Remember the 14th Amendment? I was recently reminded............;)

The US Constitution: 14th Amendment

US Constitution - Fourteenth Amendment - Rights Guaranteed Privileges and Immunities of Citizenship, Due Process and Equal Protection
AMENDMENT XIV of the UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION
Passed by Congress June 13, 1866. Ratified July 9, 1868.

Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Section 2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State.

Section 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

Section 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.

Section 5. The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

History and Ratification
The fourteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States was proposed to the legislatures of the several States by the Thirty-ninth Congress, on June 13, 1866. It was declared, in a certificate of the Secretary of State dated July 28, 1868 to have been ratified by the legislatures of 28 of the 37 States. The dates of ratification were: Connecticut, June 25, 1866; New Hampshire, July 6, 1866; Tennessee, July 19, 1866; New Jersey, September 11, 1866 (subsequently the legislature rescinded its ratification, and on March 24, 1868, readopted its resolution of rescission over the Governor's veto, and on Nov. 12, 1980, expressed support for the amendment); Oregon, September 19, 1866 (and rescinded its ratification on October 15, 1868); Vermont, October 30, 1866; Ohio, January 4, 1867 (and rescinded its ratification on January 15, 1868); New York, January 10, 1867; Kansas, January 11, 1867; Illinois, January 15, 1867; West Virginia, January 16, 1867; Michigan, January 16, 1867; Minnesota, January 16, 1867; Maine, January 19, 1867; Nevada, January 22, 1867; Indiana, January 23, 1867; Missouri, January 25, 1867; Rhode Island, February 7, 1867; Wisconsin, February 7, 1867; Pennsylvania, February 12, 1867; Massachusetts, March 20, 1867; Nebraska, June 15, 1867; Iowa, March 16, 1868; Arkansas, April 6, 1868; Florida, June 9, 1868; North Carolina, July 4, 1868 (after having rejected it on December 14, 1866); Louisiana, July 9, 1868 (after having rejected it on February 6, 1867); South Carolina, July 9, 1868 (after having rejected it on December 20, 1866).

Ratification was completed on July 9, 1868.

The amendment was subsequently ratified by Alabama, July 13, 1868; Georgia, July 21, 1868 (after having rejected it on November 9, 1866); Virginia, October 8, 1869 (after having rejected it on January 9, 1867); Mississippi, January 17, 1870; Texas, February 18, 1870 (after having rejected it on October 27, 1866); Delaware, February 12, 1901 (after having rejected it on February 8, 1867); Maryland, April 4, 1959 (after having rejected it on March 23, 1867); California, May 6, 1959; Kentucky, March 18, 1976 (after having rejected it on January 8, 1867).

What will you do?

I follow quite a few blog sites; many of which are cancer related. I watched, cried, and PRAYED while a 6 year old triplet fought hard against cancer. The day he was healed in Heaven was very difficult for even me and there is NO WAY that I can say that I comprehend the magnitude of pain that they endured.

BUT..........as I check back in with some of these families I have noticed something.
The way we speak of our "lost" loved ones is quite similar. Even though (THANKFULLY) my nephew is alive, he has still been TAKEN from his biological family.
I have endured a "battle" of my own in court (not the hospital) with an uncertainty and a fear of "loss".
Our family as a whole has had to mourn and HOPE at the same time for victory.
And now that the agencies involved have tried to position things in their favor (again), they have ignored any and all visitation requests. So he is physically absent from our lives too.
We speak of my nephew often, we purchase things he would enjoy, the kids draw him pictures and write him letters. He is deeply embedded into our family life.

Again, I don't mean to offend a survivor's family in any way. I am simply noticing a very parallel way of thinking about our "lost" nephew.
I am forever grateful for the fact that he is still alive. He sure is a miracle boy. But the fact is that he should have been here with his biological family since November 23, 2007 and NOWHERE near a foster home or a fost/adopt home. Simple as that. Both agencies involved are completely biased against family and have used their positions to keep my nephew there.

