DHS: Give Us Back Our Children!
Mothers are being unjustly denied custody & visitation of their children by Dept of Human Services (DHS) for the "crime" of being poor, being women of color, being activists, and not having good legal help. See below for their cases.
* Fact - Out of every 1000 impoverished children in their jurisdiction, Chicago removes 6 children from their homes, NY removes 11, LA removes 14. Phila removes 40! (Nat'l Coalition for Child Protection Reform)
* Fact - Black children are more likely to be taken from their homes, to stay in protective custody longer and never to return to their parents. (Cincinnati Post)
* Fact - A Children's Hospital of Phila study found that when toddlers have similar injuries, they were 3 times more likely to be reported to DHS if the family was African-American or Latino. (Children's Hospital press release, Oct. 1. 03)
* Fact - 30% of foster children could be home right now if their parents had decent housing (Nat'l Coalition for Child Protection Reform)
Support the following demands of a weekly picket outside of DHS in Philadelphia (Thursdays, 3-5pm, 1515 Arch St.)
WE THE UNDERSIGNED SUPPORT THE MOTHERS' DEMANDS FOR:
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Immediate equal custody rights, for now
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Access to good and accountable legal representation
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Investigation of how these and other cases are handled
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Opening up courtrooms for reporters and others to see the proceedings first hand.
-
DHS to prioritize protection and reunification of families
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Providing mothers with financial, housing, childcare day or night, family centered drug treatment on demand, legal and other help
-
End the run-around and prolonging of cases while at the same time giving mothers the time they need to meet DHS goals
-
End discrimination on the basis of race, poverty, age, disability, immigration status, sexual preference and other blatant discrimination
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Mothers must have the right to speak before the blue ribbon panel that reviews DHS policies and procedures
-
Mothers must not be forced to choose between homelessness or staying with an abusive partner - either way they lose custody & the child is hurt
-
When childcare arrangements fall through or when children are sick, mothers must not be forced to choose between staying home and getting fired, or leaving their children alone or with inadequate care
Issued by Families for Justice 215-806-7593 justice1peace@yahoo.com
Every Mother is a Working Mother Network 215-848-1120 Fax 215-848-1130 philly@crossroadswomen.net
Mothers are being unjustly denied custody & visitation of their children by Dept of Human Services (DHS) for the "crime" of being poor, being women of color, being activists, and not having good legal help. See below for their cases.
* Fact - Out of every 1000 impoverished children in their jurisdiction, Chicago removes 6 children from their homes, NY removes 11, LA removes 14. Phila removes 40! (Nat'l Coalition for Child Protection Reform)
* Fact - Black children are more likely to be taken from their homes, to stay in protective custody longer and never to return to their parents. (Cincinnati Post)
* Fact - A Children's Hospital of Phila study found that when toddlers have similar injuries, they were 3 times more likely to be reported to DHS if the family was African-American or Latino. (Children's Hospital press release, Oct. 1. 03)
* Fact - 30% of foster children could be home right now if their parents had decent housing (Nat'l Coalition for Child Protection Reform)
Support the following demands of a weekly picket outside of DHS in Philadelphia (Thursdays, 3-5pm, 1515 Arch St.)
WE THE UNDERSIGNED SUPPORT THE MOTHERS' DEMANDS FOR:
-
Immediate equal custody rights, for now
-
Access to good and accountable legal representation
-
Investigation of how these and other cases are handled
-
Opening up courtrooms for reporters and others to see the proceedings first hand.
-
DHS to prioritize protection and reunification of families
-
Providing mothers with financial, housing, childcare day or night, family centered drug treatment on demand, legal and other help
-
End the run-around and prolonging of cases while at the same time giving mothers the time they need to meet DHS goals
-
End discrimination on the basis of race, poverty, age, disability, immigration status, sexual preference and other blatant discrimination
-
Mothers must have the right to speak before the blue ribbon panel that reviews DHS policies and procedures
-
Mothers must not be forced to choose between homelessness or staying with an abusive partner - either way they lose custody & the child is hurt
-
When childcare arrangements fall through or when children are sick, mothers must not be forced to choose between staying home and getting fired, or leaving their children alone or with inadequate care
Issued by Families for Justice 215-806-7593 justice1peace@yahoo.com
Every Mother is a Working Mother Network 215-848-1120 Fax 215-848-1130 philly@crossroadswomen.net
Ms Tilli Ayala, Native American & Latina, had her 4- month-old son whom she was breastfeeding & her daughter taken away because of actions by an abusive father whose sister & husband now have the boy. She sees her son, now 3, only four hours a week while the father has unlimited access - her daughter she doesn't see at all. She has met every DHS goal re housing, jobs & parenting courses, yet her parental rights are permanently threatened because of an inexperienced social worker, the higher income of the white relatives who want to adopt the child, and lack of good legal help. She began the picket outside DHS in May 05.
