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Child Protective Services laws and agencies are abusive to families and children. This site provides support and information to parents falsely accused of child abuse by Child Protective Services.
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 The law that started this, CAPTA, must be repealed.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
February 1, 2010
People who need CPS defense lawyers can post their information here…
Please post on the most recent page of lawyer requests.
Please note: This does not guarantee that anyone will ever contact you. Lawyers are free to scan the postings to this page, and if they are interested in representing you, can contact you directly. This website doesn’t have the manpower to match people with lawyers, and there’s no money here for paying lawyers for you. Also please remember that most lawyers are not interested in doing pro-bono work. You will probably need to agree to some kind of payment obligation to get an attorney to work for you.
Please read before posting:
If you have a court appointed attorney, read:
Make Your Court-Appointed Attorney Work For YOU
Check out this page:
Lawyers who take CPS defense cases – but do NOT post there unless you’re a lawyer accepting CPS cases, or someone recommending a CPS defense lawyer.
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I had one lawyer respond in regards to helping me with my CPS case and he got sick so he could not further discuss anything with me.I desperately need a lawyer.I finally received my documentation from CPS and it is filled with one lie after another and I have documented proof that it is lies.My daughter was the one who lied and started this and it has really been hard on me.Somebody please help.
Comment by Diana Smith-Loweranitis — February 1, 2010 @ 9:19 am
If there is anyone out there willing to help… my family needs you!!! We have been an open CPS for the last THREE YEARS!!! I have been told there is not a parenting problem and that they don’t want to remove my children…. But, yet my children are constantly being “secretly” questioned and we see people with CPS about three times a week at home…. The confidentiality rule has been broken…. Too many people have been contacted by my worker and she doesn’t mind at all to tell them personal things about my family or my case… I don’t feel that I should go into detail for my own protection, but, I would GLADLY talk to someone that can help us… I just want some peace for once and to be able to go on family outings without having to tell my “superior” or invite CPS along…. I would greatly appreciate any help, whether it’s advice or a lawyer… I am willing to take this to court or what ever it takes…. Thank You!
Comment by Rebecca — February 1, 2010 @ 10:51 am
M. -at- crystalsweetheart15[@]yahoo.com
I am looking for a lawyer in the San Bernardino County area. I am trying to get my baby back. I am facing false accusations of child abuse.
Comment by M — February 1, 2010 @ 5:59 pm
My wife was interrogated by a CPS worker named Charlene Smith was charged because the worker violated her rights and coerced her to tell her what she wanted to know and as a result was charged for an act she was forced to do by a pervert and as a result was threatened to life in prison without parole and forced to take a plea deal even though she was innocent. Due to the fact the Dept. of Assigned Council was at the time headed by her previous Prosecuting Attorney. Any help out there please let me know. Thanks
Comment by R — February 1, 2010 @ 8:46 pm
Diana, check the document library here at FightCPS for a sample form called “Declaration of Objections and Corrections to the Report of the Child Welfare Caseworker”… you should probably get started on writing yours.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 1, 2010 @ 10:13 pm
Rebecca, it would help to know what state you’re in.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 1, 2010 @ 10:20 pm
R (yes, I deleted your name) … what state are you in?
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 1, 2010 @ 10:29 pm
My 15 yr. old daughter (from a previous relationship) decided that she would be better served to enter into foster care. That was 2 and 1/2 yrs. ago. During this time she made some serious false allegations against us. No charges were ever filed for these allegations. She has a history of lying and manipulating. My husband and I have 2 other children (9 & 7). Social Services is now demanding that she have access to our 2 children, and they have informed us they plan on taking this to the State level, and that they also plan on retaining custody of my daughter until she is 21. We come from a small town and I truly believe that all the lawyers here “scratch each others backs”. We have serious reservations about access and want to find someone who will help us fight this injustice. We dont have alot of money, and we feel that we should have a right to parent our children, to the best of our abilities without sacrificing our entire life. We do have a lawyer right now, but he has told us that he is not prepared to take this to the state level and that we should just “take the emotion out of it” to make decisions regarding our 2 innocent children. How? Please help us!!!!!
Comment by Christine — February 2, 2010 @ 7:18 am
Christine, what state are you in? You’re right about lawyers — they are usually more interested in being on friendly terms with the judge and county counsel than they are about putting on any real defense for child welfare victims. You might best be served by looking for a lawyer outside your local county. Sometimes lawyers from other areas of the state are willing to go up against a local establishment more than the local lawyers ever will.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 2, 2010 @ 8:19 pm
I am looking for an attorney who will file a motion to intervene and give me party status so i can get a motion to vacate the void judgement that Fraudulently terminated my parental rights without proof by the state of Indiana that
1. that i had ever abused or neglected my son
2. that i was an unfit mother
3. that “reasonable efforts had failed;
i live in Greenwood/South Indy.
Anyone who knows any attorneys in this area please e-mail me.
This is nothing more than a bogus case that targeted a low -income, single mother who had a “foster parent’ waiting to adopt my son, so it has NEVER been about my son, it has only been about the MONEY!!
Comment by Sherri D — February 3, 2010 @ 5:44 am
My son is mentally ill. The hospital said that it is not safe for him to come home to be with his sisters. The hospital told me that they are recommending residential treatment. That is when CPS became involved and my nightmare began. I was told that if I did not agree to place him as a raptr, they would take all my kids because of safety. He was sent to one RTC and it was not that bad. The center communicated with me and let me participate in therapy with him.
They could not handle him and the therapist sent him to the state hospital. He had no clothes and my mother, who lives an hour from the state hospital, brought him $120 in clothes. The state hospital allowed me to participate in treatment team meetings and I could ask any question. My son gets a new caseworker and he is mysteriously sent 14 hours away from my home to another RTC.
They are abusing my son. I turned them in and they found out about it. Six months after I was able to afford to visit him, suddenly the therapist wrote a letter saying that we sympathize with him when he is with us or on the phone. She cut us down to 4 times a year for face to face. This was a legal maneuver and a personal attack.
No other place had a problem with me in a two almost three year period. The center does not allow me to talk to the therapist or the doctor. When I do call, I get blown off or told that they will call me back after it is verified that they can speak to me. I never get a call back. I have the right to do this.
The CPS supervisor was talking about the case in the hall right next to my family. The center says I call 3 or 4 times a day. This is not true. They said other unflattering things. It was all denied. Even though no one else has had trouble with me. I should not have to give up custody of my son to provide this so called medical care that he needs. My rights should not be trampled on.
Comment by Katrena — February 3, 2010 @ 1:00 pm
I cannot get an attorney to call me back in Lafayette Indiana.. my step daughter has been removed from her mothers home and we are being charged very all expenses. Not sure what to do. Please help.
Comment by Renee — February 3, 2010 @ 1:23 pm
have a gf who desperately needs help both her girls are with sisters they dont want to be she was manipulated and givin a split the kids or cooperate at a time in life she was readapting to loss of limb as well and told by a kansas worker that as long as she was in the chair shed never get custody basics are she was told rights were removed however 6 yrs later tfi is telling her to sign over or have removed little to no time for her to fight back please begging someone these 2 girls were getting visits with their mom entire weekends please they suffered when seprated had comfort in each other and now that isnt there even but because on occassion they can see each other neither wants to be moved out and leave other sister behind one is abused but wont open up to anyone for fears of more abuse and if succeeds leaving other sister behind 13 and 14 girls mother does not have extended life expectancy so please help reunite someone please dont make them pray and wait til 18 all 3 look fwd to that at least but realitically may not make it that long since august has ended up in icu near critical 5 or more times
Comment by gary — February 3, 2010 @ 4:40 pm
Christine, are you in NY?
Comment by MaggieC — February 4, 2010 @ 5:51 am
We are in need of a CPS defense lawyer, we have met with several lawyers, but would really like to have a lawyer that has experience with a case similar to ours. Last May my 13 month old developed a fever, I monitored his fever throughout the day when he was put into bed I went in to check on him and took his temperature it had risen to 103 at this time he went into a seziure. My husband and immedately took my son to the hospital. They “threw the pharmacy” at my son according to the doctor, but they said he would be fine. They had to sedate my baby because he was given so many medications, that it could effect his breathing. My husband and I have decide to raise our children as organically as possible. Once my son was stable we began to refuse medication, not testing we allowed the hospital to run all testing on our son. The hospital allowed us to refuse the medication, however when we asked if we could leave the doctor said we would have to sign a form stating it was against medical advice. We were in the process of filling out the form when the doctor encountered a person from administration, at which point the person told the doctor if you allow that child to leave you will be liable for anything that happend to child. The doctor came back and said we could not leave and that he was getting a court order to force our son to get antibotics. We asked them to run more test to prove to us why he would need the antiobotics when we were told over and over again that he could have a viral infection ( which can not be treated by antibotics), all of my sons tests came back negative for a bacterial infection, and he was cleared by the neurology team ( bc of the reason we came in for seziures) earlier in the day. The hospital got their court order and we were forced to give my son the antibotics. Then they called CPS on us and forced us to stay in the hospital, CPS came and checked our home and released and closed the case, however the report was inidicated. I can not work my job with this inidcated report (I have my masters in Education). I would never put my sons life in jeopardy thats why we took him to the hospital in the first place, however once we questioned the doctors course of action, and explained to him our beliefs we were stripped of our rights, thank god we still have our son at home, but we are not bad parents and we don’t deserve a record, and lawyer whom can help please contact, we live in western New York
Comment by Rachael — February 4, 2010 @ 8:41 pm
Sherri D did u meant Indiana or Indianapolis anyhow hope this help
Stuart T. Bench, Attorneys at Law, PA
5202 Madison Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46227
Office: 317-782-8782
Fax: 317-782-4590
Avery & Cheerva LLP
One N. Pennsylvania St.
Suite 405
Indianpolis, IN 46204
Office: 317-637-7575
this last one seems to relate to adoption laws etc
Beckman Lawson, LLP
200 E. Main Street
Suite 800
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
260-422-0800
And seriously dont let them do that to you fight for your child if this attorneys cant help you tell them to refer you to one that can help you.
Comment by CpsCorruption — February 4, 2010 @ 10:56 pm
go find out about the judges in ur case what people are saying about them and rate them as well
http://www.ratethecourts.com/
http://www.courthouseforum.com
Comment by CpsCorruption — February 5, 2010 @ 2:44 am
Katrena, I hope you can get the help you need. I can’t help but feel very sad for your son who is locked away and not allowed to enjoy the love of his family. How very cruel! Have you talked to your state legislator about what is going on? Have you requested a state administrative hearing so the state can review the county’s actions in your case?
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 5, 2010 @ 3:45 am
Renee, if this is a court appointed attorney not returning your calls, try writing a letter instead. Make Your Court Appointed Lawyer Work for YOU.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 5, 2010 @ 3:46 am
Gary, has your girlfriend contacted her state legislator for help?
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 5, 2010 @ 4:05 am
CpsCorruption, thank you for the links and referrals!
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 5, 2010 @ 5:35 am
So I live in washington state and I have been dealing with cps the last few months. Due to the fact the my neighbor who is my best friends gf stuck her nose into my business and told her to basically back off. So in turn she decided to get back at me and call cps to have my son removed. Saying that we neglect him and a ton of other lies. I haven’t had a job in a while untill the middle of last month and they are divulging confidential information to my family without my consent. I don’t have any money at the moment as I’m working commission only and my pay schedule is set up to where I won’t get any money till the end of this month. Also they are demanding that I put my son in childcare or they will take him. I went through childcare when I was a kid and I hated every minute of it I do not want to cram my son into an overpopulated hole. So please any help you could give me in the state of washington would mean the world to me and my family.
Comment by brett — February 5, 2010 @ 2:34 pm
Rachael -
You are correct in seeking to retain an attorney for your appeal. I am not an attorney -I am only a paralegal, but I have handled cases such as yours in conjunction with my firm in NYC–NY OCFS denies everything at first UNLESS you have an attorney fighting for you.
You need to show the greater evidence.
Get together all of your documents; especially from your child’s primary doctor.
Also, other parts of the argument to amend the “indicated” decision will depend upon “lasting” harm to your child and the effect that an “indicated” decision will have upon your future employment.
It is still a very slippery slope. Do not attempt the appeal (hearing) without able legal representation. That is my humble lay opinion.
Best of luck to you–do it right and you can win this.