If I had not witnessed for myself their complete lack of ANY integrity, I would not have believed it. Seriously...........I would have chalked it up to an unfit family member who exaggerated and had some dark past of her own. Little did I know that our lovely State of California is NOT what I believed it to be. I was naive and ignorant of the horrific things done by CPS Workers and State Adoptions. Wow...........I was indeed wearing rose colored glasses, I thought we were better than that. That our government was better than that. AND when I alerted the upper management, I actually expected (eyes rolling here)them to STOP the offending workers and repair the damages. My belief was that once they were caught, their employers would take it seriously.

I sure was that little girl who believed in unicorns, wasn't I? We are no better than anyone else as far as corruption goes and boy do we ATTEMPT to cover everyone's bum instead of rectifying the wrongs. That saddens me beyond words. Is there anyone who has a moral bone in their body, who takes their job seriously enough to do the RIGHT thing?

I am a simple girl who believes in doing the right thing even when it isn't easy. My kids have been taught that. Why hasn't someone taught that to our County and State Agencies? Why doesn't someone hold them accountable? What about the courts?

Someone told me once not to take it "personally". I can't help it. That is MY blood nephew that they are messing with. Personally is the only way I can take it and shouldn't we ALL take it personally when agencies perjure themselves in court and more?

If we aren't part of the solution then we are part of the problem. I am unwilling to be part of the problem......so I chose to stand. What will you do?

Article on Relative Placements

Vulnerable Children Fare Well With Relatives, Study Finds

ScienceDaily (2009-01-21) -- Placing vulnerable children with relatives is a viable option, a new study by Cochrane Researchers suggests. In view of several recent high profile child abuse cases, the study may have important policy implications. ... > read full article

A blog that is inspiring to say the least for CHANGE!

OK once when I was in court, County Counsel asked "Have you ever seen anything like this before?", after pointing out that I had a blog about my nephew. I still don't know if she had the correct blog information but that isn't the point.

I HAVE seen something like my blog out there..........a whole LOT of somethings!!! There ARE courageous people out there exposing the corruption of CPS and State Adoptions.

I follow a blog that inspires me when I feel hopeless. She is AMAZING and SHE is a Senator too. IF only she were here in CA, but she is an asset for the country wherever she is.

http://pamroachreport.blogspot.com/

Take a look and see the wonderful things she is doing. I am in awe. We are NOT the only family (sad to say) fighting for our relatives. This is a widespread disease. One that WILL stop one day.

On 11-30-09 Appeal was won........decisions reversed from 12-19-08!!!!!!!!

The Court of Appeal Of The State Of California, First Appellate District, Division One, In re R.S. thankfully decided to REVERSE decisions made by the Superior Court of Del Norte county dated 12-19-08.

Parents do have the right to sign designated relinquishments as per 8700(f) and once acknowledged by State Adoptions, the child should have been placed with US!

What does this mean? Well it means that in the future things are SPELLED out VERY clearly for other parents wishing to do the same thing. It will be easier for other families now. Also a few codes were spelled out that were quite muddled in court.

Now a new hearing was set and we shall see what happens. I am quite concerned with the lack of integrity on behalf of the agencies involved. Well concerned doesn't cut it, but shall suffice for the purpose of this blog. After ALL of the stunts pulled by State Adoptions, Arcata Branch's two workers...remain (or rejoin in T.B.'s case) on my nephew's case!?

The complaints alone are enough to send chills down your spine, retalliation WOULD be a possiblity here. IF it were not their original intent anyhow to keep my nephew from his family. The evidence speaks for itself and there is plenty of it too. The longer that this goes on the higher up I realize things are VERY, VERY wrong.

Thankfully I see them for what they are.
I have not disappeared but let my blog rest while I worked on softening my heart. I rid myself of any and all vengeful feelings and let my LOVE for my nephew flood through me. I acted out of integrity and put HIM first and checked myself......this is NOT about winning, it never has been.
IF only others would or could do the same. My mantra has been, "I love him enough". Enough to fight for him and enough to swallow ANY pride that tried to swell up and fight to stay in his life as a positive influence and not an angry loser who would walk away before trying to compromise.