Ms Denise Smith, African-American, lost custody of her 4 children as a result of a childcare provider who was found to be negligent, and as a result lost custody of subsequent children. The children have been split up, some taken to California and put in the care of a father who had not had contact in 3 years. Here in Phila, the father of her other children has unlimited access while she has limited visits. She has met every goal that DHS gave, has never been involved in drugs or abused her children and has also fought to get her children back.
Both cases are being heard by Judge Flora Barth-Wolf in Courtroom "M".
WE THE UNDERSIGNED SUPPORT THE MOTHERS' DEMANDS FOR:
-
Immediate equal custody rights, for now
-
Access to good and accountable legal representation
-
Investigation of how these and other cases are handled
-
Opening up courtrooms for reporters and others to see the proceedings first hand.
-
DHS to prioritize protection and reunification of families
-
Providing mothers with financial, housing, childcare day or night, family centered drug treatment on demand, legal and other help
-
End the run-around and prolonging of cases while at the same time giving mothers the time they need to meet DHS goals
-
End discrimination on the basis of race, poverty, age, disability, immigration status, sexual preference and other blatant discrimination
-
Mothers must have the right to speak before the blue ribbon panel that reviews DHS policies and procedures
-
Mothers must not be forced to choose between homelessness or staying with an abusive partner - either way they lose custody & the child is hurt
-
When childcare arrangements fall through or when children are sick, mothers must not be forced to choose between staying home and getting fired, or leaving their children alone or with inadequate care
Poverty is not a crime!!!! Poverty does not equal neglect!!! Every Mother is a Working Mother!!! Poverty is the state's neglect of children and the lack of value for women's caring work!!!
WHERE TO WRITE!!
Arthur C. Evans, Jr. Acting Commissioner
Department of Human Services
1515 Arch Street
Phila, PA 19102
Issued by Families for Justice 215-806-7593 justice1peace@yahoo.com
Every Mother is a Working Mother Network 215-848-1120 Fax 215-848-1130 philly@crossroadswomen.net
Report abuse My Three children was taken by DHS, I did everything the social worker told us to do, but still the judge took my children, I need help getting my kids back. This is not fair to me or my children
Report abuse the court gave my husband a residence order without me being me being present through being held by the local aurthories .
Report abuse Well my children were not taken away- it was threatend constantly. Funny thing is my children were not even involved in the legal sitution. DHS is a nightmare- that destroys families.
Report abuse yes, i am a mother of two and dhs took my children two days before x-mas last year, for not having the right parenting skills and because of that fact ,I was putting my children in danger because my oldest wouldnt stop hitting my youngest new born of three months. I have been without my children for 5 months now and I've done dbt classes and completed them I've be on meds and all kinds because they say i need them, cause apperentlly I'm mentally unstable to raise my own children. I was put into a mental hospital because people I worked with lied about something I said. dhs stuck my children and i in a suppossied self pass program but you have to do it in six months... and to get me there they coursed me to sign these papers by scaring my into taking my kids away and taking all my rights away... so If you are reading this, the system is so currupt that we need as many people to sign this petition please for people like me who have no man to help no job or education and apartment, and yet I made sure that my kids had food and cloths and a roof over their head and that no one ever hurt them but I'm dangerous to my own children. So please help families like us stop people like dhs from taking our children away for the wrong reasons... sincerely, ms. jenkins
Report abuse Hello I'm a parent going through a termination hearing I really need advice and help and someone needs to hear my story.