Comment by MaggieC — February 5, 2010 @ 4:30 pm
Brett, aren’t there any low income alternatives for child care there? Something like Head Start? I know there are drawbacks to using Head Start but… have you asked the caseworker to help you find a low income child care solution? They should have access to listings of all child care opportunities as usually day care centers are also licensed by Social Services.
On the issue of divulging confidential information, you could file for a state administrative hearing which would let them know how much you don’t want that happening in your case.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 5, 2010 @ 9:46 pm
brett hope this helps
Deno Millikan Law Firm, PLLC
3411 Colby Ave
Everett, WA 98201
425-259-2222
http://campagnacenter.org/
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/chapter7/sec3.html
Comment by CpsareCaca — February 6, 2010 @ 7:54 pm
I am hoping I can get some help here with an attempt unlawful removal of my seven year old son. I tried to report this to my local sheriff office and they refused to even let me talk with an officer so I called the state police and they told me it would need to go thru Child Protective Services. Some help! Can anyone give me some direction?
On Friday, January 15 of 2010, approximately 4 pm, my wife, Arlene Baumann returned home from visiting a friend to find Miah Jacobs-Brichford in her car with my child. She was in the process of leaving and had just backed to the end of our driveway.
My son had just left the school bus at approximately 3:25 and following family safety plan instructions had gone to the basement to play his games.
As Miah latter stated to us on January 19th, she went into our home and to the basement steps (17 paces) and called for my son. He replied and she told him to come up the steps she needed to talk with him. She took him outside, put him in her car and was in the process of leaving. This is when my wife came home.
About five minuets after my wife stopped Miah from taking our son another Franklin County Children’s Service caseworker, Kristin Obermeyer arrived.
My son did hear the door bell ring but did not answer it, as he was taught. Miah did admit to not seeing any cars in the driveway and stated she believed the house was vacant. She did state to us that she rang the door bell but did not get a reply. This is the point that she entered our home and removed my son.
On September 4th of 2009, Fred Petry and Miah Jacobs-Brichford discussed with my wife and I our safety plan and at that time we all were of the understanding that my son was mature enough to spend short periods of time alone at our house and that when this did happen my son was to go to the basement game room. . This is why Miah knew my son was home alone and in the basement.
My wife and I have full custody of our children and while we do have a written informal agreement with Franklin County Department of Children’s Services it does not allow unauthorized entry to our house or any custody to our children whatsoever. Franklin County Children’s Services had no legal base for removal of our son from his home and there was no due process followed. This was an illegal act as defined by Indiana code: 35-42-3-3.
Talking this matter with my son, he told me that Miah stated to him that she was taking him to Brookville and he would see his mother tomorrow if she is home and that he would have “different parents for a little while”..
My son is having security issues and has been diagnosed ADHD. This incident has caused him a lot of trauma. I took him to his doctor on 2/1/10 and he has had a change of medicine to help get over this experience. If he is not better in one week we will again change meds and consider putting him back in the hospital.
Earlbaumann67-at-wmconnect.com
Comment by Earl Baumann — February 7, 2010 @ 5:40 am
I am a foster parent who was in the process of adopting 3 kids whom Ive been with for 3 years. The Father is in Prison and the mother just couldnt take care of them. She signed off on the adoption. I had them taken from my house last night because of allegations from their oldest sister who is also in foster care with another family. She has lied about everything and is mad becuase the kids were happy and becoming adjusted to the fact that I will be their new father. The state (Wa) came and took them out of school after they had interviewed them several times and the kids told them it was all lies. I have never laid a finger on them or hurt them in any way. The case manager and the CASA all have said the same things that the kids are not being harmed. I have no legal right I know but I love these kids and they loved me. The state had to have them call me after they took them becasue they were so upset they would not calm down. I just need help.
Comment by Jeff Ivie — February 9, 2010 @ 7:18 am
My daughter was taken from me after being found under the influence of meth at a friends house. I was deemed an unfit, negligent parent because i didnt know, and in the report that the case worker filed with the court that liar put that I said my daughter was out of control. I never said that and nothing i said could have been misinterpreted in that way. my daughter wasnt out of control at all. She was obiedent, checked in whenever i asked her to, was home whenever i told her to be, was always in bed at a decent hour, up for school on her own, she was a normal 13 year old girl. She made a mistake. Upon further research I found out that if a parent singles out one child as bad or evil or beyond control it gives them the right to yank them from the home….but like i said, nothing even close to those words came out of my mouth….i want my daughter back and I want her put in a rehab to help her from making any drug related mistakes in the future…she doesnt need to be in a foster home…please help!
Comment by Kimberly — February 9, 2010 @ 8:54 am
I have a case with CPS due to my medical marijuana permit. I have papers full of lies. The police, who have no juristiction in our city of Newport, took my son with no regard to the fact that it is legal for me to possess marijuana. I have been violated by the swat team and railroaded. Now that they should have to give my son back, because they have nothing to hold him for, they have begun an investigation into child molestation in an attempt to keep him in his fathers home. His father is a drug addict (documented) a rapist (partly documented) an alcholic (documented) and so on, yet the judge, who saw fit to return a child to a meth lab- to the childs death actually, thinks that my sons father, who tried three times to kill my son, is a better parent. I am afraid for my son. I not only want my son back, I want the alligations dropped publicly, and a law suit against the county, the cops, and CPS. Please help, I am running out of time.
jessicals1977[@]yahoo.com
Comment by Jessica — February 9, 2010 @ 12:00 pm
as i am typing this i am in tears…i lost all my children to CPS here in california…it all started with me taking in my sister children who she had abandond…now my case is very complicated..i have four children…11,2,and twins who are six months…i am afraid…i need help. who do I turn to? i want to sue the county of mendocino. i feel my rights have been violated…pls..if you can help me….anyone with advise or even a lawyer…im broke i have no money….not the kind to hire a lawyer…you can reach me at my email norcoastgirl707[@]yahoo.com…once again please if anyone can help me in this matter…i have court on Feb 25 of this year….thank you..
Comment by Fern — February 9, 2010 @ 1:24 pm
I need a new lawyer. the court appointed family court lawyer i currently have convinced me that signing over dependency was the best course of action. i am a recent marine vet. in july of last year i was on the news because i allegedly took my own son out of CPS care, even though he was living with me at the time. a family trip to the relatives in eugene turned fatal. at this time my son is in foster care with my uncle. i am facing “custodial interference 1″ charges, and will be going to court in a couple weeks for such. my next family court review hearing is scheduled for mid april.
Comment by nick — February 9, 2010 @ 4:24 pm
Still looking for an attorney in Hawaii. Please help! There’s gattah be someone here who can help up.
Comment by Cathy — February 9, 2010 @ 5:39 pm
We need to find a lawyer whom is willing to work pro bono as we cannot afford one. Our two month old Great Nephew has been taken away and his Mother has not been given a fair chance to be one. Please if you cannot work pro bono maybe you can guide us in order to help us fight to protect this child and his Mother, thank you.
Comment by Eidolon — February 10, 2010 @ 5:36 pm
houston, tx
cairysse1-at-yahoo.com amie (mom)
jsn.walters-at-yahoo.com jason (dad)
what can i write thats catchy? unique? oh, nothing bc we are all in the same boat.
in that case- PLEASE HELP US GET OUR 3 CHILDREN BACK!
quick summary:
3 children ages 9, 5, & 1.
cps investigated alleged accusations, offered services, recsinded service, filed petition FULL OF LIES AND ZERO FACTUAL EVIDENCE;
at ’show cause’ 12/02/09 we were unrepresented and not allowed to speak, ordered removal to foster care;
status update for kinship care reset 01/13/2010 (cps attorney sick ie circumvent 10 day perm conf notification);
hired unqualified CRIMINAL attorney, reset again for special status hearing bc family told not to go and our w/attorney present 01/20/2010;
finally placed w/my brother (kids uncle) and had my attorney present 01/27/2010, ordered ZERO CONTACT W/KIDS OR BROTHER!!!!
still not given official service plan. verbal instructions w/pre-plan only. permanancy hearing 05/13/2010.
we admit we have screwed up by hiring a nice but incompetant lawyer. currently in the process of gently ‘firing’ her and requesting invoice and refund of the remaining retainer to go towards a FAMILY lawyer w/specific experience FIGHTING cps/dfps ASAP!
i know you allready know my babies ARE suffering horribly and i am losing my faith, strength, & will to go on. please contact us NOW and please, please, please have NECESSARY, RELEVANT EXPERIENCE! i can NOT waste more time and $$ on an unqualified lawyer. if you are an attorney who KNOWS of a better attorney, that would help too.
i dont care if its 2am, contact us right now please if you can help!
sincerely, the walters
may the lord keep with my children to protect and bless them. (no, we are not super religious, but it cant hurt.)
Comment by amie & jason — February 10, 2010 @ 7:16 pm
Jeff, have you contacted WA senator Pam Roach about this?
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 10, 2010 @ 10:03 pm
Kimberly, how long ago did this happen? If you haven’t signed anything, then you can make them prove the charges with a full trial. Signing a guilty plea in court of course makes that opportunity vanish.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 10, 2010 @ 10:06 pm
Jessica – Newport in what state?
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 10, 2010 @ 10:08 pm
Fern, if you sign away your rights in court you won’t be able to get a full trial. You will probably get a court appointed attorney but don’t let that person bamboozle you into thinking you don’t have the right to a trial.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 10, 2010 @ 10:10 pm
Nick, Make Your Court Appointed Lawyer Work for YOU.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 10, 2010 @ 10:17 pm
Amie, and Jason, there are some Houston area lawyers listed on the lawyers page of this site.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 10, 2010 @ 10:57 pm
Eidolon, most cases are won because the victim (parent) takes the initiative to become their own best advocate – by writing court documents and collecting evidence. Who Will Help Prepare Your CPS Case? … Pro Bono attorneys are hard to come by. Also, since you didn’t tell us your state, we won’t even be able to suggest anything.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 10, 2010 @ 11:08 pm
Hi, My case was closed 3 years + ago, I VR to all my children, moved out of the area I was in went back to school met my soon to be husband, and had another child. the social worker at the hospital called them (cps) said we weren’t ready for our baby, and that I had a history with them. the workers came talked to me, checked my house, everything was ok, but now they are opening me for 6 months, I have a lot more to explain but not on here I am scared. I need help but because its not going to court, I wont get a lawyer appointed, till its too late. I feel they are harassing me because of a past that involved me in an area that I had limited supports, now that I have numerous supports, they are going to mess it up for me.
Comment by Jenn — February 11, 2010 @ 3:13 am
oh and I also have my act 33/ 34 clearances as of may 2009
Comment by Jenn — February 11, 2010 @ 3:14 am
My 2 teenagers 12 & 15 were taken by crs … the older boy stood up in his mom face called filthy names, F-ing B, spite at her, she finally slapped him, he said F-Y and tryed to leave. she took him to the ground, by his hair, now they say we aboused our kids. As Parents do we have any rights?
Comment by R — February 11, 2010 @ 8:37 am
SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!
I applied for state benefits for my daughter and I since 2008!
All I wanted was for us to get mental health services due to the tragic loss of my loved one (her father) and possible training in another field other than sales.
We are now homeless and only receiving $71 in cash aide a month. We have no means of transportation and have yet to receive one mental health session!
What should I do?
Comment by Nina D. — February 11, 2010 @ 10:53 am
Hi Jenn, sorry about your case opening again. You didn’t mention what state you’re in. Check the lawyers page for someone near you and try joining our message board for feedback on your case.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 11, 2010 @ 7:47 pm
R, (your name had to be deleted) … you have the right to an attorney if you cannot afford one, and you have the right to a trial if you haven’t signed a plea bargain in court yet. I don’t think they’ll say parents have the right to attack a child physically after being called names, but if you’re lucky maybe they’ll ask your family to get counseling and stay a family.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 11, 2010 @ 7:58 pm
Kimberly, go to the legal document library and get hold of a sample document called “Declaration of Objections and Corrections to the Report of the Child Welfare Caseworker” … and as soon as you get the report, write your own document for court telling the truth of the matter. Do not say anything self-incriminatory or your lawyer will not want to submit it at court. Make it as short as possible so the judge will want to read it, but do point out all the mistakes and misrepresentations of the caseworker. You can request a full trial; you do not need to be coerced into signing a guilty plea. If they try to rush you into signing a “stipulation” or something to that effect in court you may want to stand your ground in requesting a trial, to make them prove their charges. It may take longer but you might find it worth the bother… of course you know your case better than I and will want to discuss it with your lawyer. (I am not a lawyer.)
