS still involved? Are the children legally in CPS custody?
Was your case ajudicated on Abuse, Neglect, or Serious Neglect? Again Neglect will not have you listed on the registry. Is your case still active with CPS? There has to be a permanent situation for the children before CPS can step out. If your rights were not terminated is there still a case plan in affect for you?
Comment by Advocate — September 21, 2008 @ 10:05 am
iamon
I find it interesting that you cannot feel sorry for a 17 year old who had to take responsibility for caring not only for herself as a teenager but for a younger sibling because of actions of “adults”. (CPS) IF You had read that story!
Comment by gingerroot — September 21, 2008 @ 11:31 am
Advocate,
No case plan in affect that I know of. I do know that the case was adjudicated on just simple neglect. I’m in the process of looking into hiring yet another attorney. I haven’t heard anything from cps since they got permanent guardianship in June of last year. My mother says ‘cps is out of the picture’. They keep changing our visitation around at their whim. Nothing is consistent with our visitation with the kids at all, except us all getting jerked around! We DO pay child support & are current on it, so shouldn’t we have liberal visitation? I got the run-around when I called the courts looking for answers.
Comment by Susan — September 21, 2008 @ 11:42 am
iamon,
I also find it interesting how you cannot care about a man and a woman who walk into the proper birthing facility (a hospital) and then have their cutest healthy babies removed. And that you cannot care about the relatives or the couple who did nothing wrong and now they have lost their family. That you can’t find room to care is like many others in this world. The fact that many of us like myself respect your right to your family, your right to like or dislike your family. The fact that I do not pass judgement in your family’s life if you are doing nothing wrong.
Comment by gingerroot — September 21, 2008 @ 12:56 pm
who is “iamon”?
Comment by Advocate — September 21, 2008 @ 3:07 pm
Susan-
Since CPS has stepped out and your parents have guardianship you have to take them to court like you would if you were trying to get custody back from a biological parent. Looking for an attorney is the right step in doing so as you will have to argue that they are unfit and that any issues that CPS had identified in the past with you have been addressed/ resolved. Is there a standing order that you are to have visitation or is it left up to your mom as to when you can have visits?
If your rights have not been terminated then you are still responsible to provide some financial support for your children. Again, your situation can be compared to a custody battle between a man and woman who share a child. One person may have full custody per order of the court and not allow the other visits for several reasons- one of which may be beacause they fear for the safety of the child when left alone with the other parent. This does not mean that this other person is no longer responsible for providing some financial support for the child. If the other person wants consistent, non-negotiable visitiation they would have to take the other person to court and ask that it be ordered by a judge. A lot of times this will lead to more allegations/ concerns being reported to CPS (from either side) in the hopes that CPS will be able to support their case. ***Side Note: This is the reason why a lot of workers are cautious when it comes to allegations/ concerns that “suddenly” come about when there is a custody battle going on. Also, if CPS does become involved with a custody case and issues are found and the child has to be brought into/ back into CPS custody, it does not mean that the child will be placed with the other person.***
Comment by Advocate — September 21, 2008 @ 3:34 pm
Advocate, I am grandmother of 10, live in Dayton,Ohio & I have a story for you myself, however I have been up now for over 48 hrs. working on my hearing Mon.Sept 22. and still working on it. I wish I would have known 2 months ago what I know now as far as the procedures go so I would have known how to be prepared & what I could have done. I guess my daughters case is over except there is time to object Mon. is dead line for that so If things dont go right I will do that. My case is being heard mon. I filed prose for change of custody, custody etc.I finally figured out how to do a Declaration of facts & i’m going to court house early in morning to try to turn it in .& only hope the judge will take it.so she has time to read it before hearing in afternoon. I wanted to do another paper but havent been able to get documents from cps. fri. when i went to court house to try & read there files they said it wasn’t down there since court was Mon. I have character letters as well. I have legal custody of one grandson who happens to be the brother of one of the girls I’m trying to get out of Foster Care. Same Magistrate. With me as far as I can tell the reasons it is taking so long is due to Home study reports, BCI & FBI. I fear tht they will again say it’s not complete & use the Wind Storm we had last week as the excuse! I will be back.. Good night
Comment by Christine H. — September 21, 2008 @ 10:27 pm
Christine-
I wish you the best in your attempts. If you have already been listed as a possible caregiver and the judge is aware of it, I would think that a due date was ordered….but every state and judge is different. I wish there were more people willing to take in children who they considered to be family even though they are not blood. I’m sure your grandson would also love for his sister to be with you guys.
I know that blood relatives are always looked into as possible placements. In your case, are they asking that you become a certified foster parent first? How do the biological parents feel about you wanting the child placed with you? Let us know how everything works out. Again, I wish you the best and commend you for such dedication in your attempts to return the child to a more familiar situation.
Comment by Advocate — September 21, 2008 @ 11:11 pm
I know that this is already understood but I want to reiterate the obvious:
I am not at liberty to give anyone any legal advice but will offer any information/ situations (with respect to confidentiality, of course) that I have experienced. I work for CPS and know that abuse and neglect are real and happen too often without parents/gaurdians taking responsiblity. I am in no way saying that this person is or isnt appropriate to have or not have a child with them. Of course, to truly know what the needs/ risks of a person are you have to know the entire situation. I only wish the best for all of the children mentioned in these stories, whatever that may be.
Comment by Advocate — September 21, 2008 @ 11:21 pm
Advocate,
I left the exboyfriend as soon as I lost my children. No he is not the father of any of my children. The only domestic violence counseling I had was through my CPS hired therapist. I wasn’t even out to find a relationship due to trying to get my kids back, and I really don’t trust anyone at this point. I was honest with my caseworker and both roommates explained that we lived together to help each other out, not to have any type of relationship. They knew I was going through hell, and I just needed someone to be there for me. SHe accused me of having a relationship with one of my roommates and we both took the stand to defend our friendship. It seems like I was not allowed to have any male friends, which happens to be all of my friends. Then she said that I do not have a support system. I have 42 members of my immediate family, plus my roommates isn’t this enough of a support system? My therapist even tried to seperate me from my sister, telling me that she was having a negative impact on me, they really didn’t want anyone defending me when it came to how I parented my children. Like I said they threw anything they could at me and I smiled and didn’t budge. From what I understand most parents give up, because of the stress, not me I love the pressure and I will not back down when it comes to fighting for my children. I fought hard to bring them into this world, I wasn’t going to let them go without a fight. I want to thank you for listening to me. Everytime I write you, I begin to cry so I can only type so much at a time. Please kep us in your prayers, I know my mother in law and grandma are watching over them, that gives me a little bit of comfort. I just wish they had each other, but unfotunately they all live in seperate foster homes in seperate cities. I want everyone to know that no matter what happens with your families your children will have you in their hearts. The last time I saw my children I told them this to comfort them” Though I cannot be with you physically right now, remember that no matter where you are I am always thinking of you, praying for you and you will always be in my heart as I am always in your heart. When you get lonely put your hand on your heart, close your eyes and mommy will be there.” This has gotten me through many tough days. I wish all of you the best of luck.
Comment by Kandice Cantrell — September 22, 2008 @ 5:32 am
Christine:
There is a very active group in OH.
Go to:
http://www.familyrights.us
On left of page, see Contents
Under Contents—select Family and Friends.
You will find all the US states, there and there is a group in Ohio.
Best. F.
Comment by Fern — September 22, 2008 @ 5:34 am
Advocate,
I want to respond to the fact that a child cannot be held responsible for being in thee system as a child. THis was used in court on me by the judge. I was in foster care for two years. I was a rebellious child and my mother couldn’t do anything with me, so the judge put me in the system. The judge in my childrens case got a hold of my paperwork from back when I was in foster care, and said on record that because I was a troubled teenager and needed to be put in the system, that I was a bad mom. That because I did not like authority then, I didn’t have any respect for it now!! Which is kind of funny because I am working on my Associates Degree in Criminal Justice right now and have been for a year. If I didn’t respect authority why would I waste my time on this degree? Of course they only thing my caseworker said is that I was taking some classes online, but she didn’t know what for. Again your past can be held against you in the present and future. My father is a convicted child molester, this was also used against me. Just because he is a sicko, does not make me one. I cannot control what he does, I can only control my own actions. Trust me if I had my way he would never harm another innocent child!!! Of course the judge used his perverted past against me. I have never touched my children and would kill the first SOB who did. I never had a fighting chance. Trusst me if you have ever had CPS involvement as a child or adult you can kiss you kids goodbye.
Comment by Kandice Cantrell — September 22, 2008 @ 5:44 am
CPS showed up at my door 2 days after I threw the State law about homeschooling in a DCS worker’s face who tried to tell me what my son needed. She claimed I was using meth. She said she had to see my child. WTH is that about. I told her unless she has a court order or a sheriff she is not coming in my home and to leave my property. She also had blocked off my driveway as to prevent anyone from leaving. She left and came back 20 minutes later, now saying she had to see my child and perform a drug test. I don’t think so. She left again and then came back with a sheriff. I brought my son out of my bedroom then refused anything else. I told her you saw my child you can leave now, he is alive and well. Ugh, now I am finding out that this might be retaliation. How can I find out who made the false accusations????
Confused in the Country..
Comment by Kelly — September 22, 2008 @ 5:49 am
Advocate-
I have fought and I have won against cps!!! It can be done!!!!
Yes I used some of the advice I rec’d here. Yes I have 2 years of law studies, which helped.
Yes I reviewed law online at the Cornell Univ. Law Library ( an excellent source for anyone in this boat).
And I am only a grandparent. Also, my son and daughter in law after all that time, were found to be fit parents! All of us won. The case of neglect was determined after 1 1/2 years to be “unfounded”.
But the damage was done. Two kids were awarded. No bonds had been broken. The other 2 (foster care kids) had -0- bond left with their parents and thier siblings. I had done my job to reunite the 2 kids I had, but the foster parents refused allow contact outside thier home.
And yes, MAYBE they are not supposed to loook at “unfounded” prior calls to CPS, but they sure did! They even admitted to it at a hearing.
So I guess CPS really won. They have forever changed the family.
It’s over for all of us now. But I know that I will NEVER let CPS near these kids again. No interviews…nothing!
Comment by Cheryl — September 22, 2008 @ 8:45 am
Kandice-
You are very welcome but I believe that you are the one to be thanked. You sharing your story was a “mini refresher course” for me as sometimes we as social workers (especially investigators like myself) are not there through the entire process of reunification. We dont get to hear a lot of the stories of the parents who actually put forth real effort to get their children back. Thank You. A lot of parents start off fighting for their children but as time passes they gradually stop working their plans and have several excuses as to why they cannot make it to a visit. I do applaud you for the changes you have made- the reason we get involved is to encourage change (this SHOULD be the reason). Nobody is perfect and everyone deserves a chance to right their wrongs. The statement you made regarding your children is one of the most powerful things that I have heard in sometime and I truly believe that you want the best for them. You took accountability and made some changes- thats what it takes to be not only a good parent but a good person. ~Peace and Blessings~
Comment by Advocate — September 22, 2008 @ 7:23 pm
Kelly-
Unless a judge orders a worker to reveal who made an allegation, you probably won’t find out for sure who made the report.
Comment by Advocate — September 22, 2008 @ 7:27 pm
Cheryl-
I’m happy for you and your family. For those looking for help, what did you do in order to get the two children back? and what stopped the other two from being returned? Is there still a chance that they will be returned also?
Comment by Advocate — September 22, 2008 @ 7:30 pm
I hired a private attorney and his assistant to do what CPS was supposed to do in the 1st place…the background checks, etc. On both US and the foster parents.
The fosters’ both had multiple felony and misd. criminal backgrounds stemming back several years!!! prison included!!! Yet they were keeping us apart, refusing the court ordered visitation and all telephonic contact with the 2 kids theat ultimately were not returned. They had been started (by CPS) in the adoption training program.
CPS would not believe me until as luck would have it they BOTH showed up for a hearing…high and hungover!!! Not everybody can get as lucky as I did that day.
But that was my turning point with the judge. He immediately ordered CPS to religuish the kids to me. Then he ordered CPS to produce the background checks on both the fosters and us, of which there were none to produce.