Report abuse There needs to be a major reform in CPS and DHS's process. I always believed in their purpose to protect children in dangerous, abusive, neglectful homes, and still do. In my situation though my sister's 3 kids were taken from her at 3 in the morning by DHS for very valid reasons. I went and picked them up and was given temporary legal custody by the court. Since me and my family already new my sister wasn't quite ready for a kid let alone 3 my father and grandmother and I almost always had the kids, so the kids went on without any problem and were very happy. Ok to try and make a long story shorter the DHS worker assigned to the kids was not to fond of me personally, yet the kids were very happy and well tookin care of. Then one day I tokk them to daycare, just a couple hours before I went to pick them up the worker shows up at my door and say's she's decided to take them and put them in foster care. I was obviously full of emotions but couldn't do anything to stop her. I went directly to the court house to try and plead my case I asked the clerk what I could do she said I had no rights to the children. That alone say's alot about their system and how one person can destroy a loving family legally. I believe the only thing I can do is try and adopt them. But it is no guarentee they will be with their loving rightful family. There is just another process to go through and I've been told after so long they can just completely sever your rights totally. Just that easy you raise your children teach them your values try and build them into smart and healthy individuals that will one day go out into the world and have to provide for themselves and there own kids, and In less then a year you can't see them talk to them, or anything your just expected to forget they were born. Like I said I always believed in their purpose to protect children in dangerous, abusive, neglectful homes. But those terms are so broad they could mean numerous things to different people. Like a well to do person could see that old used clothes worn out shoes is neglect and a valid reason to remove these kids from this neglectful family, but when a person lives paycheck to paycheck there becomes more inportant things to provide for there kids, that they just don't understand. I could vent about this all day but I think Andrew Harrison (petition #383) say's it best.
Report abuse There needs to be some legislation to lessen the DHS's ability to seperate family members except under extream conditions
Report abuse I am doing this for my friend, Dana Norris, DHS has given her parents temp. custody of her 3 kids. On Dec. 22 2008 her husband had a heart attack and died at the age of 27. She lost it. Her mother called DHS on her and they awarded Dana's parent temp. custody. Her parents try to make her look crazy so they can keep the kids. Her kids were taking the end of Dec. At that time she was told she would be reavaluated in 3 weeks and would probably get her children back. They have yet to reavaluate her. She has a nice place to live and has done everything the judge ordered her to do. DHS is still given her the run around. Her parents tell DHS that she is unstable. I live next door to her and see her everyday and she is not unstable, just depressed bouse she lost her husband and now her children. Can someone give me some advice on where to go from here to help her. My email address is chicosangel@gmail.com.
Report abuse I am trying to get my kids back an I need help i am looking for people like me
Report abuse Ok here I go MY two daughters got took on the 24 of september and I had to go to a showcause hearing well they kept them in protective custody and I have to go to another hearing on the 6th of october, My youngest daughter had a broken collar bone that happend at the baby sitters house but they are going after me. I do get to see my kids and be with my kids but I do not get to keep them with me by myself. The DHS case worker that is on the case right now has said that the court is going to make me go through a treatment plan and everything I don't know what to do I am at lost of words can someone help me.
Report abuse mdeline is my sister the social services are constantly trying to bully her so far they succeded but now she is gaining more confidence and has stood up for herself and their children she even found out that just as she had said all along that there is something wrong with her 2nd oldest son who has a rare condition the children beg to go home and the oldest is suffering with behaviour issues because of his anger and he tellls them that is why he is kicking off now they said they cant have pocket money an if the oldests behaviour doesnt improve in a week they are goin to reduce contact to twice a week and they refuse to give my 5 year old nephew any help cuz they dont know the future my sister can see him having a nervous breakdown and feels helpless
Report abuse dhs is out of control !!! something must be done
Report abuse My baby girl was taken at berth , DHS refuses to talk to me about anything . DHS is way out of line . I have complied with every thing . It has been a little over 7 mouths . I fill as I am being torchered . Using my love for my baby girl as a louer .
Report abuse My newborn nursing son was taken away from me by the state of mississippi dept of human service. I have completed the agreement dhs had me sign to get my son back. But instead of letting me have my son back (1 yr.old now), dhs accepted money from a couple who could not have children & in turn dhs has fabricated a 'case' against me & recomended to the youth court judge that my son stay in dhs custody.
Report abuse they stole my kids im dying inside somebody please help me somebodyyy
Report abuse I'm sure that the money that has been spent on my case could have put a mortgage on a house and payed everything forward for several years, lowering stress and increasing quality time with my kids. thanks DHS for separating my sons from me for years at a time based on unfounded rumors and "official" lies and ommissions. Money well spent ruining American live for the perpetuation of a annually budgeted Federal agency.