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 11, 2010 @ 8:11 pm
Nina, I don’t know what state you’re in, and they probably all handle mental health services differently. Here in California the mental health dept. is different than the dept. of social services. Maybe you’re applying to the wrong people. Have you tried the health department for a referral? Whatever you do, don’t go to CPS or they will make you miserable. Only $71/mo. in cash aid… not much. I am guessing you also have income from another source, such as Social Security. Do be careful, Nina. Many mental health workers might be tempted to turn your name over to social services because you have a homeless child.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 11, 2010 @ 8:18 pm
Linda, or others, I am in Pennsylvania. Its not going to court as of yet, they just want me open and to load me up with services so I get overwelmed again and have no room to breath or take care of my family. boyfriend sleeps during the afternoon evening, works nights so I will be left to these blood suckers almost all by myself.
Comment by Jenn — February 11, 2010 @ 10:26 pm
R, you need an attorney NOW. Right now. There is case law in some states that qualifies abuse in terms of children “who are not of a tender age” and who were not adversely affected by the episode.
Please seek out competent representation straight away before you are drawn much deeper into this.
Comment by MaggieC — February 12, 2010 @ 5:19 am
R-
Keep the faith. My 13 yr old grandkid did exactly the same to her mom. F-Y, B(**&ch, you name it. Mom tolerated it for almost 5 minutes before reciprocating with a slap to that potty mouth.
In the end, Mom did get 2 of her 4 back. We took the othr 2 because CPS did NOT provide re-unification services for them, so they had no relationship left; we had to re-build it AFTER we took them.
I’m happy to say, these same 2 teens now have a wonderful relationship with their parents. No more potty mouths are present, and a new found respect exsists.
They have regular visitations and telephone access. it used to be the teens would not excersice visits, but now they choose to visit. We saw to it that the final court orders allowed for the kids to “choose” visits or not. At their discreation.
It’s been 4 years, but oh so worth the work.
Comment by Cheryl — February 12, 2010 @ 7:52 am
Jenn, you’re welcome to come here to sound off or get support on the message board. I come by – usually only once a day, sometimes more often… but you are not alone if you need us (and we do know how it feels.)
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 12, 2010 @ 8:22 am
Thanks Linda, I am scared, two workers showed up from ocy tonight at 7:30 pm. Is this normal? They are scaring me that they might take my new baby, who is now 3 weeks old. Also one of the workers was involved in my case in the past, she was really against me then, I think it will affect her judgement now. My boyfriend turned them away because he was just getting up for work and didn’t want me stressed out before he left, or to deal with them when we weren’t told they would 1 drop in unannounced let alone more than once a week. I honestly feel harassed. I even saw a (government employee) car sitting right outside my house till I turned out my lights. I am worried they are trying to make a reason to take her. Any suggestions anyone?
Comment by Jenn — February 12, 2010 @ 7:41 pm
I live in Westmoreland county PA. About a year ago my son (who I have had trouble with many time prior) stole some items from the house that I was living in and was apprehended by local police upon attempting to hock the items at a local pawn shop. Due to the fact that I was having trouble with him in many other way, i.e. not attending school, smoking marijuana, extreme disrespect issues, etc. I pressed the issue in order to get my son help. He was then placed in the care of a foster family who is working for a new program developed by Wesley Spectrum. Basically now, I am being harassed and every bit of dirty laundry from my distant past is put into the spotlight in order to make ME (the mother who has a college degree, is a hard worker, does NO drugs, does NOT drink alcohol,has a lengthy record of trying to get her son the counseling and help that he has needed, etc) look like an unfit parent. They are now going so far as to tell me that my boyfriend, who has NEVER done anything around or to my child, is not allowed in my (his) home. Their extremes have even led them to stalk me on social networking web sites. My son will have a court hearing coming up within a couple of months. I always end up in tears at the end because of the way that all of the information is twisted in order to make me look incompetent (keep in mind the fact that MY SON was the perpetrator and I initiated this dreadful process). I really need some direction. I do not want to attend another of these hearings unprepared and unaware of my rights. This entire situation has caused me so much stress that it has made me sick at times. Could somebody out there please offer me some resources and let me know where I can look for help?
Comment by Tracy — February 13, 2010 @ 5:33 am
CPS is aloud to lie and twist your words. It doesnt matter if you agree with them or disagree you are always wrong. They dont help you they just take your kids away from you. What has happened to our world? I need a lawyer and dont have alot of money. I have written congress, the senator, and even the President. Ant one willing to help me please. In Michigan.
Comment by Donna — February 13, 2010 @ 10:53 am
I am looking for a top notch attorney to represent me in a cps case , money is no object.
Comment by tom — February 13, 2010 @ 11:49 am
sorry i live in West va.
Comment by tom — February 13, 2010 @ 11:49 am
Are there any lawyers willing to take on cps in West Virginia? I am not poor . I just want a lawyer that will fight for me and is expeprienced. Please .
Comment by tom — February 13, 2010 @ 12:30 pm
I am looking for a lawyer to help me fight to keep my 4 children whom 3 have mental or physical illness after we have had many run in with them in the past. My children are at risk to be taken by my father who is out for their social security, and I have repeatedly been reported by an ex friend I once tried to help get off drugs. When I no longer would help her with finances, she started breaking into my home and calling services on me. How a drug addict who has lost her children can be a credible witness and informant I do not know, but having had the same worker and supervisor repeatedly they are out for blood, and I am only trying to save and protect my children. I have just today found that my son was diagnosed with ptsd due to repeated removals from my home. All cases have been closed and children returned to me, but am now looking at court because yet another alligation has been filed. I have a cps mandated meeting wedensday at 11 am and am desperatly looking for help and advise. Thank you!
Comment by cindy — February 13, 2010 @ 8:36 pm
Jenn, you need a lawyer FAST… one of the best ways to keep the CPS agents from harassing you is to have a good attorney watching out for you!
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 13, 2010 @ 10:38 pm
Donna, there are Michigan lawyers listed on the lawyers page of this site – but I’ll bet they’re going to want some kind of payment. Hopefully you’re here at this site to learn to be your own best advocate. See: Who Will Help Prepare Your CPS Case?
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 13, 2010 @ 10:43 pm
Tracy, you can get support from this site’s message board and learn how to be your own best advocate. Read as much as you can… your self-education can get you out of this predicament!
See: Who Will Help Prepare Your CPS Case?
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 13, 2010 @ 10:49 pm
Cindy, be strong and hopefully you’ll get through this again. I hope you’ll be able to move away from these dreadful report-a-holics soon. There’s nothing like having several hundred miles (at least) between you and a parent who would do such a terrible thing to you!
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 13, 2010 @ 10:51 pm
We have had our children removed from our home, based on allegations made by our oldest daughter against our oldest son, both of whom are mentally ill. We were notified by the school one day and the next evening the kids were removed from us. We have been charged with failure to protect. We had meetings with the faculty of the school the day of the notification and were in the process of getting help for the children, but they took them anyway. We have spoken with three different attorneys, all of whom have said that the social worker we are dealing with has lied and twisted the truth in the past. Everything we say to her to try and help the matter is twisted and used against us. If a knowlegeable attorney could put the time into our case it would be clear that we have been violated by CPS. I am looking for an attorney willing to prioritize my children’s case. We are innocent of these charges, money is not a problem. I would give all I have for not only the return of my children, but to make CPS accountable for the damage they have done to my family. I believe my case is so strong and we were so mistreated and lied about that it can be proven beyond a doubt. I believe that any competent and diligent attorney could sue and win. Please notify me at Nannynuggetfarm[@]aol.com
Comment by Andrea — February 14, 2010 @ 6:33 am
Someone Please Help, Every Lawyer wants way too much money. I am not broke, but between student loans, car repairs, and medical bills for boyfriend, we have just enough to pay our bills. I AM DESPERATE FOR A GOOD ATTORNEY! Please anyone know of probono lawyers in NWPA area?
Comment by Jenn — February 14, 2010 @ 7:40 am
Please I need a defense lawyer or at least legal advice. Cps took my only grandson who just turned one. My son is flipping out and his new girlfried lost the twins she was carrying as a result of this. I need help desperatly! My ph # is 602-386-0312 phx., az. Thanks, Karen
Comment by KAREN — February 14, 2010 @ 9:48 am
I need help getting my 3 yr old baby back that was taken April 2009. We’ve done went lawyer broke. CPS told us their goal is for family reunification. As of last week I just now got my service plan, yes, a year later and the case worker “finally” gets around to it. We have done nothing wrong and have worked their service plan. PLEASE HELP!!
Comment by Rachell — February 14, 2010 @ 2:42 pm
I NEED A LAWYER TO FILE SUIT AGAINST CPS. THEY HAVE GAVE ME A SEVERE PARENTING PLAN TO DO WHICH I HAVE DONE. THEY STILL DONT WANT ME TO HAVE MY CHILD BACK EITHER BECAUSE I AM DISABLED OR SINGLE. I WAS SUPPOSED TO PROVE MYSELF TO THE COURT THE GAL AND CPS BUT HOW CAN YOU PROVE YOURSELF TO ANYONE THAT DONT HAVE ANY INTERACTIONS WITH YOU ALL THEY WANT TO SAY IS YOUR NOT READY I WAS TOLD THAT WHEN I HAD DONE EVERYTHING I GOT MY CHILD BACK AND NOW THEY ARE TRYING TO KEEP HER AWAY FOR 3 TO 6 MORE MONTHS. DCS TRIED TO SET ME UP FOR FAILURE TOLD ME I COULD GET MY PAIN MEDS FROM AN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON BUT IT ALSO SAYS THAT I HAVE TO FINISH THE OUTPATIENT REHAB IF I TOOK ANYTHING FOR PAIN I COULD NOT GET THROUGH THIS CLASS. I HAVE LEGITIMATE HEALTH PROBLEMS THAT CANT BE FIXED AND I KNOW THEY WERE HOPING I WOULD GIVE UP ON MY DAUGHTER AND TAKE PAIN MEDS. ANOTHER THING THEY TOLD MY SESTER THAT I WAS AN UNFIT MOTHER AND I KNOW IM NOT THEY DONT HAVE TO LIKE ME THEY JUST NEED TO QUIT HOLDING MY DAUGHTER HOSTAGE. EVERYONE THAT KNOWS ME KNOWS THAT I AM A GOOD MOTHER. I WANT TO KNOW IF I CAN FILE SUIT AGAINST DCS FOR DISCRIMINATION
Comment by trina — February 14, 2010 @ 3:41 pm
It all started in December of 2008. My son started hurting himself and blaming it on my husband who is his step-dad. CPS got involved after he was put in to a child psych ward. I have done everything in the world to help him including medication. He was then diagnosed with bi-polar but the treatments were not working. When an accident happened at the baby-sitter’s while me and my husband were at work. The hospital found that he had a preforated intestine. No sign of external trauma to the adomen. CPS imnmediately took him into custody. They are taking us to court to terminate our parental rights. We did not get charged for any abuse. We have an open case that will be determined in March if they will return him to us or put him up for adoption. I desperately need legal advice and a lawyer if there is any help for me and my family. I about to give birth to another child, though we moved to another state. Can that Virginia CPS legally take this child into custody if I bring it with me to visit the state? Please contact via email asap!!!!
Comment by Julie D.C. — February 14, 2010 @ 6:47 pm
My problem has been on-going for three years concerning the abuse behind Cps walls. My two children with IEP’s have been totally discriminated against. The Principal calls the boys gang banging busters and the principal allows the teacher to change the childrens grades with IEP’s. I cant find anyone to help me.
Comment by Crystal — February 14, 2010 @ 7:03 pm
on feb 13. cps decided to take our children from us. they didnt have a real reason they just felt as if they were doing the right thing… we had two children in our home whom we were planning on adopting..pumpkin(4) had been in our home since he was three months old and knew nobody but my mother and I, mya(7) was placed in our home when she was three.they didnt know anybody but us and we were their family.mya had behavorial problems and cps was willing to help us out by get her counseling.our case worker would walk in our house for five minutes to tell us what he needed and then walk right back out.my mother decided to change her mind on adopting them because she wasnt getting any assisitance of help from cps.after realizing that she didnt need them she would handle it and pay for things her self they came and took our babies. she never wanted the money, she even offered to pay for their adoption fees and she didnt want the benefits that come along with the adoption.my mother was a wonderful mother and for the past year it has been hurting her. i need anybody and somebody to help me.I NEED SOMEBODY TO HELP US SERVE JUSTICE.