Within 3 weeks, the TPR motion was denied, and the 2 kids that were ready to go home, did. They had been going to family reunification planning and counseling thru their foster home. I was their foster home! I saw to it they never lost that parental bond. The other 2 that had been kept from the entire family by these criminal fosters’, were not bonded any longer to their parents and could not be thrown back home, so we rec’d perm. custody, unrestricted. They have the privelege to decide IF they want visits with theoir parents and when, which we are starting to see happen.
Since then, we have spent a lot of time and money rebuilding our lives to fit children rearing again and creating the unbreakable bond that they should have with parents.
But, will they ever go home..doubtful. Their bond is now with us. They rely on us for everything. The seperation of their immediate family is far to great to heal anytime soon. They are not attempting to re-bond with thier siblings that went home.
And, in order to change their minds and request to go home, the parents have to allow the case to re-open so that CPS can do another evaluation of the home, school and finances. All while putting the 2 that are home back at risk. Not a good option. It is financially not fesible as well. The parents will have to settle for what they have now. It probably will not get any better than that.
It is this game of “us 2 against the other 2″ for these siblings now. So much for the closeness of sisterhood. It’s gone, forever.
Comment by Cheryl — September 23, 2008 @ 8:24 am
Why would our government try so hard to place children in the homes of adoptive strangers instead of trying harder to reunited them with their own fit biological parents who love and care for them. My two little girls were taken into custody by Sacramento Child Protective Services in January of last year.
They were not removed from my home they were removed from their father’s home. At the time, we had joint legal custody but he had physical custody. I am the mother of 7. Before marrying the father of my two youngest children, I was living as a single parent with 5 wonderful children. I have never been arrested. I’ve never had a CPS case. I’m not and never was a drinker, smoker, or drug user.
I did not reside in Sacramento when the case took place. I was a resident of Texas. When I found out that my children had been taken out of the home of their father and his new wife, I cooperated with CPS officials to get my children placed in my custody and out of foster care. I been cooperating ever since. The children’s father initially wanted to regain custody of the children because of his new baby by his current wife that had also been removed from his home. In August of 2007 I began flying to California to participate in the hearings and to have unsupervised visits with my daughters. I would keep the girls with me at least 4 days and sometimes I would fly out twice a month. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to pay for the flights without assistance from Sacramento County.
Each time I flew to California the county worker would ask me not to let the children’s dad know that I was in town.
I cooperated. He never knew I was there until he saw me in the courts waiting area. For the most part we never talked. The county put an order of no contact against him regarding the children. They have already place his baby by his current wife in an adoptive home.
My girls have a brother and sister whom are currently living with me. I have maintained contact with my children via visits and calls throughout the entire ordeal. The county of Sacramento even flew my children out for a 10 day visit with me during the holidays in December 2007 and trusted me to take care of them and escort them safely back to Sacramento.
Image how bad it made me feel when my baby girl asked me why I was taking her back there if I wanted her to live with me.
Sacramento’s original county worker who was handling the case decided to drop it to keep himself out of hot water of all the schemes. I get the feeling they were playing a game of good cop bad cop. When I figured out the game that the good cop was playing, he bailed out and turned it over to the bad cop. Who seems to care less about how my children will be traumatized if they have to go from being placed in foster care with total strangers to being placed in the adoptive home of another complete stranger.
Unfortunately, during the process of cooperating with Sacramento to regain custody of my little girls, I was laid of my job. I then had to move myself and my other two children to Atlanta where I now live with my Sister who by the way has asked the county of Sacramento for custody of my girls. They came to assess our house and decided not to approve and ICPC to place the children with me in my sisters home because of the number of people who are already living there. Because of CPS tactics, in delaying the case by constantly rescheduling hearing and using delaying tactics to use up the time I have to regain custody of the girls now they are THREATENING turn the case over to adoptions. How could anyone tear a child away from a safe loving parent who has a good background and is currently successfully caring for their siblings although I am using family support. I the county would have simply tranferred the case to my state when I asked them too instead of turning the case over to “bad cop” CPS worker who knew nothing about the case and was only interested in futhering the county agenda. I will have my children by now. My children will be with a loving caring parent.
Comment by b roots — September 23, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
b roots-
that they way they operated with me too. They ran out the time clock.
Every time I’d be within arms’ reach of getting them, the case worker was changed. after 9 months is state care, they were now eligible to be adopted out.
Delay, delay and more delay. Like a strategically played football game, they ran my clock out…every time.
I’d get 1 nice worker, then a real son of a B#%$^% onyl a few months later.
We had 5 case workers assigned and reassigned within the 1st 9 months, then (no surprise) they brought forward a TPR petition.
And WHY did it say adoption was prayed for by CPS…because the kids had already been a drain on the state for more than the 9 months required by law!!!!!
That’s when we got a reallllllly nasty attorney and 3 weeks later, it was over…my grandkids were home.
Comment by Cheryl — September 23, 2008 @ 4:28 pm
You don’t have to be a genius to read between the lines on most of these stories - for example…yeah, my house is a little dirty (really means I lives in a filthy pig sty not fit for a dog), yeah, I have a drink now and again (really means I drink to excess every single night while I ignore my baby), I LET my mom take care of my baby for four years (means now I’m off of meth for a while and I want to play mommy). If this was not the case, DHS would not be involved - they would not have a reason to be involved. Contrary to popular belief DHS/CPS does not have a pot of gold and they do not make money off of these kids. It takes a lot of money for the government to parent kids that are not being cared for. Thats all I’m saying gingerroot.
Comment by iamom — September 23, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
Iamom you are very wrong. CPS is an industry and yes, while some people need the help of CPS -there are no safeguards -at least in the initial contact. Imagine your life under scrutiny.
Imagine being accused of horrific things and having to defend yourself against hearsay. PURE HEARSAY.
I think you should find another forum. You have lost the gist of this one.
Comment by MaggieC — September 23, 2008 @ 6:00 pm
iamom - just wait until someone FALSELY accuses you of something (ANYONE can make a claim against you about anything), and CPS comes knocking on your door. I sure hope you get a ‘good’ and ‘reasonable’ case worker who doesn’t make things up or takes things the wrong way. They are like roaches - once you get them, it’s terribly difficult to get rid of them.
Just because you are truly innocent does NOT mean you won’t get labeled by these people. As MaggieC said - there are no safeguards when it comes to these people.
My friend’s husband is currently being scrutinized by the system because their 13yo was ticked off and claimed to the wrong person that Dad is trying to kill him.
I sure hope you don’t have teenagers that like to shoot their mouths when they are mad…having a clean house, not drinking or doing drugs does NOTHING to protect you from these people!
We took our case to court, the judge told CPS that they didn’t have a case against us. In spite of that, my husband’s name is still on their ‘list’ of ’substantiated abusers’.
Count yourself lucky if you never need to be on the wrong side of the door when CPS comes aknockin’. You are living in a fantasy world.
Comment by Laura — September 23, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
I think that what Iamom is trying to say (not so nicely) is that a lot of times people tell their stories in such a way that makes CPS out to be devils, while leaving out important details that get them to the point of having their children removed. I understand that this website is set up for the true victims but some of the things said makes one wonder what really happened. I think that this site is wonderful and those who were truly wronged should have the support of others who have been through or are going through the same thing. It does happen- CPS workers are far from perfect, just like everyone. If a mistake was made, the worker needs to take accountability to stop any hurt caused by the mistake.
On the flip side- no matter what a person says, CPS has to prove that a child is in immediate danger/ great risk of danger before taking custody. Someone on here talked about how CPS came to the hospital and immediately took a baby for no reason! We all know that this is not true- not even near making sense. There had to be some other reason for such an action. And just to inform those who are mislead- there is no “quota” on how many children a worker needs to take custody of, lol. Filing a petition is the LAST thing I want to ever do. If a child is in danger, then I will do my job in making sure a child is safe- relatives will be considered first. If a parent fails to give me relatives’ info, I cannot start calling everyone in the city with the same last name in the hopes of running across a possible placement. A petition, initial hearings, mediation, possible trial….all of these things take an enormous amount of work and energy, while in the meantime I still have to make sure I am working with other families. Please believe me when I say I get not an ounce of enjoyment, excitement, or power out of removing a child from their home. In the majority of my cases in which I have taken custody- the parent has had a LLLOOOONNNNGGGGG CPS history with the same foolishness time and time again. Instead of taking responsibility, many want to point the finger at CPS as to why their child does not want to spend time with them during visits, NO, its because they finally got a sense of what it means to live a normal, healthy, happy childhood- that unfortunately they could not get at home. My last THREE petitions were all the same: An extensive history, them trying to “befriend” me so that I would just close the case, them making false promises to make changes, CPS taking custody, them arguing that I was to blame for all of the issues (go figure), us going to mediation where all of my information was verified, them giving up on trying to get their children back. These stories are sad: sad for the parents becasue they will forever live with the fact that they did not do what they needed to get their children back AND mostly sad for the children becasue they understand more than the parents claim to as to why they are in foster homes.
Comment by Advocate — September 23, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
Advocate,
I truly understand what you are saying, but I believe “iamom” is out of line accusing everyone on here of being child abusers, and saying that we are all lying about how we were unjustly accused by CPS. You have heard my story, I don’t know anyone on here, so what is my motive for lying? For all I know you could have been my social worker!!! I don’t come here for pity, or scrutiny, I come here to give and recieve support of parents who have been in my shoes. Just like you have come here to give your opinion and try and help others. Why is “Iamom” on here belittleing anyone who makes a comment? Has this person walked a mile in my shoes? Do they know me, my kids, the hell I went through? NO, so why judge us? Instead of judging, this person should be trying to help people heal and put their families and lives back together. Maybe we don’t know all the facts, some people are scared to give away too much information, because CPS workers scan this sight for information to use against their clients in court. What makes this person better then the rest of us? I don’t know anyone that is so perfect that they can pass judgement on another human being. When I came on here and told my story it wasn’t so that people would feel sorry for me and hate CPS, I wanted them to know that I am a far from perfect parent who really does love her children. I made an honest mistake, I am only human, and as such we all make mistakes. No matter what your background is, rich or poor, white or black, educated or uneducated sometimes mistakes are made that cost us dearly. This person needs to go to the sight for perfect parents, because they are doing nothing, but hurting and upsetting people already in a fragile state. I have nothing to hide and have been honest with you from the start. I understand that social workers have a tough job, but their mistakes can cost people their entire lives. The intial caseworker in my situation doesn’t even have a license to be a social worker, because in the state of Michigan you don’t need one. As far as my children being with family, mine wasn’t even considered, because they lived in a state 20 minutes away from the city my children were taken. I will tell you that if you are really being honest, you are one of the few caseworkers out to help families. Michigan needs people like you. Please be patient with people on this site, their lives are in total chaos right now, and they really just need someone to listen to them and help put things in perspective. When I first lost my children, I could think straight. Things will come out right now it is a numb state along with a bad case of shock. I thank God I found this sight. I have an eating disorder, which I have had since my preteen years, I was able to keep it under control until I lost my children. I felt like I was the only one, and that no one would understand what I was going through. If it wasn’t for all the support from this sight, my disorder would have cost me my life. I realized that I wasn’t alone, and that I had to get better and fight because no matter what my children are always going to need their mom. I have found that the more you listen to someone’s pain the more they are willing to share. We have enough negativity in this world, and are dealing with our own hell please don’t judge, after all that is what CPS and the judges do. This part was intended for”iamom”. Because I AM A MOM 2!!!!
Comment by Kandice Cantrell — September 24, 2008 @ 6:28 am
I meant I couldn’t think straight. Sorry
Comment by Kandice Cantrell — September 24, 2008 @ 6:31 am
In my own personal case, we should have had a trial by JURY. We were advised against it by our 2 attorneys. The incompetent lawyers told us a trial makes cps ‘very angry’. DUH the dhs around here is a pure hate machine! Everyone who knows me knows my husband & I are decent hardworking people who deserve to have our family intact.
Found out later, that these lawyers also work as GALs for cps. We completed the case plan, but cps chose to believe the lies of my mother’s female ‘partner’ who has sh*t on me ever since i made the mistake of moving to CO in 2002! I am NOT a perfect person, I have a tendency to see things in black & white, good & bad whatever, but my children have NEVER been abused or neglected, and have had our constant love & support. This hypocrite meanwhile is constantly being naked around our 2 youngest kids, which I find inappropriate & tells them lies about my husband & me. The latest venom it is spouting to my 5 yr old is that I left him in the car when he was a baby. Didn’t happen. I just pray that we get justice. I’m sick of everything being negative. We deserve so much better.