Report abuse My children were taken from me on a slanderous and false report that was not provable. Since then my stepdad has abused my children. The DHS ignores the allegations. I am now homeless. I have no money or means to get my children back. And while my children reign in my mind I often find suicide becoming more likely everyday.
Report abuse I have founded "A Voice For Children" in Coos Co. Oregon... Our organizational goals include: positively impact the foster care system, reduce the abuse of families, children & deminish the fiscal inscentive for DHS to allow child abuse & neglect within their agency... We also aim to educate the public, provide family support group meetings & openly seek truth & justice for foster children & their families... The system is broken & TOGETHER WE CAN, change lives... e-mail us @ a.voice.for.our.children@live.com or call 1-541-294-3016... Thanks, with your help, WE WILL make change...
Report abuse now here is my problem... My children's father lost his job & I lost mine over the last several year, it resulted in many problems. After leaving the abusive relationship & went into shelter since I had no other options. I lost my transitional housing when I could not confirm, I've achieved the primary goal of finding long term housing assistance, After I was interviewed & accepted by the PA Department of Human Services's 7 yr. shelter plus program. DHS's follow up took so long, that the transitional housing program terminated me for incompliance. the appeal date had passed. When DHS decided to take back the offer. This resulted in my ending up becoming homeless. I had asked DHS to keep my case open prior to this, to assist me in keeping my children & myself out of an abusive relation. When I was trying to solve the housing dilemma, my children were taken into custody & put in placement for lack of suitable supervision. My 15yr old daughter was my babysitting for me since my help was limited. She left 2 of my children alone when she misunderstood & thought I wanted to get milk before I got home from my treatment provider. One of their normal unscheduled visits resulted in removal of all 4 of my children. The Judge ordered to keep them in placement instill I secure stable housing. My children have been separated from their sister, have all been in placement for the last 11 months. I am currently homeless but have secured a section 8 voucher & an approved 3bdrm unit. Philadelphia Housing Authority will cover Only the first & second months. Since I remain in treatment for my disabilities, I am only on welfare & cannot afford to come up with the $1800.00 needed for the required 2 month security. Since the city budget crises, I don't know who has any funds so I can apply for assistance. Without it I cant be reunified with my children & they will remain in foster care. If you know where I can get help... please let me know. In the last 3 years. I also have several personal references from the lead personal from my former treatments programs, 5 different awards & 3 certificates for classes & training I received that highlights my abilities & the amount of effort I apply myself with, to life. I am fighting for my family alone, but have learn to ask for help. Thank you for your time. Christina
Report abuse DHS is a bunch of phoney people who forget people are human!! They misplace kids all the time, DHS CASEWORKER told me it is ok to smoke marijuana and drink as long there is phone in the house and all bills are paid. They let my children stay with there father Rosendo flores and step mom MARCELLA DRISKLE and they were being physically abused by both people they are no good people
Report abuse I live in Arkansas and they took my 3 children under no good circumstances! I feel for every one in this position. If any one needs to talk e-mail me.
Report abuse Mothers are being unjustly denied custody & visitation of their children by Dept of Human Services (DHS) for the "crime" of being poor, being women of color, being activists, and not having good legal help. See below for their cases. WE THE UNDERSIGNED SUPPORT THE MOTHERS' DEMANDS FOR: * Immediate equal custody rights, for now * Access to good and accountable legal representation * Investigation of how these and other cases are handled * Opening up courtrooms for reporters and others to see the proceedings first hand. * DHS to prioritize protection and reunification of families * Providing mothers with financial, housing, childcare day or night, family centered drug treatment on demand, legal and other help * End the run-around and prolonging of cases while at the same time giving mothers the time they need to meet DHS goals * End discrimination on the basis of race, poverty, age, disability, immigration status, sexual preference and other blatant discrimination * Mothers must have the right to speak before the blue ribbon panel that reviews DHS policies and procedures * Mothers must not be forced to choose between homelessness or staying with an abusive partner - either way they lose custody & the child is hurt * When childcare arrangements fall through or when children are sick, mothers must not be forced to choose between staying home and getting fired, or leaving their children alone or with inadequate care
Report abuse We are, therefore we are, "MOM" Moms will be Moms, without the thought of choice it's just what we do! The word "Mom" is the international word for "Love".