Comment by ANGELA AND DE'ANGEL — February 14, 2010 @ 10:42 pm
Cindy,
I agree with Linda Jo…time to move several hundred miles away. Start over. Once you’ve been targeted in a certain county, you’ll have to play this game over and over. I’ve seen it over the course of 4 years. Open, close, open close and on and on.
Trouble is, after a while, not matter how unfounded each case is, they get what they consider too many allegations and detremine that they must have closed the past cases in error. At that point they may not return the children. The sheer number of complaints eventually win over the truth.
Please don’t let them get to that point.
Comment by Cheryl — February 15, 2010 @ 7:04 am
Hey there I am hoping someone can help me..I am in Iowa and have been dealing with CPS for about a year now…I thought that I was just about to get them out of my life when my ex went forward and made another bogus claim on my boyfriend…My daughter who is 6 had a red mark on her upper arm, and he turned him in saying that he was abusing her…my daughter even talked to the supposed investigator and told them that my bf would never hurt her and she thought that the mark was from playing with her older brother…and the investigator tells me that the mark is superficial. My daughter has never had any other bruises or marks no broken bones never had to take her to the doctor for questionable things and yet I find out last nite that they have founded my bf on these ridiculous charges!! What are we supposed to do? He is going to be a fireman this could ruin his career!! They have also made us submit to every kind of drug test imaginable…we both just wore the patch for a week…surprise surprise results both negative!! Please Please Somebody Help!!!
Comment by Jami — February 15, 2010 @ 7:12 am
Julie, your new child might be safer if you get a relative to accept legal guardianship before birth, pending the result of your CPS case. There are instructions on how to do that in the FightCPS message board. You should know that there’s a possibility the caseworkers will remove your new baby from the hospital before you can take the newborn home. That’s why a guardianship arrangement would protect your baby.
About your older child, read everything you can on this site about doing your own legal self-defense. I am guessing you have a court appointed attorney who is not helping you.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 15, 2010 @ 12:16 pm
Crystal, if your children are being abused at school you can file a complaint of discrimination of special education students with the Federal Department of Education nearest you. That will give the school plenty to think about – concerning the treatment of your children. I’ve heard there’s lots of paperwork involved (for the school, not for you.)
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 15, 2010 @ 12:18 pm
I am asking for any lawyers help in Colorado. My four children and I are involved in Social Services. I have been informed by the court appointed attorney that I have no rights and we desperately need a lawyer who will fight for our rights and help make our family whole again. WE have complied with all of CPS requirements of their parenting plan and they are abusing their power. THis whole situation is breaking my childrens hearts and they just want their family whole again. I’m fighting for my childrens rights and I would greatly appreciate the help of an experienced lawyer. Thank You
Comment by Heather — February 15, 2010 @ 5:42 pm
I have been in a child custody fight for 3 years against my husband, DHS got hotlined on the father, and thru the misguided information of the dhs worker we both ended up as founded abusers. The worker falsified not only what i told her as a mother but what therapist and teachers told her. DHS removed my children for three weeks while this was being investigated and then sent them back to the father that is harming them.. where or who can i find to help me write an appeal.. as with this long drawn out battle for my children’s safety.. I have no money left to fight for what is tight.. Please Help
Comment by Karina — February 16, 2010 @ 6:26 am
My 17 year old son is being accused of something he did not do to my 7 year old grandson how do we make sure that he does not get charged my daughters BF asked my grandson questions that were very cohersed and recordered it now we are waiting for an investigator to question him but I feel that we need to protect our son upfront. What should I do? I do know that what ever happens our family will be destroyed no matter what. come out.
Comment by Barb — February 16, 2010 @ 10:22 am
Heather, while you’re here please look around and learn some techniques for preparing for court – by producing your own documentary evidence and legal documents. Those of us who won against CPS often had to do it through our own efforts because court appointed lawyers are spectacularly inefficient in child welfare cases.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 16, 2010 @ 1:18 pm
Barb,
Look for a criminal defense attorney now. Call the Bar Association for a recommendation if need be.
Please advise your son to “shut up” “shut up” “shut up”.
I am not an atty but I do work i nthe legal field. Please get an atty’s advice asap.
Comment by MaggieC — February 16, 2010 @ 1:33 pm
Karina, it is a child custody case and should go through family court, not DHS. Believe me, you are LUCKY they decided to bow out of the case! DHS does not resolve cases like this – they only make things worse for everyone, especially the children. With antagonistic divorced couples they can get negative reports and complaints from both sides, then take the children to foster care and eventually terminate parental rights and adopt the children out to strangers. You do not want this insane agency involved with your kids in any way.
It is much better to gather your documentary evidence, write some professional-looking legal documents, and take the case back to family court, even if you have to represent yourself. You can request family counseling where you’ll have a chance to tell a therapist your concerns and have that information out in the open between you, your husband and the kids. You’re welcome to use the legal document library on this site where you’ll find sample declarations that may be of some use to you when you return to court.
Barring this, you could find some solace in knowing you’ve done everything you could and that the blame for the children’s fate is in the hands of others. You will need to find peace of mind. Believe me, I do not say this as a person who does not know. I have been through that trauma – two of my children lived with their father – who had been abusive to me – for ten years, and the courts would not help me. So don’t feel all alone as a non-custodial mom… you’re not. But please don’t think that DHS will ever be a good answer to your problem. We here on this site are victims of that agency. Many say that anything DHS puts their hands on will be ruined.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 16, 2010 @ 1:39 pm
Barb, so sorry your family is being investigated and traumatized. The best thing to do is to have an attorney to protect your son from questioning. He needs an attorney NOW…
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 16, 2010 @ 1:54 pm
an underage birth mother whos main goals in life consist in drug abuse, dating 35yr old men and not puttin her child 1st in life is now currently in cps custody makin false accusations of childs father whom lives 4 his son and does everything he can for him she illegally took tha child from his home and had police back her up but told on herself about her drug addiction and got him placed somewhere else cps illegally recieved tha child and held him from tha father for no reason and now with tha mom made an undetermined case to stall time till mom turns 18 help is extremely needed be 4 childs abandonment issues worsen plz reply father is not holdin up too well for unmoral actions r makin him weak
Comment by KAREN RAUB — February 16, 2010 @ 8:13 pm
Karen, he could come to this site and learn a bit about legal self-defense in CPS cases.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 16, 2010 @ 9:16 pm
please read this letter from an abused foster child to the governor
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Governor:
I am writing this letter to you as a person with many views on the following topic. I am a Californian, a mother, a sister, a former foster child, and a professional. I am not writing this to complain that you are not doing your job. I am writing this letter because my previous attempts to enlighten the State, and County elected officials have received no attention and they tend to turn cold regarding the topic of my letter. This is just one additional attempt I am making to get someone to listen to an ever growing problem that existing officials try to correct by throwing additional laws and restrictions at the problems which will ensure an even larger problem in the future.
The topic I would like to discuss is the California Foster Care System. I have previously written your office and many other offices on all levels of government. Sadly the only responses I have ever received were not helpful but more to the lines of passing the letters to different departments or telling me there is nothing that can be done. I disagree.
The foster care system in California needs a big overhaul and none of our elected officials are willing to take the stand and admit it needs to be done. On a scale of all your problems you and your employees are working on throughout the day I understand that this topic is on the bottom of your list. As a professional I can understand where you and the other officials are coming from, but as a former foster youth who was placed when I was 16 years old I have a deeper understanding of why this is necessary. To ensure the future of California and these foster youths are improved reform needs to be made.
Most children that are placed in the foster care system are there because of some sort of abuse or neglect from their parents. These children have already had a hard life and are already disadvantaged. Being placed in foster care the way it is currently structured rarely ensures the child would have a better life, but isn’t that that entire idea behind foster homes? Foster homes are envisioned to do just what it sounds: foster a home environment. While I was in foster care I was lucky and was only placed at one home for the duration of my care. I was not bounced from home to home like many other foster youths. My placement was not a home environment by any means. Yes, I was placed in a house, but the word home implies more than the dwelling one lives in; it implies the foster child will be in a friendly caring environment.
Out of all the former foster youths I have come across I have met only a couple who actually had a decent experience in the foster care system.
I ask you: is it a home environment when the foster home has 2 different refrigerators and only one with the not so good food can be used by the foster care children? Is it a home environment when the foster parents friends or family come to the house and you are forced to stay in your room? Is it a home environment when you are forced to use your own money on personal hygiene products that do not come from the 99 cent store, but the foster care parents buy their own children and themselves the normal products from say Target or Wal-Mart? What message do you think this sends to the foster children? Whether you would like to believe it or not but these may seem like small differences but in all actuality it is a form of child abuse.
The very system that was developed to help save these poor children is actually catering to additional abuse. Now I will say there are some very rare cases where those examples are not happening at all and in fact the foster parents are good humble people that treat the kids well. The one fact you need to know is that the percentage of bad homes greatly outweighs the percentage of good homes. If I had to estimate the numbers I would say out of all the foster homes there are roughly 90% that are bad and 10% that are good. This is based on my personal experience and my discussions with other foster youth.
The condition of the foster homes is not the only problem within the system. The social workers and the administration I have personally experienced and witnessed also abuse these children. Understand when I am stating abuse I do not necessarily mean physical abuse because there are other ways to abuse a child including psychological abuse.
When I was first placed in the system with my younger sister I personally called DCFS. I had no other option because my mother had an accident at work which rendered her incapable of even taking care of herself and my father was in prison near Bakersfield. During the entire ordeal with my mother my family was less than supportive. I was experiencing physical and psychological abuse from my Aunt (who by the way is a court reporter for the Superior Court System), who forced me to live with her, in conjunction with her two friends that were former LAPD Officers. My Aunt also called DCFS, luckily after I did. I was working at that time and had missed an appointment with the social worker to go work. After I got back from work I spoke with the social worker on the phone and do you know what he did? He threatened me, a 16 year old girl, and told me that if I do not go to his office he will have me locked up in juvenile hall. Unbeknownst to him I was recording the conversation. Upon arrival to DCFS in Santa Fe Springs, I played the recording to the social worker that was assigned to the case when I called. That recording had that social worker fired from what I was told. This is just one example of many I can share.
I was emancipated from the system when I was 17. Because my younger sister is 4 ½ years younger than I am I still have the luxury of dealing with social workers on her case, and now her sons case as well.
The social workers are not only abusing the children but there is a lot of harassment that goes on as well. My sister had her son taken away from her while she herself was in foster care because she took him to his grandmother’s house a block away when he was 2 weeks old. The social workers considered that child endangerment.
Also for a brief period my sister lived with me, my husband, and my son. My sisters social workers contacted the DCFS office in Orange County, where I was living at the time, on me because they said because my sister was not trusted with her own child she cannot be trusted with anyone else’s child. My sister’s judge placed her with me, and he had complete knowledge of my son. Not to mention she was not even babysitting my son. There was absolutely no reason why a report needed to be opened on my own child. This is a very good example of not only the harassment but also the inadequacies of the current laws and admin rulings that govern the foster care system.
I mentioned earlier that I contacted your office. I contacted your office because of the abuse that was occurring on my sister’s case to her by her social workers. I do not want to get into specifics within this letter since I have already reported this to your office and many other offices. I would like to advise you that any letter regarding the foster care system should be regarded with utmost priority. Not only by receiving letters are you now notified but a failure to act could be considered aiding in the abuse of these children, it does not matter if the letter goes to the Mayor, Governor, Senator, or President; if your office receives a letter that should be enough to act and figure out a way to stop the continual abuse. The foster youth may be children now, but trust me when I say there are a lot of them out there like me that are now grown up and want to change the system because they know how hurtful it can become.
Most children in the foster care system have been abused, either physically, sexually, psychologically, or emotionally. They have also been neglected to some point also. They are being ripped away from their families to get out of those abusive environments and placed in an even more abusive environment. There is nothing worse than being taken away from your family, told you are not allowed to see or talk to them and if you can it must be done under certain guidelines and then forced to live with complete strangers who treat you like you are beneath them, and then on top of that your social worker abuses you indirectly because of the parameters that they must work within given by the existing laws and the administrators. Tell me, how does that not damage the psyche of a child?
Sadly these children have no voice. They are unable to tell their side of the story. They are unable to tell the lawmakers what works and what doesn’t. Sure there are stakeholders meetings but do the children who are truly affected get to attend? The answer is NO.