Comment by Susan — September 24, 2008 @ 6:43 am
I cry at other people’s stories posted on this site. We may not know all the facts but it is the children who are hurt the most. This is so traumatic for families, very similar to ptsd. For a fact, myself & my family suffer frequent physical illness, aches & pains, listlessness, lethargy, depression, sleep problems, severe anxiety at times, a sense of hopelessness, and many other physical & mental ailments from this ordeal.
I wish some university would consider doing an in-depth study on a random # of families whose children were removed by cps.
The common denometer which I see is that the victims are stating that cps lies. They did in my case & others in my county. i have every document from my case saved for the future.
Comment by Susan — September 24, 2008 @ 6:54 am
Advocate and iamom,
You still don’t get it! I just listened to someone on TV say “you can just look at her and tell she has problems”!. The mother and father who had their healthy babies removed. AGAIN, they did not do anything wrong. AGAIN, meaning that you did not lift a finger to hurt or harm anyone in way shape or form! That is what I am saying. Now, yes you can be like that person on TV saying things like “you can just look at somebody and judge a person”. This IS WHAT HAPPENED whether you agree or disagree. The psychologist in the hospital and the social worker brought up concerns. THIS IS WHAT I MEAN THOUGH THEY DID NOT DO ANYTHING! YOU CAN ASSUME THEIR IS ‘RISK” BUT AGAIN UNLESS YOU TAKE EVERYBODY’S CHILDREN THEN YOU ARE DISCRIMINATING! By the way their story did make it to the news. So, yes their is a television story out there on this couple if you choose not to believe me.
Comment by Gina M. G. — September 24, 2008 @ 8:24 pm
aS AN OBSERVER FOR ANYONE TO PROSELYTIZE ANOTHER SHOWS LACK OF INTELLIGENCE TO ACCUSE THE PEOPLE OF THIS ROOM OF BEING LIARS WITH NO FACT THWARTS THE THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS OS THIS WEB-SITE MAYBE IT WOULD BE IN YOUR BEST INTEREST TO FIND ANOTHER WEB-SITE TO EXPRESS YOUR FUTILE VIEWS. yOUR COMMENTS ARE NOT TO BE ACCEPTED AND THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS ROOM DOES NOT PERTAIN TO THE SUBJECT AT HAND. ANY FURTHER COMMENTS WILL BE IGNORED.
Comment by SCOTT RICKETTS — September 24, 2008 @ 8:37 pm
Kandice-
I do encounter quite a few parents who point fingers at CPS for being the reason why their children were removed while failing to mention that it was only CPS addressing things that were hidden for so long. BUT, you are right, this is not a site for those people. I do think that some come to this site to be enabled but the people like you keep me advocating for those parents who I truly feel deserve a chance, it is people like you who help those who have not been involved with CPS put things into perspective, it is people like you who reiterate to me that I’m not fighting a losing battle with all if the families that I serve and I thank you for that.
You are so right. This is a site for support and should be used in such a way. I appreciate you sharing your story. It is easy to push things to the back of your mind but being open about something so painful takes real strength and I am glad to have met you- well sort of. And I promise you that I am not your social worker
When I referred to some stories not having all of the details, I dont mean I need to know full names, social security numbers, shoe sizes, lol. I think that on the road to becoming a better person we all need to be accountable. In my job, I always come with respect- I also respect people enough to call them out on BS. Sometimes people are enabled so much and led into such disillusion that they continue to hurt the children that they claim to be protecting. It is not only the job of CPS but the job of family and real friends to get them back on track and focused on the real issues.
Not that it matters, but I believe you and feel your emotion through your words. You have my respect so I will ask you to forgive me if I offended you after you have shared so much.
To those who need a reality check in order to begin their journey- be it fighting CPS, fighting an attorney, or simply finding peace of mind- please remember that not everything said that offends you is meant to offend, it may be what you need in order to gain clarity. CPS should be so low on your priority pole as the personal opinions of a stranger are minute compared to who your child views you. If you are accountable and make changes, your child will grow to be an adult who repsects you and is inspired by you. If you choose to blame others when you are to blame, your children will either grow to despise you and will have nothing to do with you, or worse- become just like you.
Kandice, again- thank you. I know that your children are inspired.
Comment by Advocate — September 24, 2008 @ 8:38 pm
Do not scream to the world about “at risk” or “danger” these words obviously mean different things to different people. This is what I am saying about perception. Currently, there is a news story on TV and in one story there is no way, absolutely no way her baby would have been taken away either from the mother or the grandparents (by CPS) because of their looks. And, in the other story, “you can just look at her and see she has problems”. Okay, the nice looking mother sure made an unfit mother and the not so perfect mother still has her children!
Comment by Gina M. G. — September 24, 2008 @ 8:48 pm
Prove what. If someone says you are not intelligent. You get a few people to agree and guess what you are not intelligent. This holds true in this courtroom. There is no such thing as proving anything. Why aren’t these cases held in Superior Court when there is an emergency court order used? Why? Why, because you don’t have to prove anything you just have to say it!!!!
Comment by lodka — September 24, 2008 @ 9:38 pm
???
Comment by Advocate — September 24, 2008 @ 10:10 pm
Advocate,
Thank you for your messages, they have been insightful to me. I don’t care what CPS thinks, for the only peoples opinion that matters to me are my children. You have no way offended me, I too need a reality check. Sometimes it is easier to blame others, because in reality you can’t face the fact that you have made a mistake. I believe with my whole heart that the parents in this group have had a great injustice made against them and their families. You have been very supportive and I would like to thank you for that. Like I have said before these people need patience, understanding, support and guidance. We are all after the same thing, to get our beloved children back with us. I believe that anyone here who is lying about the truth are only fooling themselves, and in the end like it or not they will be held accountable. We are here to share our pain, get information, and be advocates for lifes most precious gift, our children. They are not owned by anyone, they are gifts from God and as such we should be doing everything we can so that maybe if we cannot save, or change the world our future generation can. I believe God has a plan, and if his plan includes me not getting my children back now, I know I will see them again and they will know that I never gave up the fight and that I never forgot them. We must remember that the people who come on this site, have either been fighting this battle for awhile, and others have just begun their fight. Trust me this will wear anyone one out and make things seem hopeless. When I first entered this sight I didn’t want to hear peoples opinions of me, I just wanted someone to hear my pain, understand my grief and tell me to keep on fighting. We need words of encouragement, but at the same time your right, we need a reality check. I have accepted my responsibility and the fact that I may have lost my children forever. However, that doesn’t make my life any better and I don’t know if I will ever have peace. I do know that as long as my children are in my heart and in my constant thoughts they will never be to far away from me. They may be able to take them away from me physically, but I created a bond with my children while they were still in my womb, and I believe that this bond can never be severed. I believe you when you say that you will fight for families that deserve a second chance, however I pray that you look past the outside and hardcore facade and really look at the heart of a parent before you take away a child. It is what is in the heart that matters, and remember we all make mistakes and as long as we learn from them, they are not mistakes, but lessons we learn from and carry with us. There may be parents on here that need tough love, but until they are ready to accept it, all we can do is support and guide them, reality will set in sooner or later we just need to be patient. Again thank you for your words of encouragement, I always look forward to what you have to say. Thank you for not judging, but asking questions and trying to help, even though you are on the otherside you have been very objective and sincere with your responses, people need to know that there are caseworkers who are not in it to hurt families, but to help make families better and stronger. You have been very inspirational to me, THANK YOU
Comment by Kandice Cantrell — September 25, 2008 @ 6:20 am
Hi. My name is shalaine tarno. I was reading on your forum that was put out on Saturday september 4,2004. About a Lady by the name of Holly L. Coomber. I personally know Holly Coomber. I have been to see her while she was in a Georgia state Prison. I guess you could say She was My Pen Pal, But after many years of writing to her and going to see her we became more than Pen Pals. We became friends. I have now Lost touch with her, But Miss her so much. I miss talking to her and reading so many of her letters that came atleast once a week. She is such a great friend and an all around great person. If you have any information on her or would like any more information to try and help with her release PLEASE contact me!!! Any information your company has would be greatly appreciated…
Thank you in advance,
Shalaine Tarno
Comment by Shalaine Tarno — September 25, 2008 @ 9:38 am
I have read some posts that stated that some of their children were brain washed into not wanting to come home. I do believe that sometimes foster parents fail to be the support to biological parents as intended but I am currently working a case where I can forsee the future- if I take this child into custody she will never want to go home. I’m sharing this story because I have not posted any personal, identifying information so it is not possible for one to identify the family- confidentiality is upheld.
I got a case in which the allegations were that the home was a crack house with prostitutes in and out all the time. They were not sure of the names of the parents or the ages of the children. I went out to see these people and soon discovered that what little information was provided was not consistent with who really lived there- ages were way off. I started thinking that this will be an open and shut case. The house didnt have electricity but mom was providing her child (teenager) food (grill and cooler), shelter, and running water. I dont judge people by the way they look, so even though she displayed signs of someone dependent on a substance (trembling, very anxious, rapid speech, ungroomed, etc) I was in no way about to accuse her of anything. She agreed to take a drug test (didnt do it because according to her she could not find transportation). I provided her with bus passes- still didnt do it. I came to her home earlier this week to check on her and was shocked to find out that the daughter had ran away. I asked her why she didnt call me and she came up with a bogus excuse and then the unthinkable happened: she was suddenly able to tell me exactly who her daughter was with, where they were, etc. My thoughts were not straight at the time so I did not confront mom about her lack of responsibility in going to get the child. She told me that her daughter had threatened to kill her for no reason. It took me 5 minutes (if that) to get to where the child was. I explained to her that even though she was older, she did not have permission to leave her mother’s home and needed to go back. She told me that she was not going back. I told her that the only other options were for her to live with a relative that mom would approve of or possibly go into a foster home- I wish I had never ever said that- I caused even more trauma to a life that had truly been a nightmare since she could walk. The child had told me when I first met her that the allegations were false. Of course, most children will try to take up for their parents- no matter what the parent has put them through because they are still the parents. The child told a different story this time- she explained to me that her mom smoked crack and the house was a prostitution house. She told me that she would see her mother walking down the street smoking a crack pipe and would be so ashamed. She would have to watch after her mother in order to make sure she didnt get arrested. She would have to endure verbal abuse when her mom was going through withdrawls. She would come home from school and there would be addicts all over the house- she didnt even know these people. I listened to her story and could not get over the fact that this child just got off the school bus. She is so strong. You cant get some of the most blessed children to get up and go to school but she went everyday. She speaks politely and is articulate. She will be going off to college in a few years, she is amazing. I could have taken her into custody right then and there but instead had her show me where she was staying. She was staying with a family that she had known for years but they were not blood relatives. Her father is in jail, her sister sells drugs- she has nobody. She is legally dependent and any judge would sign a non secure custody order for her to be picked up. I did not want to cause any more trauma- not at that moment. I was going to see her everyday and dig to find a blood relative that would take her in. Days past and mom made no efforts to find her, she didnt even make the effort to call me to ask if I had talked to her. This broke my heart. I saw mom today and explained that the child may be coming into custody and she told me to do what I had to do. My heart cried for the child. My shoe wanted to kick mom in…..well, never mind. Before leaving I explained to mom what she could expect if I did take custody. When I mentioned that she would no longer get food stamps for the child—everything changed. Now I was being blamed for everything. She said that if I would have never come to the house her child would not have left. She said that I was invading her rights by asking her to take a drug test. She told me that I was not going to take her child. I think what she meant to say was that I was not going to take her food stamps, which were sold to purchase crack cocaine. All of a sudden she was the victim. Despite all of that I am not worried that she will try to pick her child up- thats her last priority. I am still looking for relatives. I’m trying to find out which jail the biological father is in so he can suggest some people but I am becoming less and less optimistic. Even after walking away from her mother the child will suffer. Her life will be even more traumatized once she is away from everybody she knows and loves,her surrogate family. She can not stay with them because they are barely making it. It is times like this when I want to tell a parent “You are not worthy of calling this child yours” but I know my desk will be cleaned off and my stuff packed in a box when I come into the office tomorrow morning. I know that once mom is served with the court orders she will fight CPS- saying that we never had a dirty test and she met the basic needs of the child. The sad part is, she might win. I will be leaving in a few minutes to see the child- I am not going to tell her what is likely to happen. Even for just a few days, I will allow her to have some peace of mind- some sense of normalcy. I will do whatever I can to make sure she is not traumatized further, but it is not likely that I can succeed. I wish the best for all children but sometimes the best is not with the biological parent- this is one of those cases. Pray for “S” and her future. ~Peace and Blessings~
Comment by Advocate — September 25, 2008 @ 3:08 pm
Advocate
Just remember not all people are like the story you have just posted. Most of the people here share one common denominator which holds truth among us is that CPS is not truthful with the American people. Yes, there are victims of CPS. The emotional trauma never goes away. You cannot make people who are nowhere near the kind of person you are talking about pay the price of those who genuinely are unfit i.e. drug addicts. But people have paid the price with their children for the kind of person you are talking about or worse. But please do not call people liars or insult their intelligence.
