Stop CPS from Terminating my Parental Rights

My name is Svetlana Yakovleva and I writing to make a desperate appeal for your assistance in regaining custody of my 21 month old son. I am 27 years old and I am a certified associate teacher. I have worked with infants and preschool aged children for twelve years and I was promoted to be a site supervisor for a school aged program in 2005. I cared for my son properly since he was born, and I have done everything to demonstrate that I am a fit and caring mother.

When my son was three months old, CPS placed him in protective custody because of injuries that were deemed to be the result of non-accidental trauma. I was astounded when I received the diagnosis because I had no knowledge of any mistreatment. Since my son%u2019s birth, I cared for him lovingly and provided him with the best possible medical care. After noticing that he was behaving abnormally, I contacted my doctor multiple times and took him in for examination over several weeks. The doctor dismissed my concerns and failed to make a diagnosis. When my son began vomiting and had a seizure, I called 911 to seek emergency treatment. Due to my persistence in seeking medical care, it was determined that my son was having subdural hematomas and focal seizures. As a caring mother, I did everything in my power to protect my son%u2019s health and obtain the necessary treatment for him.

                I have done everything in my power to demonstrate that I am a good mother, and that I am capable of caring for my son.  Even after a psychological evaluation on May 19, 2009 and the counselor%u2019s recommendation that my son be returned to me, the court made a decision to place my son in adoption. I was candidly informed by my Family Social Worker that the CPS Social Worker had withheld her support for my son%u2019s return because of a backlash against CPS from controversial articles published in the Sacramento Bee. I was shocked and saddened that articles with no relation to my family could prevent the return of my baby.

I make my plea to you and the court that my parental rights NOT be terminated and that my child be returned into my custody immediately...and at last.

Respecfully,

Svetlana Yakovleva