The system is intended to remove the children from damaging environments. The idea behind it is a great idea and I am sure at one point the system worked very well. As times change and societies change some laws become obsolete and no longer work the way they were intended. That is mainly because there have been other laws that were enacted subsequently which were not really given too much thought.
The future of California relies on the children within California to make it better. As “The Peoples Governor” I am sure you understand this concept. Changing one life at a time as what LA Channel 11 does on Wednesdays does not help society. This reform requires a larger step by someone who could make a larger difference.
If there were not too many restrictions I would be more than happy to volunteer within the foster care system, but it honestly breaks my heart to know how I was treated and to witness all of these innocent children being treated the same way.
There are many other points I would like to mention such as the percentage of foster youth who end up homeless or in the prison systems, but this letter is too long already.
I hope this letter goes beyond the desk of the person who reads your letters and action is taken to correct the unjust acts to these children by the very people who solely exist to protect them.
Comment by Fcps — February 17, 2010 @ 4:51 am
need a lawyer for me and my father plz is there one in the state of washington that will help
Comment by Yuri — February 17, 2010 @ 4:43 pm
Yuri – contact Washington Families United for an attorney referral in your state. Also you might want to contact Senator Pam Roach.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 17, 2010 @ 9:00 pm
So cps remanded my children today, pending new alligations that my father proposed when he decided he wants their social security, and is trying to receive tanf For them. I am unable to pay for a lawyer at this point but am willing to do anything to obtain help and a lawyer. This case goes before the judge sometime next week because cps is intentonally stalling. Please anyone out there, I am desperate, I want my babies back home!
Comment by cindy — February 17, 2010 @ 9:24 pm
Hey I am willing to pay anything and I mean anything to a good lawyer willing to work hard for me to keep from being maliciously harrassed by both the public school system and the social workers from the DHS.. This all started happening 1 year ago.. I never had a problem out of the school constantly calling the Mississippi Dept. Of Human Services on me not ever. Dec. 17th 2008 ME AND MY 2 children found my husband of 5 years shot in the head in our own front yard.. He was the only daddy my kids really knew as if that aint hard enough for us to go through especially with small town rumors going around and my kids hearing about them.. My son is 8 and has ADHD and my daughter is 4 and is on blood pressure medicine due to a genetic heart deffect we are over the household limit for medicaid and CHIPS seems to be an act of congress plus my nerves are very bad due to putting up with everyones and I mean EVERYONE’S false accusations.. People don’t get their way with me so they call DHS and I believe the school is doing this simply because they all know us and after what happened to my husband I started drinking but socially and my kids were at my moms when I did but my son don’t help matters sometimes with his ADHD some of the things he says don’t make no sense and seems so out there I am working hard on getting him back on his medicine but its almost 300 dollars a month for it and thats almost as much as my mortgage. We have no health care and I feel if he was on his medicine he wouldn’t say and do and act the way he does and the DHS would not be knocking down my door everytime I turn around.,He also has a bad habit of telling them whatever they want to hear after so many questions they ask him (interrogate) him with at school…I know he will just tell you anything you want hear after being asked the same question 5 different ways because I have caught him in so many lies at home that way.. I know when hes lying or trying to get attention here at home and I tell him son don’t say them things at school and low and behold if he don’t – I don’t know everything he has said to his teachers but you ought to see the looks I get when I go up there.. It is like that everywhere around here for us not just the school….. Honestly I have to say this makes the third time within almost a year they have threatened me with my children if I loose them I wont have nothing to loose. It is heartwrenching, keeps me up EVEN worse at night than it already has been for me… I cry constantly in fear of them showing up here every day I send my son to school… I am 27 years old and this is all making me old before my time and if they take my kids from me THEY MAY AS WELL BURRY ME!! —— MONEY IS NO OPTION I GOT THAT I DON’T CARE IF I HAVE TO CUT ALL MY UTILITIES OFF AND LIVE WITH MY MOM OR MY DAD I HAVE THE MONEY TO GET RID OF THIS PROBLEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Mary OQuin — February 18, 2010 @ 2:03 am
Tracy in PENNSYLVANIA , PA
Contact:
headsheldhigh.org
They might be located in your county.
Phone # is at top.
Not attorneys, but a provider who was also targeted by CYS, CYF, DHS.
Of course DHS would love to superintend a teen who is AMENABLE TO treatment.
What they don’t want are loser kids and LOSER FAMILIES.
You see, the middle-class are far easier to work with and INTIMIDATE.
What Linda is trying to achieve with her site, is for those families UNJUSTLY ACCUSED BY DHR. And believe me, if you are a GOOD ENOUGH parent you are far more likely to buy into DHS’ propaganda.
You see, alll parents have a smidgen of guilt; but docile folks think that CPS CAN HELP.
And these folks are so much easier to work with, than those who are addicted, violent, or abusive.
Comment by Fern — February 18, 2010 @ 4:22 am
I am in need of help getting my two girls (7&9) back with me! I took a job in another state and my ex said he was ok with my moving our daughter out of state. I didn’t send 60 day notice certified mail because we verbally agreed & I didn’t know I still had to. He changed his mind at the last minute and took her for the weekend and never brought her back!
My oldest daughter, meanwhile, was at my grandmother’s house, and my mother came to get her after filing emergency custody. She said I didn’t clean my house, etc. They plotted this together behind my back. My mother has always had an unhealthy obsession with my oldest daughter but never had a bond with my youngest. One of the reasons I wanted to leave the state and distance us.
Meanwhile, this has been caught up in court for SIX MONTHS!!!! There is no reason my children should not be in my home, and I paid every dime I had to an attorney in which I am not confident with! I need an attorney that will HELP ME and not tell me that since she is my mother she has to have a reason to take me kids away!!!!!
I feel like I am trapped in a bad Lifetime Movie and I just want to be with my babies!!!
Comment by Terrilynne — February 18, 2010 @ 1:38 pm
This material is brought to you courtesy of NASVO, the National Association of State VOCAL Organizations
Many wives involved in a custody dispute will file false charges of molestation or sexual abuse against their spouse in order to gain the upper hand. This is a devastatingly effective tactic in many cases, and is becoming a commomly used means of stopping a custody battle in it’s tracks. If you’re accused of sexually abusing your children, immediately contact your attorney and then follow these guidelines:
DON’T INVITE LAW ENFORCEMENT OR SOCIAL SERVICES INTO YOUR HOME WITHOUT A WARRANT. This waives your right under illegal search and seizure under the Constitution. This will allow them to come into your home at ANY TIME and search and seize your children or belongings.
DON’T SPEAK TO ANYONE ABOUT YOUR CASE without first consulting a lawyer. Everything you say can and will be used against you. If you cannot afford a lawyer one will be appointed to you if you are arrested. No attorney will be appointed to you if this is a civil case (family law). In some states, attorneys are appointed to parents in juvenile dependency court. Contact the local Bar Association or legal information service nearest you for this information.
DON’T CONTACT THE ALLEGED VICTIM, THEIR FAMILY, OR PROSECUTION WITNESSES. Any and all such contact will be construed as an attempt to bribe or threaten the alleged victim into silence or recantation. Such contact must be done through a PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR who will work through or with your attorney.
DO GO ATTORNEY SHOPPING. Seek out an attorney who is experienced in child abuse cases (specifically false cases). For assistance, contact your local VOCAL or call NASVO at (916) 863-7470. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you in criminal court. If you are in civil court (family), you must pay for your own attorney. Depending on the state, you may or may not be appointed an attorney in juvenile dependency court.
DON’T TURN TO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL. Such substances are habit-forming and are depressants. They can cause you to jeopardize your case.
DO KEEP ACTIVE. Physical and social activity are healthy and will assist in keeping depression at bay.
DO HIRE A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR. Some attorneys have their own in-house investigators. Some do not, and IT IS CRUCIAL THAT AN INVESTIGATOR BE IMMEDIATELY ASSIGNED TO YOUR CASE. If your attorney does not provide one, call NASVO for references.
DO KEEP A DAILY JOURNAL. A journal should document what you do, where you go and people who see you or are with you. Keep receipts of purchases for evidence of activities. Go through canceled checks, photos, letters and holiday experiences to back-date a journal. Try to reconstruct everything you did and where you were at the time of the allegation. Give a copy of the journal to your investigator and lawyer; it may provide evidence.
DO STRIP-SEARCH THE ACCUSING CHILD’S ROOM, if the child lived in your home. It can provide proof of your child’s activities and sexual and social habits. Look for notes, letters, diaries, photos, telephone numbers, drug or sexual paraphernalia. Give copies to your investigator and your lawyer.
DO PAY YOUR ATTORNEY OR INVESTIGATOR. The people you hire for your defense are professionals and will work toward finding a solid defense. It is advisable to ALWAYS ENTER INTO A CONTRACT AGREEMENT FOR FEES. This sets the boundaries of your agreement and protects both you and your defense professional from failure.
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING If possible, tape record or video tape all conversations with anyone involved in your case, as well as any visits you may have with your child. Federal law says that it is legal to make tape recordings as long as one person being taped consents to it. Some states say otherwise; California is one of them. To legally tape record anyone in California (state law) you must advise them that you are going to tape record the conversation and that if they do not wish to be taped then they have the right to remain silent. If you are unable to tape conversations or visits, then document the situation as it is happening or as soon afterwards as possible. Be sure to include as much detail as possible.
START A PAPER TRAIL Every time you talk to Social Services, document what was said and write a letter to that person asking them to confirm or deny the contents of the letter within 10 calendar days. In your letter state that “failure to confirm or deny the contents of the letter will constitute an agreement that the information contained therein is accurate”. Send the letter by certified mail or Return Receipt Requested. Faxes can sent as long as you have verification that the fax was sent and received. Make sure that you cc: copies of all these letters to your attorney. Advise your attorney (in writing) to send copies of the letter to County Counsel, other attorney’s involved in the case and to the judge IF your attorney feels that it is appropriate and that it might be to your advantage.
ARM YOURSELF – WITH POWER Knowledge is power. Knowing how the system works and what is required of social workers can help you put them on the defensive when you force them to do their job properly!
For California, call the State Department of Social Services at (916) 657-3661 and request a copy of DIVISION 31, CHILD WELFARE SERVICES PROGRAM Manual of Policies and Procedures. Ask to be put on their update list and you will automatically get updates to the manual. Your FREE copy of the manual should arrive about two weeks later. It contains the regulations that CPS is supposed to follow.
Read the manual and document all violations. Give your attorney a copy. In court, your attorney can basically “put CPS on trial”, forcing them to defend their actions. This takes the focus off you. If your attorney puts you on the stand, the focus should be on your concern for your child (i.e., regression, poor grades, behavior changes, etc.). This strategy will not guarantee a win, but it can change “the flavor of the court” in your favor.
You can also fax copies of the violations (along with a brief cover letter) to the agencies listed below. This could start an internal investigation into your case.
Children’s Operation Bureau; Attn.: Bill Lamb; Fax (916) 445-2898 or (916) 445-2836
US Commission of Child & Family Welfare; Attn.: Kevin Costigan; Fax (202) 401-5539
Call the Administration for Children & Families and ask where to send or fax your letter for their attention in this matter. The phone number is: (202) 401-9200.
LEARN TO TALK THEIR LINGO CPS uses key phrases like: “indicates, seems to think, appears, could be” and others to gain an advantage in court. Learn to use their key words in your everyday language so it becomes natural and then use them to your advantage on the witness stand. Their use of these phrases is no accident. They KNOW how it will look to the judge. The judge won’t see their statements as implications and opinions but will accept them as facts instead. Whatever you do, DON’T LIE but DO use their key words to your advantage. You MUST be better prepared than they are!
CHECK YOUR COURT RECORDS Check all court documents for errors. Simple things like names and birth dates are often wrong. List all errors, give your attorney a copy. It establishes a pattern of errors which may be used in your favor (i.e., social worker incompetence).
Find opinions stated as facts, i.e. “The child was not unhappy, indicating he did not wish to return home.” This is an opinion. The social worker has no idea how your child acts when he/she is happy, sad, scared, confused, tired or sick. The opinion didn’t prove anything but a judge may see it as fact: “The child is happy at the foster home and does not want to go home.” The judge will not side with you if this opinion isn’t clarified!
List every opinion that is presented as fact and give your attorney a copy. Ask your attorney to clarify them in court. It might be enough to tip the scales in your direction. If nothing else, CPS will have some explaining to do in court!