Comment by lodka — September 25, 2008 @ 6:45 pm
Iodka-
I was just sharing a situation from a CPS point of view. Please read and process my past posts and then comment to me. Until then, save the drama. I am not here for a bunch of back and forth nonsense with someone I dont know. I am here to have discussion. It is not fair to automatically assume my intentions are ill because I am a social worker. If you want to comment directly to me, regroup your thoughts and then come back for discussion.
Comment by Advocate — September 25, 2008 @ 10:31 pm
In order to file for custody, you must have a petition. Even in the cases were emergency custody is needed, workers still have to write petitions within a specified amount of time. Before you even begin writing the petition, you must consult with and get approval from the agency attorney.
If a parent does not agree with what is in the petition, they have a chance to dispute it in mediation. In mediation, a worker must provide any documentation to support anything in the petition that is disputed by the parent.
Comment by Advocate — September 25, 2008 @ 10:42 pm
Advocate,
This is truly one of those situatons in which CPS should be involved. This child is way too old to be brainwashed by CPS or anyone else for that matter. She has seen so much at such a young age, her mother must have been this way most of this childs life. My heart goes out to this child, she knows that she is not wanted by the one person who was supposed to love her unconditionally and protect her. It is sad that there isn’t someone out there willing to take this fragile child in and give her the life she deserves. Your story is very upsetting to me, because parents like this who don’t deserve to be a called a parent keeps their child for so long before CPS comes along. Then there are parents like me, no drugs, no booze, involved in every aspect of my children’s lives makes a honest mistake and CPS is there before I can correct it. This child is going to need a lot of understanding, love and support. This child truly needs a gaurdian angel, and well I guess you are it. I am glad you found her before more permanent damage can be done to this child. I hope that if you must place her in foster care, that you will place her with a family that can deal with her past and understand where she came from. Parents like this give the rest of a a very bad reputation. This is why people make comments when you tell them that your children are in the system. They think that you are a junkie, are an abusive monster. However, what you have discussed is not an isolated incident, children go through this everyday, sad but so true. I wish you the best in this case. I will be praying for this little lost soul and I hope that she can find happiness and above all peace. Please keep me informed on what happens to this child. It seems like you may need some support of your own in the future. You know I am only a keypad away. What ever decisions you make for this childs future may God guide you and show you the way.
Comment by Kandice Cantrell — September 26, 2008 @ 5:22 am
Comment by Diando — September 26, 2008 @ 6:21 am
Advocate,
Just a note.
I have to say that SOME of your “discussion” actually comes off as abrasive and dictorial. People will respond to that in different ways. Some will ignore but others will take offense. It’s a lot like e-mail; some statements are just better left unsaid until they can be rec’d face to face so the intended meaning is taken correctly.
The last comment to Iodka- regroup you thoughts and come back for discussion, sounds very much dictorial.
Fair is fair. This is a sort of chat room, and anyone can join in regardless of the way they communicate with others.
The word “please” goes much further with me, I know, and I’m sure with others, too.
Again, it’s just an observation…….
Comment by Cheryl — September 26, 2008 @ 7:59 am
Advocate,
From what I have seen and learned about CPS, 1st hand, the reason you did not take that child is because you will not make any monies off of the mother taking the classes etc… You and I both know that she won’t.
So, if you do in fact take the child (which I don’t think you will, due to lack of money to be made) I hope she does win.
The child is better off on the streets than in the care of Children’s Destruction Services..
Comment by Diando — September 26, 2008 @ 9:39 am
Cheryl-
Thanks for the feedback. I agree- its not so much about intention as it is perception so even though I did not mean to offend but was responding to what I felt was offensive. I know that this site/discussion was not developed for CPS workers but for those who were wronged, I get that. I know that everything that I say is probably going to be looked at as me “defending” CPS, but its not. I dont need to defend CPS- Who I am is not CPS. I think that even though this site was not developed for me, I have something to bring to the discussion- a different view. Like I said before, I have learned alot from you all. I think that I have been respectable in my comments- even if they are not perceived that way. In many ways out society is “taught” how to react to the unknown- people become misinformed and this brews prejudice, hate, etc. I think that this holds true in the world of CPS. I cannot tell you how many times someone has found out what I do and then joke about me being a “baby snatcher”- I quickly provide them with real insight. For me, it is not about “power”, “authority”, “blaming”- but a lot of people think that and are quick to judge. I was out last night at a crack house so that four children would not be at the bus stop in the cold rain- I didnt go looking to scare anyone, I didnt go to be made a hero, I didnt go to show that I can do what I want and nobody can stop me- I went because I was not going to let innocent children suffer from their mother’s irresponsible behaviors. I NEVER go to homes in County cars because I feel like this is embarrasing and puts a stigma on families, I never threaten anyone with “Either you do A,B,C or I’m taking your child!” But you would never know that because I AM CPS and nothing else- truly this is ignorant. I am a human, a mother, an advocate, and yes I work for CPS but do I not deserve respect also? If this discussion is open to anyone why are my words the only ones being scrutinized? Was it OK for someone to claim that I didnt believe in God? Was it OK for someone to claim that I am not to be trusted like the “rest of ‘em”? No. Its wrong for them to say it and its wrong for anyone to get on here just to point fingers at you all. I would like to continue in this conversation and will. Believe it or not, I like respect also. If I make any direct comments that are encouraging, supportive, and yes even confrontational I will direct it to a specific person. I ask that I not be judged as a whole as I dont judge you all as a whole.
With that being said, on to the next conversation topic.
Comment by Advocate — September 26, 2008 @ 10:07 am
Advocate -
You seem well meaning and helpful as well as informative, but I really don’t think you know just how many, many caseworkers treat parents with cruelty and inhumanely.
Here’s the video “stolen baby”. It’s pretty accurate as to how CPS treats people…
http://www.youtube.comwatch?v=QzY9b92wf4o
Unfortunately, I was an eyewitness to CPS’s deception, and total reliance on a false allegation. They took a 2 month old baby from her parents due to the baby’s aunt wanting revenge against her brother for wanting to take care of his family instead of partying with her. The aunt was found guilty on Judge Judy, with Judy calling her a “vicious, vindictive person”.
CPS KNEW there was NO REASON to keep the child, however, ONE DAY after taking the baby, CPS send TPR’s to the parents! ONE DAY!!! Now, you say CPS is out to KEEP THE FAMILY TOGETHER. So please explain to me why CPS would send out a TPR one day later when they KNEW their case was based on false allegations.
The baby got so severely ill in foster care. In only 7 weeks the baby got: severe diarrhea, misshapen head from being left in the car seat ALL DAY, severe sunburn (the foster parents took a 2 1/2 month old baby to the lake and left her in the sun), asthma, severe yeast infection, severe ear infection, severe thrush, and according to CPS, a heart murmur (but CPS REFUSED to provide any doctor or diagnosis!).
CPS also waited over 10 days to get medical care for the baby! The parents were able to prove in court that CPS was MEDICALLY NEGLIGENT! And this I know well because I was the one to videotape and audiotape the entire thing. I’m an eyewitness and you can’t tell me anything different! CPS DOCTORED reports, of which we were able to get the REAL REPORTS and proved to the judge CPS WAS LYING THROUGH THEIR EVIL LITTLE TEETH.
Now…..please tell me again that CPS tries to reunite families?
If you are as caring as you say you are, you would be doing your best to delve into the workings at CPS and find out just what is going wrong. With the THOUSANDS of parents out there that KNOW things are wrong, are you trying to tell them all they THEY are wrong?
Nope….doesn’t wash with me.
Comment by willfightforjustice — September 26, 2008 @ 10:17 am
Advocate -
Forgot to mention that CPS held onto that baby for 1 YEAR, even though they KNEW they didn’t have a leg to stand on.
Comment by willfightforjustice — September 26, 2008 @ 10:18 am
Advocate - one more thing.
I do respect you and thank you for providing some insight to how you feel, and I am glad that you have not taken up the ways of the truly thoughtless and ruthless caseworkers that are out there.
And it’s true these pages are filled with heartbroken, frustrated, and beaten down parents who have no way to fight the system that is truly corrupt all over this country, so please don’t berate them unless you, yourself have had one of your children taken away and given to people who are more interested in the money than taking care of a child.
Until you have experienced the horror, frustration, despair and helplessness from the “other side” of CPS, you cannot possibly know how they feel.
Read some of these stories when you have time. There are many CPS workers who come to this site and drag these poor folks over the coals saying they must have been at fault if CPS says so. And that is what many judges take to heart…..if CPS says it’s true then it must be. 99% of the children’s courts judges will NOT let the parents talk at all. How can they defend themselves?
I pray you stay above the ways of the average caseworker whose only goal is bringing in the most kids. A friend of mine who used to work for CPS told me she quit because she was ORDERED by her supervisor to lie in court if necessary, and that every month the supervisors held a “party” for the caseworker who brought in the most children that month.
And one more thing……just do some research on how many children adopted out are fair haired……IF they will let you look at the records. But be careful…if they know you are digging into records, most likely you will be fired very quickly.
Comment by willfightforjustice — September 26, 2008 @ 11:09 am
Advocate-
You misunderstand me. I’m not saying I don’t respect you. It is about perception.
Right now, I read your words “on to the next conversation topic” at the end of your statment, and feel as though you are our 3rd grade teacher and we are your students.
It just sounds very authoritive. Like YOU are in charge here.
Again- it has nothing to do with the topics, just authoritive statements.
Comment by Cheryl — September 26, 2008 @ 11:29 am
Advocate you stated:
I was out last night at a crack house so that four children would not be at the bus stop in the cold rain- I didnt go looking to scare anyone, I didnt go to be made a hero, I didnt go to show that I can do what I want and nobody can stop me- I went because I was not going to let innocent children suffer from their mother’s irresponsible behaviors.
So what did you do about this situation?
Comment by Diando — September 26, 2008 @ 12:09 pm
Advocate you also stated:
In many ways out society is “taught†how to react to the unknown- people become misinformed and this brews prejudice, hate, etc. I think that this holds true in the world of CPS.
I don’t think that anyone on this site had a bad opinion of CPS until they came into their lives…
I know that I didn’t. Heck, I believed CPS over my own daughter… What a HUGE mistake that was…
I didn’t think that someone that is supposedly out to help people and children would lie..
I WAS WRONG! Even the State Attorney lied to the Judge.. I have the transcripts and the proof of his lies..
What CPS didn’t know is that I could get ahold of the paperwork to prove that they were lying… But, I did!
I can never apologize enough to my daughter!
Comment by Diando — September 26, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
Advocate, I just read the story about your case. I thought that the food stamps now are not actual stamps, but a credit card, making it much harder for the reciepients to trade that for drugs and booze. Also, has anyone called the police about the crack house? They could bust it & haul em all off to jail.