WHO’S SAYING WHAT? If you are involved with CPS, you have the legal right to look through your case file (and to have copies of it). Social services may tell you that you must have your attorney request that information in writing. (It’s not entirely legal for them to do that, but you don’t really have many options here.) If that happens, ask your attorney to request a copy of ALL case notes and any other documentation that CPS has against you. Ask your attorney to give you copies of ALL information that is obtained so that you can list the errors and omissions in the documentation. (By law, CPS is required to list every contact they have had with you, including all phone calls, but they seldom document it unless they can use it against you.) This step may help you in your defense.
MAKE THEM ‘PUT IT IN WRITING’! Any time CPS tries to force you to do something that is not in their plan (i.e. Reunification Plan or Family Maintenance Plan) tell them to put it in writing. (Example: CPS tells you that you can not talk to your child about the past or the future.) They will probably tell you, “I don’t have to put it in writing. I told you what to do.” At that point, simply inform them that you are not legally obligated to do as they requested unless you have a court order. Make sure that you tell them that you do not feel that those actions would be in your child’s “best interests”. (Some attorney’s will tell you to go along with CPS anyway. They want to keep the peace and they don’t want you to make the judge angry. There is some justification to this way of thinking.)
GET FRESH BLOOD Most attorneys work within their own county. Keep in mind that your attorney must face the same attorneys and judges day after day. They all know what to expect from each other and what kind of a response to expect from the court for various situations. Judges can prevent attorneys from providing their clients with the full benefit of their strategies and expertise, so get some fresh blood in the court room. Try to hire an attorney that is NOT from your county. If possible, hire an attorney from the capital city. Why?
The judge has no idea how your new attorney operates or where your attorney is from. The judge will wonder why you didn’t choose someone local and will usually put their “best face” forward. (The judge may think he/she is “being watched” or “evaluated”, especially if the judge discovers that your attorney is from the capital city!)
The judge will generally allow far more latitude in the trial to your new attorney. (This is definitely an advantage.)
Opposing counsel won’t know what to expect either and it can shake them up enough so they will make mistakes that make CPS look bad. (It’s happened before!)
The child’s attorney doesn’t know which way to go and will probably “straddle the fence” through the entire trial or switch sides in support of the defense. After all, the child’s attorney wants to be on the WINNING side. It looks better that way!
STACK THE DECK Right now you probably have at least two attorney’s fighting against your one attorney. In most cases the attorney for the child will side with CPS as long as they look like they are on the winning side. Keep in mind that your child’s attorney is getting one-sided information. They are not talking to you. They are not asking you what you think is best for your child. Chances are, they aren’t doing much talking to your child either. How can that attorney possibly know what is best for your child if he/she only spends an hour or two with your child? They can’t. They rely on the information from the therapists (usually paid for and appointed by the county) and the information from the social workers.
You need ALL the help you can get. Two or more attorneys in your corner will certainly increase your chances of success. If there is a step-parent involved in the child’s upbringing, have the step-parent declared a “defacto parent” (this entitles them to have an attorney, one may not be appointed for them, but at least the step-parent can get legal representation and this is another “ace up your sleeve”). If there is a grandparent that plays a very significant role in the child’s life (i.e. grandma provides day care while parents work), they MAY be granted “defacto” status as well.
If there are any ex-spouses (child’s natural parent) in the picture, he/she MAY be willing to have counsel appointed for them (or hire an attorney) with the understanding that all of you are WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THE CHILD. It doesn’t matter if the natural parents hate each other, the child is all that matters and those negative feelings MUST be put aside. CPS uses the strategy of divide and conquer. You must provide a UNITED front in order to defeat their efforts.
Even if just the natural parents involved, you can still stack the deck in your favor. Make certain you have TWO separate attorneys and that they are willing to work together. There is a great advantage to this. Chances are, one attorney has been on the case since close to the very beginning. The second attorney often comes in much later. The first attorney should already know more about your character, your efforts and so forth. What one attorney misses during questioning (including yourself) the other attorney can cover. Together hey can bring out points that one attorney alone might overlook. Double your chances of winning, get an additional attorney!
HELP YOUR ATTORNEY The more you do for your attorney, the better armed your attorney will be, and the easier it will be to win. When parents take an active role in their own defense their chances of winning are greatly increased. Don’t just pay your attorney and walk away expecting the attorney to do the rest. Your attorney can not paddle your life boat for you unless you inflate it first. Help your attorney defend you. Do your own research, ask questions, and keep your attorney informed.
Keep a log of everything concerning your case (phone calls, research, etc.). Find cases similar to your own that has been won, make copies of your findings, and give a copy to your attorney. Make it easier for your attorney to defend you by preparing your attorney well.
PROVE YOUR CHARACTER Get Affidavits of Character from friends, co-workers and clergy. You can take them to the Clerk’s office and request that they be attached to your file. Once they are attached to your file the judge is mandated BY LAW to read them. The Affidavits of Character can not be “thrown out of court” nor do they have to be entered into court as “evidence”. You can take these steps without the assistance of your attorney. Another advantage to this is that it allows your friends and co-workers to “testify” for you without having to be subjected to a cross-examination by the prosecution. It is strictly a one-sided view, in YOUR favor! [See Note 1]
KNOW YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS The Bill of Rights, part of the United States Constitution, is the law. Unfortunately, we the people, often don’t know what our rights are. We have, through our own ignorance, allowed the state courts and “the system” to strip us of those rights and we never raised a voice in protest. How did it happen? It happened one little step at a time, year after year, until the system is as it stands today. We can reverse this trend by demanding our rights. We can challenge the laws of the state, court rulings and “county policies” that have been declared local law. We the people have a duty to change the system when it no longer works. These are not idle words, they are the American dreams and ideals we grew up believing in. We can’t rely on others to protect our rights, we must do it ourselves; the cavalry is not going to rush in to save us. Learn your Constitution and keep a list of the rights that were violated in your case. You can later use this information for civil suits if you wish to proceed in that manner.
TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO “BE A BROKEN RECORD” When any government official wants to question your child, he/she can answer each question with something to this effect:
“According to the Privacy Act of 1974, I don’t have to answer any questions without my parents being present.”
If they proceed to question your child without you being present, they are in direct violation of the law and can be sued for it. The state receives Federal Money and their employees are bound by the Privacy Act of 1974.
CAN I SUE? Yes. Some states are changing laws so that social workers can be sued for violations of civil rights. In California social workers will have the same immunity that police officers have starting on January 1, 1996. Social workers previously had absolute (total) immunity regardless of their actions. Civil law suits are forming all over the country. Some are class action suits, some are single suits. You can find out what suits are forming near you by calling various parents and family rights organizations (VOCAL, MASA, Fathers For Their Children, Protective Parents, Injustices In The Court, and so on). Who can be sued? The state, the county, social workers, police officers, foster parents, and sometimes judges and the federal government. It won’t be easy, but your fight will ultimately help the next generation and each generation after that. By making the effort now, you are helping your children avoid the same dangers when they become parents themselves.
FILING AN INTERNATIONAL COMPLAINT You can file a complaint against the United States for violations of the Constitution. This complaint is filed with the U.N. and will remain as part of America’s history for as long as the U.N. stands. Complaints can be filed for: false imprisonment, cruel and unusual punishment, torture, acts of terrorism, and so on. For more information, call VOCAL at (800) 745-8778 and request the address for the Florida VOCAL chapter that is compiling this information.
WHEN GOING PUBLIC…. If you go public with your story make your child “bigger than life”. Have a picture of your child blown up to poster size. You can use it when giving speeches or protesting. It is a great attention getter, AND, the people you are speaking to are forced to “see” your child. Granted, it’s only a picture, but your child is no longer a faceless victim of the system. Your audience will remember the color of your child’s hair, the missing tooth, the grin, the glint in your child’s eyes, and so forth. Your child will become real to them, rather than just being a statistic.
Do not use your child’s name when protesting or giving speeches. Although the Constitution and the Supreme Court upholds your right to free speech, the judge in your case may not. The court may issue a “gag order” against you for “going public” and may claim you are “endangering your child” with your actions. You may be advised that “for your child’s protection” these proceedings are confidential. You can also be fined or jailed. Only you can decide if it is worth the risk.
Note: Many copy stores charge less than $5 for a poster sized color enlargement.
WHEN YOU’RE RIGHT, YOU RIGHT! Letter writing campaigns can be a wonderful tool. Write to your politicians, as well as to the politicians that represent every member of your extended family (parents, siblings, etc.) and to those of your friends. Chances are you will come up with a long list of Assemblymen, Congressmen, State Senators and U.S. Senators around the country. Keep your letter simple, but be concise; anything over two pages will generally not get read. State the problem (e.g. CPS is trying to force us to lie in order to get our child back.) Include a cc: section on the letter (that can be page three). In your letters to politicians outside your area, send a cover sheet that contains a statement like:
“I know you don’t have the jurisdiction to help me but you represent people in my family that are directly affected by the situation described herein.”
You may think, ‘Well if they can’t help then why should I waste my time and money?’ The answer is simple: this is how laws get changed. Your politicians may sweep your concerns under the rug but when you send letters to politicians across the country you are holding your own representatives accountable. Your politicians must face their peers and explain what they are doing about YOUR problem! It puts pressure on them to do something! It also keeps you busy and focused on your case. You’re doing something positive regardless of the direct results and it proves how hard you fought for your child. Someday your child may read those letters and know how much you cared.
Note: cc: means – (carbon) copies sent to. Be sure to follow the colon with the names of the people that copies of your letter were sent to. (The more names, the better!)
CHECKING FOR PHONE TAPS/PHONE TRAPS If you believe your phone may be tapped, call the phone company’s repair center and ask them to check the line for taps/traps. Tell them about any unusual sounds (humming, clicking, etc.) you may be hearing. The phone company may be willing to run a signal that can detect most devices. If they refuse to check your line for you it may be an indication that your phone is tapped or it may just be company policy.
Even if your phone lines are clear, that doesn’t mean it’s safe to talk freely. It is still possible for someone to listen in at the phone company rather than through the lines near your home.
Watch what you say on cellular phones, cordless phones, and car phones. Those calls can be monitored with a scanner.
PARANOID??? Think again. They really are out to get you. Make copies of EVERYTHING relating to your case. If you have a friend or relative that lives out of state (that CPS is not aware of) send copies of everything to that person for safekeeping. Do NOT rely on the safety of a safety deposit box. The state can get a warrant to open the box and confiscate your “evidence” against them. Ideally, keep one copy at home and one copy close by and keep one copy out of state.
CONTACT YOUR COUNTY GRAND JURY Many Grand Jury investigations of Child Protective Services are being done. The investigations are confidential; the public and CPS may be unaware of ongoing investigations. It is important to notify your county Grand Jury if CPS is violating your rights or not following their regulations. The Grand Jury may require a certain number of complaints before they will take action; your letter could be the one that will make the difference. Contacting the Grand Jury may help you and many others as well.
Comment by Fcps — February 19, 2010 @ 3:44 am
CPS took my children away because I receive SSI and they said that is not enough and because I have bipolar so they terminted my rights and put my kids up for adoption.I want to know can I fight this case in Raleigh NC Wake County
Comment by Adrienne Ezell — February 19, 2010 @ 1:20 pm
please help me my daughter and son needs me real bad they are being abused by their adoptive parents please help me.