Comment by Susan — September 26, 2008 @ 2:12 pm
Are you guys actually reading what I am saying??? “I” am not CPS- i work for them. “You” are not that parent who refuses to take accountability. I understand your anger, I would be angry too if I was wronged by CPS. “I” dont and will never take a child out of their home if there is no reason. I think that the fact that I am a CPS worker leads some on here to put a spin on what I am saying- does that sound familiar? Yes, it does- for those of you who’s words were twisted leading to the most tragic events in your lives. Of course the two cannot be compared but hypocritical nonetheless. I would very much appreciate it if we get back to the issue at hand and stop spinning our wheels on nonsense. You dont like to be attacked and neither do I. We are all adults and should not be wasting time that should be learning with searching for “key words” to point out as to say “AHA! She is just like the rest of them”, In doing so, my whole point is missed. Can we move on now?
Comment by Advocate — September 26, 2008 @ 8:02 pm
Susan-
Yes food stamps are loaded onto a card but this parent allegedly gives the card to her dealer- who is her adult daughter’s boyfriend- along with the PIN number. In exchange, she gets drugs.
I agree with the police thing. I have read the reports stating that officers have been out to that home several times but made no arrests- they never went inside, never attempted to attain a warrant to go inside. My only thinking for this lack of responsibility is the thought that all of the energies need to go into the actual dealers and not the users. The child has also stated that you can easily see who is coming down the driveway (they live back off the road) and people who are not supposed to be there leave and the drugs, pipes, etc are hidden.
Comment by Advocate — September 26, 2008 @ 8:08 pm
Cheryl-
No disrespect but I also have a perception and I like to think that it also counts.
Comment by Advocate — September 26, 2008 @ 8:09 pm
Willfightforjustice-
I just read your comment about looking into records. What do you mean by fair headed children? Please elaborate before I address that one.
I can look into files without “watching out” as we have full access to them, but thanks for looking out, i guess?
Anyways, please elaborate on the fair headed thing so we can discuss it. I dont want to assume anything.
Comment by Advocate — September 26, 2008 @ 11:30 pm
Willfightforjustice-
If I were your friend I would have left too. There is little to celebrate about when you take a child into custody. Thats truly a shame. What county/ state did she work in?
Comment by Advocate — September 26, 2008 @ 11:33 pm
On the ‘fair haired’ comment, I think this refers to white chidren being ‘more adoptable’. At least that is the case where I live. CPS WANTED my now 2 yr old before she was even born. They snatched her under the speculation that ‘there might be abuse’ when there wasn’t any to begin with on my other 2 kids, just very flimsy neglect charges. Those were their exact words. Now this poor child is being raised in a ‘nontraditional’ household, which I disagree with. I really should have chosen private adoption, like in ‘Juno’, instead of my dysfunctional family.
Anyways, back to the comment…I have posted extensivelly on different websites from people dealing with cps, and have found that there are very LITTLE complaints from people in the Deep South, especially after Hurricane Katrina and all of the missing/lost children impacted from that. It seems every state, except for Louisiana, Missippi, Alabama, and Alaska don’t seem to have many issues involving cps. I just find that odd…
Comment by Susan — September 27, 2008 @ 6:01 am
Also haven’t heard much from Wyoming & Montana either.
Comment by Susan — September 27, 2008 @ 6:03 am
Store clerks really should check someone’s id when they use a food stamp credit card. Maybe that would help cut down on the fraud. Can those cards be used for gas too?
Comment by Susan — September 27, 2008 @ 6:05 am
Advocate, as to the appeal process in Oklahoma. The appeal goes to the state DHS headquarters. They review the same report submitted by the local social worker. It takes a subpoena, for the parent, to get that report. Which means hiring an attorney, etc. By the time that most parents realize just how ignorant of the law that they are, the grace period has passed. Why does’nt DHS allow the parents to see and read the report made by the social worker? Why do they make it an extra burden to see what the true allegations are, written by the caseworker in the report, yet, rarely expreesed to the parent? Why do parents not have a fair chance of defending themselves in court against DHS? Because they never hear nor see the report that is given to the judge. How can they defend themselves from that?
Comment by daaronad — September 27, 2008 @ 8:30 pm
Advocate, you must understand that you come off as very knowledgable and self rightious. You do not have the ability to remove a child from the home. You speak as if you have that undeniable power. You speak as if you have never made wrong decision within a family matter, unless you back it up with,” it was someone else’s doing whom wouldn’t listen to me.” The truth is, you are not DHS but you work for DHS and have become the typical DHS worker. You came on this site to belittle parents, I believe, because I haven’t seen much else. Except for you to try to convince us that you are the all knowing, unquestionable DHS worker, with our true interests at heart. How does that differentiate you from every other DHS worker? Seems to me that you came here for self indulgance. “Peace and Blessings?” Why would you end your comments with that statement when all you did was to try to cause confusion and contradict the intent of this site. Look inside yourself and see what you are doing. Misery loves company. We are trying to get away from the misery and you try to keep us there. You do families no good by judging them with a burden within yourself.
Comment by daaronad — September 27, 2008 @ 8:57 pm
Advocate, I do not understand why you are here. You’ve stated your high credentials, which would put you much more qualified than the average social worker. With your qualifications, do you believe that you can talk on the same level as the rest of us? We will listen if you are able to do so. I haven’t read any of your comments that were not condescending. “Peace and Blessings”
Comment by daaronad — September 27, 2008 @ 9:09 pm
Advocate
The reason you are being singled out is because you don’t seem to understand what it means to lose a loved one! Where advocate do people go when people have lost a child to a stranger? To the graveyard? Where other than this web site! Where would you suggest that people go to remember that baby taken from a hospital room many years ago? Would you recommend a grave yard stone at the cemetary? Where?
Comment by lodka — September 27, 2008 @ 10:31 pm
Darronad, it’s the same process here in corrupt CO!
Comment by Susan — September 28, 2008 @ 7:10 am
Susan-
Gas can not be purchased with the card. I agree, an ID should be required in addition to a PIN number in order to use the card. This would definetly cut back on a lot of the misuse and allow more funding to those who “just miss” the income criteria but really need the assistance.
Comment by Advocate — September 28, 2008 @ 10:46 am
Daaronad-
We will have to agree to disagree on my intentions.
Comment by Advocate — September 28, 2008 @ 10:49 am
Daaronad-
Documentation by the worker cannot be given to parents this is mainly due to the same reasons why we cannot disclose who made reports. In more cases than one may think, someone who they may consider to “be on their side” may actually feel just the opposite. They may tell the worker that they do have concerns but ask that the parent not be told that they made the comment. I think that this in itself is a form of neglect as if you are considered to be close to a family (relative, friend) and know that there are issues, you should confront them on it so they can better themselves. In investigations, we have to contact adults who live outside the home who have knowledge of the family functioning- these may include doctors, teachers, police, but mainly these people consists of family and friends whose names and numbers are provided by the parent themselves (I ask who they want me to speak to in addition to the mandatory collaterals). I think that some parents would be surprised at how often their own children report concerns (in cases where there is no coersion used). Often, I ask the Miracle Question: If you could change anything about your home life, what would it be? If anything? Most children say nothing or something to the effect of “I would want those new shoes that just came out” and this will let me know that the child more than likely does not feel that there are any issues. Some of the answers raise red flags: Ex: I wish daddy wouldnt be so mean to mommy so she will stop crying all the time. True enough, everyone argues or the child may not understand that daddy may have told the mother that a family member passed, etc. This may be but should a worker look deeper into it, yes. If a case decision was finally made and the parents didnt agree with it and wanted to appeal the decision, would I not want them to see my actual documentation if the child was not removed from the home, yes.
On the other hand, when a petition is filed, there are specifics in that petition to support the child being removed. This is the social worker’s documentation. This is the pertinent information that lead to custody. Parents are given copies of the petition and therefore have the social worker’s reportings- those that are supportive of the decision to remove. A petition cannot contain third party hearsay unless they would agree to testify as to his/her statements in court if disputed. ~Peace and Blessings~
Comment by Advocate — September 28, 2008 @ 11:16 am
Ok I found this site while looking for ways to overcome losing my two beautiful children to cps about a year ago. I was living in texas and had just left my abusive husband when cps came knocking on my door at my fieances house. two days later they took them this all happend about two years ago. a year ago they were adopted in what was “promised to me” an open adoption. to date i have had one picture sent to me of them and do not know how they are doing or what they are doing. I am a young mother i got pg with my daughter at the age of 19 and my son at the age of 20. in the court proceddings the kept telling me and my fieance that we were doing everything right and that it was looking good for us to get them back they flat lied to me and my fieance. they made me out to look like a monster. my fieance voluntarally went through cps with me. i just want to know if anyone can help me learn how to get over it. please. i know its too late to get them back. mamachochi1018 at yahoo dot com.
Comment by Linda D — September 28, 2008 @ 11:23 am
Kandice-
Thank you for the response regarding the case. I have been working really hard with it in hopes of finding some type of peace for the child- what little I can give. I have seen her everyday since I posted the situation and she seems to be doing OK (including yesterday- my day off). I am trying to arrange to speak to her father who is incarcerated miles away, in the hopes that he can provide some more possible relative placements. You are exactlly right, the mom has been doing this for years. The only thing is- the child was in the care of her grandmother who is now deceased. Her mother found her a safe place while she ran the streets doing her own thing- this cannot be held against her if I was to file a petition. Isnt it crazy how things work? Her mother’s file is so small but the person who has had the same person make false allegations on them time and time again’s file is 12 inches thick! It’s sickening. Speaking of which, I have a custody case that I have to go out on today (yes, worked all weekend). The case is obviously a father who is bitter and is using the system in order to hurt his ex. I tell people all the time- its not about you, her, or me but it is about the child so dont call CPS unless you have true concerns. In this case, it is true bitterness. This mom just had a case closed literally days ago! Nothing was found but dad again is trying to make her life hell- I understand that this happens and am outraged when things come to light. Not only are you hurting your child, taking away from children who really need our help but you are also keeping me away from my family for nonsense. I understand that this is an issue- an abuse of the system. The mother cried on the phone to me yesterday and mentioned that the father has an issue with drugs. He has contact with the child so, who will he find knocking at his door? Me! I will address the allegations made against mom as the report was accepted but maybe when I tell him that he needs to pee in a cup too, he will think twice about using us as a revenge tool.
Thanks again for your comments about the child. Thank you for sending your thoughts and prayers out to her- she is a beautiful soul. I will continue doing my best to make sure she does not endure any more trauma. ~Peace and Blessings~
Comment by Advocate — September 28, 2008 @ 11:34 am
Im here because a friend of mine told me about this site. I came home Friday to find a pamplet on my door with a name and number from CPS. She said a report was made with me as the offender adn my daughter as the victim. SHe said she sent a certified letter and it was returned and thats why she came out. I told her I never got it. It as a problem with the address. I told her when to come over Monday she says she needs to do a home assesment. When I got off the phone I asked my daughter if she said anything to anyone about getting in trouble in anyway. She said she did adn told me what she said. Come to find out she didnt tell them everything. She just told them she got in trouble and I spanked her arm. I spatted her because she tried to slap me when I tried to scoot her back in the seat adn then when I tried to do it a second time she scratched my arm wasnt letting go so I did it again. Thats what happened but she didnt tell the school counseler that. By law anything they are told like that they have to report adn I know CPS has to follow up on it. Im scared even though I have nothing to eb scared of. I do not abuse my daughters either og them. They are my life and my heart & soul and whay aI get up everyday. I just dont know what to do Im so nervous even though I havent done anything wrong.
Comment by Anna — September 28, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
Advocate,
Let me ask a question. When you have these people making repeated false accusations, why are they not referred to the DA’s office? Does the DA refuse to prosecute them or does your agency not see it as a priority issue?
I’m not saying this to be mean, but to get to the bottom of what I feel is a serious issue: the lack of accountability for false reporters, when many states have laws making false reporting a crime. This, by the way, is why I want to see an end to anonymous reporting and have it replaced with a “shield” law. Because if these people were held accountable and forced to give sworn statements, perjury charges would be at stake - AS THEY SHOULD BE!
Just as no parent should be allowed to abuse their child, no individual should be able to abuse, harass, and torture inocent people through repeated false reporting.
Comment by Gideon MacLeish — September 28, 2008 @ 5:58 pm
Gideon, in my case here in corrupt CO, there was NO oath taken in family court. That is why I would love to have a copy of the 10 Commandments and the Constitution posted in every courtroom!
Comment by Susan — September 28, 2008 @ 8:18 pm
I do have to give Advocate credit. She does things professionally, unlike what me & most of the others have dealt with!
Comment by Susan — September 28, 2008 @ 8:19 pm
Gideon-
I agree. In most counties, there is a dept that does nothing but Intake- their job is to take the report, staff it with their supervisor, and a two level decision is made as to whether it will be accepted or not- based on the state definitions for abuse, neglect, and dependency. Once a case is accepted it is assigned to an Investigator. Even though I may not think CPS involvement is necessary or the right route to take, once the case is accepted it has to be investigated.
I think that there should be more scrutiny when Intake is deciding to accept or reject a case if it is the same reporter making false allegations time after time, but on the other side it may be a “Boy who cried wolf” type of situation where this time there are real safety issues. Or it could be that someone knows that the first 3 or 4 times they called the allegations were true but the worker was unable to prove anything or failed to be thorough in their investigation. Because of these reasons, it is not very often that a report is not accepted because the same person keeps calling in on someone. There are some situations in which either Intake flags or an Investigator asks Intake to flag reports regarding “Jane Smith” made by “Joe Brown” due to him making accusation after accusation after accusation……until it is obvious that he has the number for CPS set as #1 on his speed dail. There are verrrrrry few times that this is done. I had a coworker who tried to get a father flagged because he called in SIX unsupported reports within 3 months! She could not close the case due to a new report popping up every other week so she was always assigned the investigatons. It is frustrating to the worker as well as the families being put through it. (this situation was a custody case)
As far as reporters being prosecuted by the parent for making false allegations- this is heard in civil court as it is listed under ‘defamation of character’. The only issue with this is that you will have to prove that you know for sure that Joe Brown made the report, that you cooperated with CPS, and you can prove that no issues were found by CPS (the case decision letter can reflect this).
Comment by Advocate — September 28, 2008 @ 10:01 pm
Susan-
Thanks, I appreciate you saying that. My intentions are good- here and with the families I serve. I know that this site is addressing the workers who dont do their job but its still hard to swallow when a negative comment is directed towards me when I myself have never and will never think that I am above any of the parents I serve. I always tell the parents when I meet them that my job is not to “find” things wrong or take their children because they cursed at me for 30 mins but to help them address identified issues- if there are any. I am always upfront and if I make a mistake I wil admit to it as it was not intentional. I would never make a mistake big enough to remove a child- the workers who do do this should be fired and not allowed to work in the human service field period. I also tell the parents who call me everything but a child of God that I cant hold it against them because I would probably do the same if allegations were made against me regarding my child since I know I provide the best care to her. Even though it sounds sappy I honestly do enjoy bringing something positive into a family with issues life. I’m not going to get excited when its pay day or when an attorney approves me filing for custody but I will be all smiles after listening to a voicemail from a grandmother who is caring for her grandson while his mom is nowhere to be found saying “thank you for making that referral to Big Brothers because I needed some type of support” or hearing that a client completed their drug education classes even after I closed their case because they were getting something out of it- Those are the type of things that keep me positive, grounded, empathetic, optimistic, family centered- a real social worker.
Thanks Susan, you just gave me another one of those moments
Comment by Advocate — September 28, 2008 @ 10:22 pm
As long as there is no accountability for the person reporting a claim to CPS there is going to be abuse of the CPS system and some poor family is going to be put through hell. Here’s a scenario that I haven’t seen mentioned…. children that are in treatment facilities share this “tool” with other patients and CPS gets numerous calls from these angry disturbed children waging abuse against family members or staff at the facilities. Whether or not CPS determines to investigate there is still a “log” of the call and now the poor family has “CPS History”. Due to confidentiality the facts are not released to just anyone, however it places a “flag” and therefore doubt against the family. It’s difficult enough for families raising and dealing with emotionally disturbed children and now they get the additional whammy of “CPS History” even though there is no validity to the reports. If CPS decides an investigation is not necessary they never notify the family of the call, but that doesn’t stop the “log” or the child from continuing to make false allegations. These types of situations are traumatizing and devastating to the families emotionally and financially.
Comment by Frustrated — September 29, 2008 @ 12:30 am
daaronad-
Condescending….is EXACTLY the word I was looking for to describe my feelings of Advocate. Thanks!!
Our case has been over for months and somehow I still feel as though I am back at those God awful bi-monthly required Child-Family meetings, with some stranger as the “moderator.
And anytime the open discussion became positive, that woman would actually yell (from the head of the table) at everyone there and re-direct the conversation back to what she felt the negative issues of the family were.
It was run completely backwards in my eyes. If the family was doing great, then WHY should we not be able to discuss that?
Since I really don’t care to be “talked down to”, I think it best that I just move on before I have a meltdown with this person.
Take care all.
Comment by Cheryl — September 29, 2008 @ 8:42 am
As far as CPS not having money… This is not true.. The Government reimburses them $2.00 for every dollar spent.
Texas’ 2007 bonus was the largest sum of money ever collected throughout any and every state and very proud of it.
The report that they submitted to the Government in order to receive these funds was a study done by a professor back in 1995.
In that study in clearly stated that this report was not to be used on women and children.. However, it was still used to collect the monies.. All DHS did was put their names on it.
I know this because I read both reports myself and also obtain a copy of both of them.
As far as caseworkers having a quota, I have read that over and over but yet have found factual proof of it.
Although, I was told by our 1st caseworker that she “NEEDED” my white baby!
Even though there was no neglect, abuse, drugs or anything else, it was stated in papers that she sent us 2 days later that she found domestic violence and abuse…
She stated to me that she saw my son-in-law throw a baby blanket across the room at my daughter and it hit my granddaughter in the face… YES, A BABY BLAKET!
That was just the beginning of our case…
The case worker who came and took the baby claimed in her papers for the court that she saw feces, roaches, drugs and that the baby had been left alone for over 3 hours the night before while the parents were out doing drugs..
A hair folicle test was done the very next day… no drugs or alcohol found.
The case worker when pushed in court also testified that the home was clean and she didn’t see any of those things..
Also we were told by the caseworker that if we wanted to, we could appear in court the next day.. When we asked her where and what time, she told us after lunch and gave us a bogus address to the courthouse..
We found the courthouse and were seen by the Judge by 9:30. MMMM, so do you think maybe she didn’t want us there?
The reason she was called to begin with is because my son-in-law and his sister had an argument the night before… So she called CPS..
We later sued her and won on the Judge Judy show.. She claims she did it because her brother won’t party with her anymore since he is now a parent….
While CPS had my granddaughter, she was severly neglected… CPS tried to hide her from us.. They didn’t want us to know how sick she really was… Nor, did they even get her medical attention or let her peditrician see her…
We were told 2x in one week that they “forgot the baby”..
How do you forget a baby? Well, we got an investigative reporter to make them reveal her… And yes, she was very, very, very ill….. We have video’s of it..
I could go on and on about this as anyone involved in CPS can…
The corruption is so high up it’s unbelievable. In our courthouse, the court appointed attorneys get the cases by how much money they contribute to the Judge…. I can post that article here if you would like..
I also have proof of the caseworkers many, many lies (even to the Judge) as well as the State Attorney lying to the Judge… Boy were we punished when I filed the Bar Compaint against him with the proof of the lies…
My prayers are with everyone here and involved with CPS/DHS in any way….
Comment by Diando — September 29, 2008 @ 9:03 am
To Everyone,
I would just like to thank everyone for their support over the last year. I am sad to say that I have lost my appeal. I will not be seeing my children for at least the next five years. I don’t even know if I get a chance to say good bye to them one last time and tell them how much I love them. I fought hard, although I think that by the time I found help it was too late. At this point I am still getting over the shock of it all, I think that I am still numb from the results. I have cried, but I some how feel tht this is not enough. At this point I am out of options. I have to wait until my beautiful babies are 18 and pray that they look me up. I just wanted everyone to know, that never give up no matter how hard the battle seems, so that your kids will know in time that you did everything you could to get them back. I will have a chance to explain alll this to them one day, I hope. Thanks again for your support.
Comment by Kandice Cantrell — September 30, 2008 @ 5:22 am
I am so sorry Kandice. You are a GOOD person & you and your children do NOT deserve this. Please remember in the end, GOOD will triumph over evil! You are in my prayers.
Comment by Susan — September 30, 2008 @ 6:07 am
Advocate,
There’s a very simple answer. Require reporters to give their names and place them under a sheild law, releasing their names ONLY under subpoena and if there is a reason to expect a threat to the reporter.
Obtain warrants from sworn statements, per the Sixth Amendment, and charge the false reporters with perjury. That IS a crime.
Extreme? NO, what is EXTREME is a system that REWARDS false reporters by protecting their identities and allowing them to offend repeatedly without any penalty whatsoever.
Comment by Gideon Macleish — September 30, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
Kandice-
My heart goes out to you and your family. A lot of children find their parents after being seperated and their main question is “Did you fight for me?”. The fact that you can say “yes” looking them in the eyes and knowing in your own heart that it is true, will make them feel even more special than they would have if they were never taken out of your care. It’s hard enough being a parent as it is but to go through all of the obstacles you have and not give up shows true strength, courage, and optimism. This will be a time of processing and reflection, it wont be easy but I pray that you knowing in your heart that one day you will be able to see your children again face to face, head up high and without the guilt of not fighting for them finds you some peace of mind. You are their mother and will always be- they know it and you know it. This is something that nobody looking in can ever take away. Stay strong so that when you are reunited with your children they can be inspired to be the same.
Comment by Advocate — September 30, 2008 @ 10:07 pm
Gideon-
I agree there should be tougher laws against people who have nothing better to do than call CPS for reasons other than to protect children. This is has been an ongoing issue- not just to the alleged perp but also to workers who already have enough on their plates and the families who really need help. This has been said time and time and time again. There are policies/laws from people waaayyyyyy higher up than anyone who would actually have any type of actual contact with these families. Even though I wish there was some way to charge them with a crime, I understand that it is very difficult to prove what anyone’s “intentions” were. CPS fighting these types of things in court would take even more time and funds away from protecting those children who are truly being harmed. This process would also greatly lessen the valid concerns that are reported due to the fear of possibly being wrong and prosecuted when they really thought that a worker needed to at least check into the situation. Not all reports made are regarding a specific incident or first hand knowledge. A child can report something to a teacher and they make a report. A neighbor could have concerns that a mother is in and out of her house all night and fears that her infant is being left alone- she doesnt know it for sure but thinks that the report should have been made just so that it may be looked into. In addition, this neighbor may want to remain annonymous due to fear of retaliation.
I hear and understand what you are saying. If someone was to call CPS on me with false allegations/ concerns, my first thoughts would be who did this and how do I get justice. From a CPS worker point of view and experiences, I know that many children would be hurt due to the reporter fearing that they may be punished for doing the right thing. As I said before, if it can be proven that a person made false allegations just to be vindictive, they may be taken to Civil Court by the parents for a defamation of character claim.
Comment by Advocate — September 30, 2008 @ 10:26 pm
I read this thread and had to put my two cents in: I do not work for CPS but I can tell you one thing for sure…people only tell you one side of the story. They always tell the side that makes them look like the victim and CPS like the agressor. Soooo not true. Even as I read the thread, I recognize names of people that I know get money from the place that I work at. They write letters in asking for additional funds, trying to get assistance and not realizing that I know about their DUI, their non-compliance of meds from their mental health providers, the statements that their own families and “best” friends make in regards to what crappy parents they are, and most of all, the total denial that the parent has about their sorry parenting skills. The truth is that many of the stories on this page are BS fabricated by people who are fixing to lose their meal ticket. I am so glad that CPS is out there. Too many people use their kids only to get and control: child support, state assistance, food stamps, subsidized housing, tax credits, and any other opportunity that they can use to cash in on their “commitment” to their child. In the meantime, the child is neglected, exposed to danger, abused, and a variety of other things that the parent “targeted” by CPS “forgets” to mention. How many of these people would be interested in keeping their kids if there wasn’t an almight dollar attached to it?
I personnally am cheering for CPS and the Advocate. Each child removed is usually a good thing. For every mistake that is made with a child, hundreds of other children are placed correctly and saved from a bad parent that is abusive, neglectful, addicted, mentally-ill, or just a plain bad person. T
here are no perfect organizations out there but we can always strive for the best that we can do. I try and focus on the ones that are really trying, like CPS . Isn’t it funny how here we only remember the incidents where the “abuser” is actually trying to pass themselves up as the victim on this website. Why aren’t we focussing on what is best for the child, not what the “victimized” parent demands?