Comment by Adrienne Ezell — February 19, 2010 @ 1:32 pm
kerosene3825 (at) yahoo dot com
So here’s the story, it’s a little bit Jerry Springer so try to bear with me. I have a 17 year old niece who gave birth last June to an extremely healthy baby boy. While she was in the hospital in labor there was apparently some sort of altercation between her and the baby’s paternal grandmother about not wanting her in the delivery room. My niece had to have an emergency C-section so that left this a moot point, and yet she still made threats about CPS being called. While all of this drama was going on, the maternal grandmother who has a bit of a beer problem (she doesn’t get violent, she doesn’t get abusive, she has a job, she pays her bills, she functions) had a few beers in the parking lot of the hospital, which she knows was wrong, she just didn’t seem to be able to grasp the fact she was about to be a grandmother. Anyway, So the paternal grandmother called cps, and my niece was told that she couldn’t stay at her mothers house or they would take the baby. My niece went to stay with the baby’s father and grandfather, and she was an extremely diligent mother. I had my first child at 17 so judging from my own experience she was doing amazing. Her son never sat in a wet diaper, he was gaining weight on schedule, within his developmental range, never had a diaper rash.. He was adored and doted on and for a teenage mother, I couldn’t think of a better one. Here comes the confusion… The baby’s father, who is also 16, would go and leave her and the baby to hang out with his friends, and would be smoking pot with his friends. Apparently the paternal grandfather and uncle, who also lived in the home, were also doing drugs. My niece felt like she needed to get out of there and needed help. She wanted to go home to her mother, who as I stated has a tendency to drink. So my niece who apparently thought her case worker was actually trying to help her, called her (the case worker) and told her that there was drug use going on in the home and she just wanted out. I got a call 10 hours later, she was absolutely hysterical. CPS came and informed her that if she didn’t find someone to take her baby that they would take him. They did not give her the option to leave that location WITH her baby, they immediately swooped in and took him. She did manage to get her paternal grandmother to temporarily take him. But the fact that they took her child without any indications of abuse or neglect was , to me, unconscionable . She (the cps worker) then took the two minor parents to get drug tested. Now here’s where it gets odd.. He couldn’t urinate with someone watching him, so he automatically failed. She managed to take the test and she was told she was positive for PCP. I know this kid, I’ve known her half of her life. This child didn’t even know what PCP was. PCP is not exactly the current drug of choice amongst teenagers. I got suspicious and started doing some research. After ten minutes on Google, I found that there are clinical research cases out there showing that the medication she was taking , Pristiq, and it’s sister product , effexor, have been known to cause false positives for PCP in urine drug tests. I even brought this up to her case worker with the print outs on the study in hand, as well as explaining that I had talked to the doctor that has prescribed the medication and even he had said he’d heard of this, I was told that their “drug expert” would have to look into it (remember I found all this information within 10 minutes on Google). My niece is a functioning bi-polar. She doesn’t freak out, she occasionally gets cranky, but for the most part, she’s a teenager. I will add here that she did NOT test positive for ANYTHING else because that will become important later on. After the positive test I went to go pick her up and brought her out to my house in Dayton for about a week. I drove her to the meetings with CPS, to the psych eval that they required and I didn’t leave her alone with them again. This positive test was called into question immediately and instead of doing a blood test, or any type of hair or saliva testing, they took her child. She has not had possession of her child since august of last year, he is currently in the custody of a paternal aunt whom I know is taking wonderful care of him. But the issue is that he’s not with his mother. My niece had to go to court a couple of months ago regarding placing him in CPS custody and I read the report. The CPS case worker lied, multiple times in her written affidavit. She lied about my niece telling her that she was “smoking pot” the day after the baby was born. (remember I said that my niece had an emergency C-section, she didn’t even leave her hospital bed the day after her son was born, much less to do drugs.) She lied about there being signs of neglect on that baby. I had just seen him 2 days earlier and unless he lost 5 lbs and suddenly became a soccer ball, that boy was perfect. She lied about calling me, about a cps worker coming to my house and talking to me (I was at work the day she said someone came out and spoke to me) She didn’t just say someone came to the house, she specified someone spoke to me. All of this was completely unnecessary and over the top. My nieces son was taken away from her for no VALID reason, when as your articles more than say, CPS has a track record of leaving children in dangerous environments where they end up hurt or dead. My niece is doing everything that was asked of her, she’s taking the parenting classes, she’s done up to 3 random drug tests in a month, every time she calls to ask a question about her case they tell her to come in for a drug test even though she has no readily available transportation, and she’s managed to do it. Now, even though we have tried to get them to understand that the medication she was taking is what caused her false positive, they are adding more therapy and classes to the list of things she’s already done. Now here comes the part as to why I hope you can help, stupidly enough she managed to get pregnant again, sigh, and as she is already doing every single thing she can to get her son back, she’s already being threatened that if she doesn’t move out of her mothers house they will take the baby she’s pregnant with now. She’s been railroaded by a system that is supposed to help children. CPS leaves children with mothers who have been accused of abuse and they took a perfectly healthy baby from her. Not only did they take her son, she’s limited by them to 2 visits a month. A two month old baby who never had the chance to fully bond with his mother, and we all know the damage that can do to an infant. They’ve contacted Legal Aid only to be told they don’t handle CPS cases, They’ve contacted family lawyers in the hopes that one would help her pro bono, only to be told they don’t handle CPS cases. She is being singled out as a teenage mother and forced to jump through hoops, there has never been any proof to any allegations against her. And every allegation that continues to come from a bitter paternal grandmother who apparently has nothing better to do. I am in NO WAY condoning the fact that she’s a teenage mother, but if she is doing everything she can to be the best mother she can be, then she needs to be encouraged, not punished. I can’t help her though it breaks my heart.. Maybe you can?
Comment by StaCee — February 19, 2010 @ 1:53 pm
BTW the Dayton i refer to is in Texas, near Houston… My niece is in Houston..
Comment by StaCee — February 19, 2010 @ 1:55 pm
i am be acussed of being neglectful to my daughter for leaving her with her grandfather who has disabilities and i need help to fight for his right to watch her and be with her with out some one near by its not right to automatically tell him he is not fit due to his disabilities plz contact me at Yuri beifus at white_panther1989[@]yahoo.com plz contact me as soon as possible.
Comment by Yuri Beifus — February 20, 2010 @ 10:47 am
I need to know is there a lawyer out there who can help me? My son and daughter live in Raleigh NC with a couple who have adopted them against my will and I need to know can I ever get them back?
Comment by Adrienne Ezell — February 20, 2010 @ 11:38 am
about a month ago my husband had a mental breakdown and left my children soon after he was arrested he told the police many times he had three young children at home alone they did not respond! at this time i was at work and had no idea what the heck was going on! i came home found my kids and called the cops! well in order for my husband to get a mental eval i had to press charged for child endangerment! they talked me into it! well he went through his whole process and then was diagnosed with being bi polar!well last week my day care called and said my eldest son had bruses on his inner thiegh so rushed down there and all it was was the discoloration of his skin from a previous diaper rash he has back in january. thats it! well i took the kids the kiddos to the hospital they determined no brusing like i said. now they are trying to take my children based on false claims that the dfs investigater made without ever even seeing or talking to my children or i!! he made up a bunch of stuff no my husband of 4 years is not allowed near his children his biological children might i add that he hasnt been away from since they were born! i dunno what to do we dont hurt our kids i feel we are being discriminated against because of my husbands menat illness!oh did i mention that the dfs guy got caught in numerous lies so i feel he has a grudge!!! HELP US!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by katelynn — February 20, 2010 @ 1:39 pm
Hi all” I lost my daughter about 2 yrs ago by cps. and I was accused of false stuff and now she got addopted and i,m fighting to get her back does anyone have any suggestions?
Comment by stayce — February 20, 2010 @ 6:49 pm
Cindy, I’m so so very sorry that your children are victims of this system and your father’s greed. Read whatever you can on this site and others like it to prepare yourself. They will probably offer you a court appointed attorney. If you want a trial and don’t want to plead guilty to anything, you must be firm and refuse to sign a plea in court. Your lawyer may try to coerce you to plead guilty to something just to get it over with. The court appointed attorney I had actually told me the judge would be upset with me if I wanted a trial. So, you know best what your charges are and what you can do to refute them. I wish you the best of luck with your court date and hope you get your children returned soon!
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 20, 2010 @ 8:44 pm
Mary, you have my sympathy. Check this Mississippi lawyer: http://www.DianneHerman.com … she recently left her contact information on the lawyers page at this site. …I rarely hear any complaints about CPS in your state, though I am sure there’s plenty of problems there too. Have you considered homeschooling your children? I homeschooled and it allowed me a lot of peace of mind not to have to deal with schools who call CPS at the drop of a hat, or just to be spiteful. Here’s some Mississippi homeschool information. If you do it, be sure you comply with all Mississippi homeschooling laws.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 20, 2010 @ 9:00 pm
Terrilynne, I think your attorney probably said that to you to try to get you to give more information. Has this attorney been defending you properly? This sounds like a family court case. Is CPS actually involved? You might find some lawyer referrals on the lawyers page of this site. You didn’t mention what state you’re in.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 20, 2010 @ 9:06 pm
Adrienne, if your rights are already terminated you must file a request for appeal immediately. Have you done that? I’m so sorry you’ve been through such a heartbreaking ordeal with CPS.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 20, 2010 @ 9:22 pm
StaCee, there are lots of TX lawyers listed on our lawyers page and be sure to contact the Texas Center for Family Rights.
You can help your niece by writing an affidavit (declaration) detailing the lies in the social worker’s reports. See our legal document library and take note of “objections and corrections to the report of the social worker”. Help your niece compile documentary evidence, and if possible get an expert witness to testify on her behalf regarding the drug test and the bipolar. Remember, these cases are won by a “preponderance of the evidence” so you’ll need lots of evidence and your own legal documents … and often court appointed attorneys don’t bother to help in this way. We have to learn to do it for ourselves, then get the attorneys to present our documents and evidence to the court.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 20, 2010 @ 9:39 pm
Adrienne, if the adoption is final then you’re unlikely to get your children back unless they give your kids back to the system. I’ve heard of it happening but it is very rare. I’m sorry. Try to find any family law lawyer in your area to give you a quick and free consultation on this, to make sure whether or not there’s anything else you can do.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 20, 2010 @ 9:52 pm
Katelynn, what state are you in?
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 20, 2010 @ 9:54 pm
Stayce, if your daughter has already been adopted, it is unlikely that you can get her back unless the adopters change their minds and give your child back to CPS. I’m so very sorry. Of course, remember I’m not an attorney and you’ll need to speak with one in your state to be sure. What state are you in?
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 20, 2010 @ 9:57 pm
Baby fell off bed in the middle of night and is in critical care because he hit the wood of the bed. He is currently in hospital and CPS will not let any of our family see him. They are saying my sister hit him, when in reality he fell. Please help.
Comment by astrid — February 21, 2010 @ 2:41 pm
Astrid, in which state does the child reside ?
Comment by MaggieC — February 21, 2010 @ 9:08 pm
Dear Astrid,
And frankly, dear everyone (almost). You know, if you don’t put where your located, an attorney like me who just migth be interested in helping isn’t even going to contact you. I mean, ya got to say where you’re at for someone to know if they can help right??? Read them, so few bother to mention where they live, and no, just saying the state isn’t enough.
Oh well, anyway. Astrid, where are you located? Are you in the Bay Area (S.F.) of California?
Comment by Bob — February 21, 2010 @ 9:22 pm
We need a low cost lawyer who can help us be able to choose the kind of program for our son with Autism. He is currently court ordered to attend public school and it is not good for him.
Denver, CO
Comment by Denise Whisler — February 22, 2010 @ 2:13 am
Timothy Byrnes, Esq.
Bianco, Byrnes & Finkel, LLP
5036 Jericho Tpke.
Commack, NY 11725
(631)462-4911
tim[@]bbflegal.com
Nassau and Suffolk counties.
New York
Comment by Timothy Byrnes — February 22, 2010 @ 10:05 am
Jeff lvie I would like to ask you a question? How does it feel to have someone lie and accuse you of something you say you didn’t do?
You may be a foster parent, but there are hundreds of thousands of children being taken from their home and placed in foster care because foster parents are well paid for this. There are also hundreds of thousands of other law abiding and loving parents who have had their children taken from them because someone told a lie and made up allegations.
People believe there is a need for CPS. I disagree and believe this entire organization needs to be shut down nationally. Everything around CPS is about money and I’m sorry but every single CPS worker needs to be thrown in jail and the key thrown away. These people are kidnapping children under the guise of the US Government and the penalty for kidnapping is life in prison.
It’s time the government quits protecting these people and hold them accountable for their actions.
Comment by Samantha Masters — February 22, 2010 @ 11:34 am
My sister has an adopted child who deliberately scratched his arm and told his teacher and another student that he lied about my sister doing this, that he had made it up. In the meantime, my sister had her triplets taken away from her and now she hasn’t seen them or talked to any of her kids in over 3 months.
If anyone knows a lawyer who takes CPS cases in Western North Carolina, please let me know.