Why am I on this page? Because we received a letter from a parent that posts on this page. She wrote us a letter in shoddy handwriting with intentionally mispelled words and horrible penmanship, trying to pass herself off as a retarded, disabled individual that needed assistance and could not fend for herself because she was soooo mentally ill. I Googled her and it led me to this page where I found out that her writing skills are just as good as mine and that she really is the lying, manipulating, unstable, and totally unfit parent that CPS said she was. Imagine that!
Comment by Sookie — September 30, 2008 @ 10:36 pm
Sookie,
To begin with, I personally never “reaped benefits’ from my children. Yes, I could have sat at home collecting social security for two of my children, but instead I went out and got a job. I have always said that this money was for them when they were older and needed help of their own. Just because you have an issue with one person on this sight, does not give you the right to get on here and act like an ass to everyone else. It is people like you that destroy good families and parents who are really trying to change their lives. I have never claimed to be a victim. Go ahead read my stories on here, I have admitted to my mistakes, and have paid my dues. You think that parents are the ones who suffer? It is the children. They have no clue why they are being taken away from their mommy, and if they will ever again get to see her. And what about the children who are left behind? How do you explain to them that they may never again get to see their siblings? The only thing that I have ever asked for is JUSTICE. Ask Advocate, CPS does make mistakes , why because they are only human and things do happen to good people. Who are you to come on here and judge all of us just because you are upset with one person? Do you know what it feels like to hear your precious children scream out your name while someone is dragging them away from you? Do you know what it feels like to go to the store and here kids yelling for their mom and realizing that it is not your child? Do you know what I would give just to hear my kids argue one more time? I for one am not a mother who simply had children for welfare benefits. I have worked for everything that I have as well as my children. Instead of watching a little league game, mom had to leave to go to work to put food on the table, clothes on their backs, and to make sure that they always had a good warm place to sleep. I have had it with people like you saying things like:” You must have done something wrong for your children to be in the system.” ” Well they are better off being raised by strangers”. Why don’t you put yourself in our shoes for a minute. How would you like to wonder where your children are and if they are ok. If you have a problem with someone on this site take it up with them, not the rest of us. I am fed up with being accused of being a typical junkie, or a child abuser. You don’t know us, our situations, or the whole truth. We are not here looking for sympathy and claiming to be victims, we are on here to gain support and information on how we can get Gods most important gift back OUR CHILDREN!!! If you don’t like what is being said on here, get the hell of of here and go to a site more fitting to your needs!!! We didn’t ask for your High and Mighty opinions and we are not going to put up with it anymore.
Comment by Kandice Cantrell — October 1, 2008 @ 5:46 am
To evryone else on this site,
Please excuse my rude behavior to Sookie, but I for one am tired of defending myself. I guess the results of my appeal have really taken a toll on me. It just bothers me that this site, which is supposed to help people, is constantly interrupted by rude people saying that we are getting what we deserved. I thought this site was meant to help people, guide them, and comfort them. We are not pefect and we do need help, but it does not help when you have someone like Sookie coming on here being rude and disrespectful. Once again I am sorry for being rude abrupt, but things will not get accomplished if we don’t start working together to find a solution. Just because I have lost my battle, does not mean I have lost the war. I must continue to fight, not just for me, but because I know that this is what my children would expect from me. We have always been known as the five musketeers, we have made it through a lot of difficulties, and now I have to be the one to march on. I don’t want their loss to be just another number or a case. I want people to know who they are and what they mean to me. I have sat quietly on the sidelines long enough. I have been torn down and bullied and I cannot do it anymore. I want you to know that I have not quit. I may not be able to anything for my situation, but maybe I can help someone else. Maybe this has always been my mission in life, I don’t know, but it is time to find out!!! God bless every parent on this sight, and may God’s angels watch over your beautiful children. Advocate, I hope that you advocate for not just the children who are truly being hurt, but for those parents out there who have been truly hurt as well. Thank you all again for your prayers and support you will never know how much it truly means to me.
Comment by Kandice Cantrell — October 1, 2008 @ 5:58 am
Remember just because your children are not with you physically does Not mean that they are not with you. Everytime you think of them, they are there. They will always be in your heart and you in theirs. Close your eyes and take time to remember what they looked like, how they smiled, how they laughed. My favorite memory is my oldest two fighting over a toy or a snack. I know it is a crazy memory, but it works for me. Always know that no matter what you created a bond with them the minute they were conceived in your womb, no one can ever take that bond away from you. Maybe one day we will have more then just memories.
Comment by Kandice Cantrell — October 1, 2008 @ 6:03 am
Sookie,
I’m going to jump on this, and I’m going to jump on this hard. My family has been HEAVILY criticized because we don’t receive government benefits. Yet if we were getting them, we would have people like you demanding that we are receiving them to make money. Go figure.
Benefits are there for a reason, and I, for one, refuse to judge ANY family receiving them, just as I refuse to judge families who choose NOT to receive them. You don’t use SUBJECTIVE standards to judge a family, you use objective ones, and I’ve seen a lot of cases where the heartache has stemmed from a family’s personal choices, not from genuine abuse or neglect.
You may be correct in your assessment of the person who posts on here, and you may not. What I DO know, though, is there are a lot of things that neither you nor I know about individual cases.
Comment by Gideon MacLeish — October 1, 2008 @ 6:33 am
Sookie-
The evil psyopath that called dhs on me & now wrongfully has my 3 children does NOT work & is getting all kinds of MAJOR cash, including: WIC, child support, grants for home improvement projects, ect…REMEMBER, read the BIBLE: Judge not, let thou shalt be judged.
Comment by Susan — October 1, 2008 @ 7:41 am
Sookie,
I truly hope you never know the heartache of having your children removed on false allegations. Each child removed by CPS is usually a GOOD thing? What world are you living in? Look at the statistics, and that child is statistically more likely to be abused/neglected, and the teen pregnancy and suicide rates are substantially higher.
CPS should think long and hard before undertaking a removal. And the fact that parents receive benefits should not be considered an indicator of neglect. Those benefits are there for a REASON; parents should not be targetted because they receive them.
Kandice,
you have NOTHING to apologize for in your response to Sookie. If anything, you’ve been TOO kind.
Comment by Gideon MacLeish — October 1, 2008 @ 7:54 am
AMEN brothers and sisters!!!!!
Sookie-
Benefits paid or not are a personal choice to be made by any adult. Some parents actually have pride and would never consider them, but instead, work 2 or 3 PT jobs to pay there way thru life.
You seem the pesamist here. Is your glass always half empty?
If you judge parenting on “free money”, and you don’t receive benefits, then you must be a neglectful parent.
At least, in a sense, that is what you just said.
SO- should I be calling CPS to report you?
Thought not!
Kandice,
Ignore the pesamist. You’ve had more than your share of this crap already.
Comment by Cheryl — October 1, 2008 @ 8:17 am
I am soo sorry Kandice! Never give up hope and I will keep you in my prayers.
Sookie, there are no words for you!
Comment by Diando — October 1, 2008 @ 9:50 am
Hey Sookie and Advocate -
My boyfriend’s 2 children were sexually abused by their mother. My boyfriend AND Texas Children’s Hospital BOTH filed reports with CPS, with the hospital stating “Digital Rectal Rape by Mother”, and HIGHLY recommended the children NOT be returned to her. This was on a Sunday. On Monday, the 2 boys (ages 3 & 5 at the time) were interviewed by a CPS supervisor. After 20 minutes, the supervisor came and told my boyfriend this completely STUPID remark:
“Your son said there were many instances of his mother putting her fingers in his and his brother’s rectum, and THERE IS EVIDENCE OF SEXUAL ABUSE of these children by their mother, but there isn’t ENOUGH sexual abuse going on to worry about.” Upon which the case was immediately closed and the children given back to the SEXUALLY ABUSIVE mother.
Got an answer for that one??? HMMMM???????
I thought not….
Now please, you high and mighty brainless lemmings, WHERE DOES THIS SUPERVISOR GET OFF SAYING THAT AND DOING NOTHING????
CPS - bah - they are nothing more than POWER HUNGRY buttinski’s with nothing better to do than destroy families while believing in their own illusions of power and PHONY beliefs that they are doing something FOR the families. Oh…that is such a laugh that CPS actually WANTS to put families together…..nothing but b.s.!
You two might as well change your names to “kiss butt” and “I’ll jump when I’m told”. CPS workers as a rule have no morals or independent thought. And before you jump all over me about that one, I have seen with my own eyes LIES that CPS tried to pass on in court as truth! CPS doesn’t give a crap about the truth.
Kandice - I’m sorry for you too. This fight isn’t over by a long shot! Hang in there and don’t give up!
CPS - look out for us…….we’ve got your number and as long as it takes, we will do everything in our power to bring you DOWN!
And by the way, in ALLOWING people to make FALSE reports AND PROTECTING THEM, that makes CPS AN ACCOMPLICE TO A CRIME! As you should know, making false reports to any governmental agency is a CRIME.
Comment by willfightforjustice — October 1, 2008 @ 10:35 am
Oh - iamom - please add yourself to the remarks from my last post.
If you think “I have a messy house” really means “I live in a pig sty”, I really have to question your view of reality.
Doesn’t seem you really have one except what is going on in your tiny little brain that cannot learn ANYTHING!
Comment by willfightforjustice — October 1, 2008 @ 12:46 pm
A messy house could also mean…
I work full time, raise children, run a home based business, have no additional help because my spouse is on the road so much, and have children that despite how much I ask to clean their rooms, have a completely differnet view of what “clean” is!!!!!!!!
If the bathrooms and kitchen are sanitary, I’m a happy woman!
Comment by Cheryl — October 1, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Amen Cheryl!
Just goes to prove just how CPS and CPS lovers can MAKE THINGS UP from everyday, ordinary circumstances to make them fit into the CPS LIES RULE BOOK!
I would just bet that iamom, Advocate and Stinky…..er, I mean Sookie’s homes have laundry waiting to be done, dishes needing washing, etc. To them, I’m sure it’s ok, but if anyone else has laundry or dishes…GOD forbid - they must be abusing their children!
Comment by willfightforjustice — October 1, 2008 @ 1:48 pm
I am appaled butt… not surprised at all the horror stories I was reading above! This is absolutely horrifying to know that this “CPS” business has so obviosly become anything/everything but a place w/peoples that will & can truely PROTECT our Children. Long to short I was a mandated reporter for CPS
Comment by Terri Michelle Philpott — October 1, 2008 @ 5:03 pm
I am appaled butt… not surprised at all the horror stories I was reading above! This is absolutely horrifying to know that this “CPS” business has so obviosly become anything/everything but a place w/peoples that will & can truely PROTECT our Children. Long to short I was a mandated reporter for CPS for several years and not ever was any of my calls ever taken for investigation and two we’re finalized with these children going to Jesus… Although this last June 2007 my 1 mo. old Granddaughter was taken from my Daughter for “homelessness & poverty” which resulted in much trama for my daughter, granddaughter, my husband (Gampi) & myself (Gami) as all this was happening I was more covinced of the corruptness in the CPS system. Although our CPS experience was short lived and we now have Marriah back home with us (in custody for 27 days) God told me then & still now take them to court fight for all that can’t or won’t due to fear of, etc… Take them back and then down for all and from this will be born “Marriah’s House” and he will have mine and so many more whom have suffered from the BS that CPS has caused much too much pain to way too many familie’s whom never ever deserved their pain and suffering and to the many that have pain due to their child or children whom never got out of the abuse until they suffered all the way to HEAVEN, as CPS never even stepped up on those!Reading all those stories above makes me even more determined to fight the GOOD FIGHT!
Comment by Terri Michelle Philpott — October 1, 2008 @ 5:18 pm
God Bless you, Terri!
Those in CPS who are truly brainwashed (and I repeat BRAINWASHED) by CPS, think they are doing a good thing, but in reality are signing the death warrants of the children should think SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE they take a child!
To all CPS workers - THINK! WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF THIS HAPPENED TO YOU????
Unfortunately, they don’t think of that…just the ABSOLUTE POWER that is given to them UNJUSTLY! Trust me, CPS workers….GOD WILL DEAL WITH YOU IN THE END!
CPS needs to end NOW!
We CAN’T rely on our Senators or Governors, because they are too absorbed in how much MONEY their state will get from the Federal government to CARE what happens to children they DON’T EVEN KNOW!
GET MAD PARENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOTHING will change unless we make it CLEAR to the powers that be that we WON’T TAKE IT ANYMORE! (This is where I feel Twisted Sister’s song “We’re Not Gonna Take It” says EXACTLY what we want to say!
DON’T GIVE UP! IT’S YOUR CHILDREN AND YOU WHO STAND TO LOSE EVERYTHING!
Please leave me a comment if you want my help. I’ll do all I can!
We CAN’T let CPS win!
GET MAD FOLKS! IT’S THE ONLY WAY WE CAN BEAT THEM!
Comment by willfightforjustice — October 1, 2008 @ 6:43 pm
Advocate, when you have a social worker coupled with a sherriff, in uniform, go to a school and have access to a private conversation with the child, asking leading questions to the child, while at the same time, saying ” Nothing bad will happen if you tell us what you want but are not getting from home.” I’m sure that every social worker uses there own version. But more to the point, you’ve seemed to use this site as a personal avenue to excuse yourself for whatever decisions that you have made throughout your career. You mention social workers documentation as be an undeniable/ unquestionable fact. Now, do you hear yourself? Your experience has been detrimental to yourself and many of those that you profess to help. Your time spent on this site is evident to that fact/ my conclusion. For some reason, you were led to this site. Was it on your own or were you led to it by someone else? With your intelligence, you know why I am asking. Now, please don’t use your superior mentality to contradict my opinion. Rather, be a social worker as you, probably, intended to be. Help those in need. Stop making excuses. Are you helping on this site? People on this site are looking for help. You are here, why? WHY? Are you doing the greater good by convincing people that they, more than likely, did something wrong to get their child taken away? And to break their will to stand up and fight against DHS when they feel that they are wronged? Are social workers, in your opinion, a better judge of what a family needs than there own family. Do not recite or reitterate DHS Policy and Protocol. Please, do not continue with your self indulgance/ justification. Are you helping anyone on this site? Are you getting through to anyone on this site? There may be a reason why.
Comment by daaronad — October 1, 2008 @ 7:09 pm
Advocate, did you read the comment by Anna? Why should she be afraid of DHS for disciplining her child? Should she be investigated for it? Will the investigation show that she was teaching/disciplining her child? Or will it show that she was abusive to the child? Or will it show that, even though she wasn’t abusive to her child, the social workers report advises that she may be abusive to her child in the future. Therefore, she will be coerced to sign a safety plan, convincing her that she “volunteered” to agree to attend classes as deemed neccessary by DHS. I was told that if I want to keep my children out of a foster home, I had better give my full cooperation. The safety plan was my second mistake. My first mistake was talking to and believing what we all are taught to believe, that DHS is there to help families.
Comment by daaronad — October 1, 2008 @ 7:26 pm
Gideon, I’m from Oklahoma and that’s the law that I’ve researched. I’m sure that every state has there own versions of the statutes that protect them from such instances. In Oklahoma, the law allows any allegation, based on “GOOD FAITH.” A DHS social worker or any mandated reporter’s report is taken as “GOOD FAITH.” Another law, in Oklahoma gives immunity to anyone making a report in “GOOD FAITH” from being held accountable when that report comes up false. Also, those persons making the “GOOD FAITH” accusations cannot be forced to appear before the court. A Tort lawsuit is impossible against DHS in Oklahoma, unless you have much money and very influential friends. I am sure that it is no differrent in any other state.
Comment by daaronad — October 1, 2008 @ 7:48 pm
I log on to this site daily and feel the pain off all I have had three young boys removed from the home since June..The case is pending and I will not go into detail.. However I have found that a great family,neighbor, and community network is huge!! Documentation as well as research is paramount!!
Pain is ineveitable; suffering is optional!! KIDS ARE ALL OF OUR LIVES!!! Do not let a situation;circumstance;bad decisions in life; or a doctor shred your family. We had children for a reason and one Agency will not destroy our families.
We respect legislation in place to protect kids; we want to reform legislation that shreds perfectly happy families to meet quota!!
Comment by frenchy — October 1, 2008 @ 7:49 pm
All I can say is:
BRING IN THE MEDIA!!!!!!!!!!
BRING IN THE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CPS HATES TV COVERAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PARENTS - PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THIS —— CPS HATES MEDIA ATTENTION!!!!!!!!!!!
It makes the public AWARE of WHAT CPS IS REALLY DOING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BRING IN THE MEDIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The more we expose their lies, the quicker this mess will be cleaned up!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO TO THE MEDIA…..TV……RADIO….WHATEVER….DON’T BE QUIET!!!!!!!!!!! CPS WANTS YOU TO BE SILENT….SO DONT’!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CPS WANTS TO KEEP YOU QUIET BY KEEPING YOUR CHILDREN HOSTAGE BY ILLEGAL MEANS!!!!!!!!!!!
STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THERE ARE SO MANY OF US WITH YOU…………..DON’T GIVE UP!!!!!!!
There are more people than you can count that are fighting for your rights! Just keep fighting and trust God that there is a force out there that will have to be reckoned with!
Never give up hope - we are here, and we will die fighting!
I know it’s hard, but please…..keep hanging in there…..we are fighting as hard as we can!
God’s blessings to all of you…..we WILL make changes - COUNT ON IT!
Comment by willfightforjustice — October 1, 2008 @ 8:44 pm
Frenchy-
There you go! In order to bring about change that you feel needs to take place, legislators should be the first stop as they determine laws and policies that are practiced. ~Peace and Blessings~
Comment by Advocate — October 1, 2008 @ 9:59 pm
I just heard this horrible story about a foster child collector (I will NOT use the term ‘mother’ here) in Maryland who killed 2 little girls & kept their bodies in a freezer. These were ’special needs’ kids, which mean$ extra $. Thank GOD another of the children escaped! How did this monster be allowed to care for children? Is there some kind of screening process? This just adds another chapter to the long continuing list of cps atrocities.
Comment by Susan — October 2, 2008 @ 6:54 am
Advocate,
You say for us to go to our legislators, Congressmen, and our Governors well I have went to two of them you know what I was told? They supports CPS - DHS and will try to get bills passed supporting things that this “corporation” needs. How can I go to my Governor when she is on the front page of all the Michigan newspapers with the judge who took my children smiling and holding a child in foster care being adopted? Do you know Judge Dolbrich Of Cassopolis, Michigan has the highest adoption rate of kids in foster care in the state of Michigan? Some people would look at this and say that it is a good thing, because she is giving children a permanent home and a family. However look at the flip side of this, was this child really abused, or like mine taken just because they can? I was a foster child, so I personally know what goes on behind closed doors. I was lucky to have foster parents like mine, I still talk to them to this day. However in the state of Michigan and around the country it is very rare that you find people like the ones I had. My foster mother made the comment to me that the reason they got out is because of DHS, and the parents treated them terribly for fear of not getting their children home. My foster parents always worked with the families and did everything for reunification, they kept in constant contact with my mother letting her know EVERYTHING I did, good or bad. She was still my mother regardless. I don’t even know where my children are. My mom knew every time I was moved to a different foster home, my son has been moved six times!!! I didn’t even know any of this until my TPR hearing. I have contacted newspapers, television stations, government agencies. No one wants to get involved until a tragedy happens, then unfortunately it is too late for the child and the family. How can you fight a system that no one believes has done anything wrong? How many more children must die, or be taken away under false allegations before America wakes up and says hey maybe there is something wrong here!! I know that there are children who need the system for support, but for anyone to call and accuse you is crazy. Just because of my “unsubstantiated” reports made to CPS by certain people they deemed me as “a potential harm” to my oldest two children. You cannot prove that you will not harm them, because you are never given the chance. Everything in this country has checks and balances. Even the President of the United States can be impeached and removed from office. With CPS - DHS there is no type of safety net. How can we vote when it comes to CPS there is nothing to vote for!!! Wehave people that lobby for animal rights, gun control, even where we can and cannot drill for iol, but do you see any of these groups ready to lobby for parents? I don’t know of any agency in this country ready to fully fight CPS. How did a little organiztion put here to help protect children, become such a POWER HOUSE? Why is everyone so scared of these people? Our government gave them this control, but they are now too afraid to control it. I don’t understand this country. Our forefathers fought for our freedom and our liberties,our way of life, you wouldn’t know this today. We have young soldiers fighting for these same causes only to get a call that their children have been snatched by this same government. This is no longer the land of the free, it has become the land of CPS. How can we fight for a change when no one is willing to listen. I am just an abusive mom who had her kids taken away, who cares. A murderer or a child molester has more freedom then a mother who was taped yelling at her child. My father a known child molester STILL has rights to all his children, even though he is behind bars for the next 50 years. How sick is that? Did you think CPS took away his rights, hell no. Where is the justice? I am now considered lower then a child molester in the eyes of CPS, whether you want to believe it or not. Something has got to change, before more children and families are harmed. You say you are here to help, you are involved with CPS, so help.
Comment by Kandice Cantrell — October 2, 2008 @ 7:42 am
Kandice-
Again, I am not CPS- I am a worker for CPS. “I” help everyday. I understand that you were wronged and there are a lot of injustices in every arena of life and they do need to be changed. “I” can say that “I” am doing my job the right way and know that whenever I remove a child there is just cause. “I” dont have to lie or alter anything because I operate on facts. I know that anyone is capable of lying out of spite so I take allegations as that- allegations. ALL (and I mean ALL) of the parents that I have substantiated on, removed their children, etc know why things went the way they did- their behaviors. I believe that you were wronged and I am sorry that you had to go through that but I cannot rebel aginst CPS and say that this and this needs to be changed because I know that the agency is needed, I know that CPS saves lives of innocent children. I have said time and time again, I dont think that anyone who would lie on a parent/not look out for the best interest of the child should be a social worker but that is that individual, not the agency as a whole.
Comment by Advocate — October 2, 2008 @ 10:21 pm
Fighting for our children is about to take on a whole new dimension. I would encourage all of you to watch the following video and think about what this means to family and citizen rights. We spend a great deal of time talking about our children and the damage the system is doing to them. Its about to escalate to unprecedented levels. Please forward this to everyone you know.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XgkeTanCGI
Comment by Jan Smith — October 7, 2008 @ 9:11 am
Sylvia,
I have been where you are. They came with an unsubstantiated report that my 4 year old son was outside in his underwear. I was as polite as I could be. She had an officer. They were adamant about coming into my home, I asked them if they had a warrant and the cop said that they did not need one. I politely told them that as soon as they return with a warrant, then I will be happy to let them into my home, until then I am going to close the door. He threw his arm up and kept my door open. So I then ignored them. I left to pick up my son from wrestling. When I came back, they had a pick up order and took all 4 of my boys. Put them all in different foster homes. On the report, the cop stated that I immediately became beligerent upon opening the door. LIE. The cps worker stated that I bumper her while placing my kids in thier car. LIE. I did get my kids back in 9 days but spent the next year n courts for the “assault”. I received probation for 6 months..
My suggestion would be to move, and not let CPS know where you are moving to. If that is impossible. Then cooperate with the worker and visits, and record with a video camera each and every visit. Then file a complaint with your CPS division. Make sure your house is always immaculate. Do not give them any reason to find it unsuitable.
Then you have won.
Comment by Angela H. — October 7, 2008 @ 9:32 am
Advocate
ummm :+} i dont know who on earth you are and sense im not fighting you im not going to try and find out But i would like to say that your comments Below was OUTSTANDING :+} Billy
Susan-
What in the world are you talking about??? Do you even know? How did you know I lived in a mansion? I actually have three and a house on the lake. And did you see my Porsche outside? I like to drive it to all of my clients’ homes to show them how much better I am than them cause Lord knows I love putting my life on the line to beg people to put down a crack pipe and pick up their child. I will pray for you the most, sweetie.
Comment by Billy Wiseman — October 7, 2008 @ 9:26 pm
Hello.
The natural photo of the new arrival, taken by Emma Tallulah’s dad,
Bye.
Comment by Foullymus — October 15, 2008 @ 5:53 am