Thanks
Comment by Rick — February 22, 2010 @ 11:37 am
I desperately need help. I was in the military and my ex at the time had been cheating on me with my squad leader. I threw her out and told her she could not be a part of my child life. She contacted my sons other parent and together devised a plan to make it so that the other parent didn’t have to pay child support and my ex could see my child whenever she wanted. about 8 months later I went away on business and she kidnapped my son from his babysitters house and sold my furniture and high priced electronic items including my computer for my business. When I got back I was told by the babysitter that my ex had a general power of attorney that gave her permission to take my son as well as bank statements from our joint account that showed she owned all my stuff. I called the police and they said that they couldn’t do anything about the kidnapping because of the power of attorney, and they couldn’t do anything about the theft because its considered a domestic issue. The POA wasn’t an official power of attorney it was a piece of paper that I typed up stating that she was to care for my son if I was incapacitated in some way during a war time situation and it was over a year old!. The sheriffs department made her take him to the hospital where she proceeded to tell the doctors that I had been abusing him and he had a few bruises on his shins. She also had 3 of her friends call cps and tell them that they saw me or heard me do abusive things to him. The doctors wouldn’t allow me to take my son home and said that my only options were to allow my son to return with my ex girlfriend who kidnapped him or to have cps come get him. I chose cps thinking it was the lesser of two evils.
Since this time my son has been in a foster home. Its been almost a year. He has asburgers and doesn’t understand why he has been taken away from me. I live in PA and he is in MT. A few months ago I traveled down to MT to visit him, I was told that I would only be allowed to see him once a week and only for thirty mins. While I was there I was being stalked by my ex who showed up at the CPS building when I was visiting my son and the police did nothing. Her current boyfriend tried to follow me to the place where I was staying and the police did nothing. I still have yet to get any of my stuff back that she took and I just found out that CPS is working on sending my child to go live with his other parent who hasn’t seen him in over 5 years and who has tried numerous times to sign off their parental rights. I have been through 3 public attorneys and the one I currently have has told me many times that he knows that CPS in montana is dirty and they break the law and the judges are in its pocket and they rubber stamp everything. I dont know what to do.
Comment by J Rogers — February 22, 2010 @ 3:14 pm
I need an attorney to help me fight false accusations from CPS in the Reading area of PA.
I received my petition from CPS and it is full of false accusations…annymous phone calls and the like…i lost my children on 1/6/10. They are currently living with my sister.
I have to fight this. I don’t understand where they get there information from. Please contact me. I need help. I cant be without my girls.
Comment by Helen — February 23, 2010 @ 6:38 am
Samantha, I’m in total agreement. The entire CPS organization is corrupt and needs to be shut down. I too am not one to say it needs reform or that it helps a lot of kids.
Most of those kids are being abused in foster and adoptive homes with people who have no blood ties and no genetic loyalty to them. Just taking them from their families and making them legal orphans is extreme abuse.
And all the agency “systemites” (as I call them) should be imprisoned for their crimes against humanity.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 23, 2010 @ 9:35 am
J. Rogers, what a horrid ex you have!! I’m so sorry to hear of all the turmoil in your life. If you really want to get your child back you should be in the state where he’s being held. Nothing is more important right now. And if the ex and her friend harass you, seek to get a restraining order based on the damage she’s already done to your life.
Collect your own documentary evidence, do everything on the reunification plan set by the judge, NEVER miss a visit with your child, get expert witnesses to testify for you if possible, seek out your own counselor/therapist while also seeing whoever CPS requires you to see… produce your own legal documents if your attorney isn’t doing it for you. Read this site. Check all the links I’ve been giving to others in my comments here. Get more feedback on our message board.
You didn’t say how long your child has been in foster care. If they keep him 15 out of 18 months they can move to terminate your parental rights. There’s really no time to lose in this matter. Good luck!
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 23, 2010 @ 9:48 am
Helen, start now to contest this… if you sign a plea in court it is all over and you get no trial. You can write your own legal documents; you might want to start with the “Declaration of Objections and Corrections to the Report of the Child Welfare Caseworker” … there’s a sample document in our legal document library.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 23, 2010 @ 10:01 am
Our site explains our story…as with all cps cases it is a fraud and they are using religion as the basis of why we do NOT have our children and forcing me to attend Dialectical Behavior Therapy..which in essence in my opinion as well as others is a Christian Deprogramming class. Reason being is that you may NOT mention God and you must believe you have three minds, and three paths to choose from before you speak…all techniques from this course are Buddhist based, which is fine for those of that belief BUT…to force anyone to attend is against their Constitutional Rights of Freedom of Religion. We are on our second Lawyer who is not doing anything we ask of him and cps(dhr here) has fired their atty (perhaps because she saw the truth of our case) this is now the second aty for cps here since the onset of our case.
If there is an atty anywhere close we would appreciate any information!
Comment by Jeanne M Wonders-Kritner — February 24, 2010 @ 10:58 am
this is robert cash my fiance and I need a lawyer desperatly at the dhs building in bastrop countytx on 3/3/10 at 9:00am if there is any one out there is any one that can provide asst. plese feell free to give me a call at 512-718-8866
Comment by Robert Cash — February 24, 2010 @ 11:27 am
I have been fighting a custody case in regards to my daughter. Her mother left the state in which we were residing in and gave her to CPS of another state. I had a court appointed lawyer who was giving me false information and not defending me, but instead was helping the state and my daughter’s mother. I also have been lead to believe that it was a racial matter as to why I was treated wrongly. I am looking for someone who can help me fight for custody between myself and the foster parent over state lines.
Comment by Anthony — February 24, 2010 @ 2:34 pm
Anthony, it is hard to work on a case out of state. Is there any way you can move to that state? How far away is it? You didn’t mention what state your child is in. Lawyers are licensed only for specific states so any lawyer looking at this page would want to know (1) where your CPS case is, and (2) how to contact you.
I am willing to forward any emails from lawyers but I cannot post anyone’s email address here without permission.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 24, 2010 @ 8:41 pm
I have a 21 y/o daughter who is angry with me and made outlandish accusations against me about my 4 y/o son I live in texas outside of Houston. Having trouble finding a lawyer they’ve all sounded like THEY work for CPS
any lawyer info would be appreciated
Comment by Kathy — February 25, 2010 @ 9:26 am
Kathy, there are lots of Texas lawyers (even some in your area) listed on our lawyers page.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 25, 2010 @ 10:32 am
hey im veronica i have a fifteen month old daughter whos father just lost vistiation rights because i had protective order againts him for beatin me all the time and he had supurvised visits every other sat with his mom well he tried to kidnap her and goes court this month for felony interferrin with child custody and no longer has visits he and his family have called cps on me three time past two months just two days ago my kid was with her grandmother my mom and i went on a date after movies me n my boyfriend went to get cigs and saw her fathers sister she called cps and said we were drunk n left marley in the car. the cps worker went and saw the tape my kid wasnt in there they still drug testin after i took one last month and all this other bullshit there has to be something we can do this is vengence thats it i nor my child should have be put through this plllllzzzz help
Comment by veronica — February 25, 2010 @ 11:46 am
Hi, my name is Brandon and I’m from the state of Indiana. My wife is going through a nasty custody battle, and as of yesterday I have been accused of sexual abuse. ( I am the step father) I know for a fact that this is not true, and have not yet been charged. The father, in my opinion, is trying to get full custody and is finding anyway possible to get it. The situation is the child is 5 and a half years of age. He reported the abuse to a Principal. CPS came to my house and talked with us, and she said she was not going to do anything with the report (still awaiting the official report). There have been two previous reports targeting myself sent to the CPS. All of which came back unsubstantiated. I want to take what ever evaluations or lie detector tests available to clear my name, but I also want it to be brought out that the father is coaching these children. I just want this to be taken care of and for the person who is putting these words in a 5 year olds mouth to be accused.
Comment by Brandon — February 25, 2010 @ 9:46 pm
Brandon, INDIANA, IN DCS
It appears to me that DCS, CPS may be more attuned to false accusations of CSA ( Child Sexual abuse)
Indiana group:
http://honkforkids.com/wpmu/hfksite/
They have a phone # at top of Website.
However, remember that CSA is a particularlry nasty accusation, and you might wish to consult an attorney.
Ever wonder why false reporting is NOT punished by law enforcement?
This is another aspect of CPS which just makes jobs for attorneys and keeps innocent folks on Central Registeries.
Comment by Fern — February 26, 2010 @ 8:20 am
I encourage people to use wetip.com and their local District Attorneys office to report misconduct and illegal actions by DCFS and CPS in any county or state , my best opinion would be Wetip.com they will mostly send your report to the local DA,FBI,Local lawenforcement or any agency that the crime would apply to for annonymus investigation, you dont have to give your name or info and you get acase number to call them again and get updated information about the investigation as well as you can also geta reward for a conviction on anyone and i mean anyone doing illegal things or misconduct by any goverment agency or agent! as well as DCFS because they are goverment agencys. And they do commit fraud,perjure,illegal misconduct,slander, as well as maliciously persocute people by creating false abuse accusations as well as creating evidence that never ecxisted thats a crime. Wetip.com and your local District Attorneys office wil get involved since DA have an integrity unit that handles any crimes or misconduct by any goverment agency. dont be afraid to report this people remamber they are not afraid to report you and lie and perjure and try to get your children to grow up with out their parents. Use this resources they are very helpfull and might open the eyes of law enforcement if alot of people report this crimes law enforcement agencys do whatever they can to try to avoid filing any reports against DCFS Employees but if you use wetip.com they have to investigate and thats how you get to do them to do their job as well as the DA Integrity Unit has to investigate this accusations.
wetip.com
Comment by satan=cps — February 26, 2010 @ 6:03 pm
I found out from CPS is going to classify as unsubstantiated. My next question is in most cases is the accusation pursued any further? I already told my lawyer that I am willing to take any kind of test. I just want to know what the possible next step in these types of cases is.
Comment by Brandon — February 27, 2010 @ 9:01 pm
We are in need of a good DYFS defense lawyer in New Jersey.
We are currently being investigated by DYFS due to an anonymous phone call alleging my daughter being abused and neglected. They havel already interviewed my daughter and found nothing, but I have not seen any report.
We have a lovely home and both of us love our daughter. It is very disturbing to find ourselves in such a situation out of the blue.
I would appreciate it If any of you could recommend a good attorney who handles the DYFS cases. Thank you very much!
Comment by Adam — February 27, 2010 @ 9:19 pm
this is for the Attorney BOB who responded to ASTRID, feb 21,2010.
I live in Northern California. I reside in ALAMEDA, California.
I have a CPS case.
Could you please contact me.
I need an Attorney.
Thank You! 415 756 9589 or 510 814 6937
Comment by Chana — February 28, 2010 @ 7:54 am
Brandon, are your children home? If the accusation is unsubstantiated you may be left alone now.. and don’t expect any paperwork from CPS saying that everything is okay. They usually just leave you hanging, wondering if the world is still crashing in on you or not. So long as they are not contacting you, count your blessings and don’t bother trying to contact them. You won’t want them reminded that you exist.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 28, 2010 @ 1:10 pm
Chana, you can find that attorney’s contact information on our lawyers page.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — February 28, 2010 @ 1:31 pm
Brandon, the next step is to obtain all the records compiled for you in your state CPS office to verify that indeed, you have been classified as “unfounded”-make sure your record is clean.
Comment by MaggieC — February 28, 2010 @ 6:36 pm
My grandchildren have been removed and are currently in foster care. CPS has lied and deceived everyone into believing that the children were neglected and “not protected”when in fact they were abused and neglected in daycare (RECOMMENDED BY CPS). CPS will not communicate with me or any other family members as to what will happen next. I need to know the rights of grandparents. I love my grandbabies and I know they are not being treated well in foster care. CPS wants to adopt them out to someone (one of the caseworkers/supervisors). In the past, I was told that the children are so beautiful that they would get adopted right away. That is ridiculous! Our family lives in Houston, Texas and we need help. Please advise.
Comment by Winnie — February 28, 2010 @ 10:08 pm
Mary, I suggest you keep telling the truth and don’t let anyone coerce you into signing anything that isn’t true. If your lawyer doesn’t respond in writing, phone for an appointment. In your case notebook note that the letter was not responded to. If you end up needing to go to court for legal malpractice the letter could be used as evidence that you tried to get help from the attorney and were ignored.
I’m so sorry your older daughter has turned against you. You can create a declaration of facts on what is really going on from your point of view. See our legal document library for a sample declaration.
Remember, I am not an attorney. For legal advice you need to talk to a competent lawyer.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — March 1, 2010 @ 1:45 am
Winnie, you should have kinship care rights. You can read your state’s social services regulations for rights of grandparents to have the children while a CPS case is ongoing. You can probably find them at your local county law library. If your rights are being violated your child and you can file for a state administrative hearing on that matter.
Comment by LindaJoMartin — March 1, 2010 @ 1:51 am