This I did with the right heart and it was NOT easy. This I shall continue to do because he deserves that. I won't give up. And I won't walk away.
I don't really believe in karma but "what goes around comes around" and I wouldn't want to be ANY of them. Their lies and deception will catch up with them, one day. I sure pray it isn't too late for justice for my nephew then.
I have kept careful notes and will catch up the blog soon.

Prevention of Infective (Bacterial) Endocarditis Wallet Card

Here is a link to the American Heart Association.
Just cut and paste to visit, if the link does not work for you.
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3003000

Anyone affected by a heart valve problem or murmur should look into carrying a card in their wallet warning medical professionals for you during emergency care.
Just think about it. Maybe you or someone you love is affected? In my case, quite a few of us have MVP (Mitral Valve Prolapse). So this is a great idea for me to carry.

Endocarditis is preventable but can be fatal if left untreated. And of course, there are all of the in-between scenarios.

I just printed my wallet card out and emailed both of my sisters the link to do the same;)

Happy Birthday Dad!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!!



It is our father's birthday today! He died March 22, 1994, that was 15 years ago. I miss him daily, I grieve for the things we lost, I grieve for the only parent that loved us 4 children unconditionally.

Sometimes life isn't fair;( It is a sad day but also a great day to remind the kids of their Grandpa Jerry. We call it Grandpa Jerry Day and because of that they all know much about a man that they have never met;) We eat his favorite foods on this day and talk about the things that were important to him.

For example we would eat: fried bologna sandwiches, BBQ chips, Pepsi, Twinkies, deviled egg sandwiches, and orange hostess cupcakes! (not all at once!)

We talk about: how much he LOVED horses, cowboy ways, country music, working on cars, his devotion to his mother (my Grandma Agnes), his desire to be a Veterinarian, stories about guns and target practice are a MUST!!! I can go on and on. (AND because of this ritual so can my children and Lisa's girls.)

I am very happy to share the warm memories with my kids. It lessens the pain that they know him from pictures. They can recite the stories to me.
I LOVE my Dad and although he had his own flaws and problems (don't we all?), he was my ONLY Dad.

Us girls talk about what it would be like if he were still here. We can go into great detail of what we would want life to be like and how very different some things would be. I do however worry that by now he may have gone to prison for trying to protect us from a certain someone. He would be besides himself if he knew the hateful and evil things she has done and continues to do to us girls, HIS daughters. BUT thankfully he is saved from her doom and we will see him again one day in Heaven. (My kids talk about that often.)

One of the most wonderful things that both made my heart smile and hurt was from my Aunt Edna. She told me a few years ago that when she died, she hopes the first person she sees would be her "Momma". (Said in the most beautiful Oklahoma accent that my ears can't get enough of.) And then she continued, "then my sister Ag"! How the tears rolled down my cheeks to see her undying love for her momma and her sister (my Grandma Agnes). I love my Great Aunt Edna;) I too want to see my Grandma!

This day also is the 3 year anniversary for Melissa's accident when she was 29 weeks pregnant with my nephew, Baby R. Two died in that accident. Thankfully, Melissa and Baby R were spared on my father's birthday. I can't help but think that my Dad had something to do with that. Vince also had a LOT to do with that. He was one of the two that did not make it out of that car alive that night. He pushed my sister Melissa (who was not in a seat belt) onto the floor board of the car. He did that out of instinct. There was no time or room for error. The choice he made saved her and my nephew who was in utero. Melissa escaped with a broken leg and arm, multiple bruises, and survivor's guilt. BUT she survived and so did that little baby! Thank you Vince!! Words cannot express our gratitude and we won't forget. I personally, will make sure that Baby R knows what you did for him. You thought of his mother and him BEFORE yourself and used the split second you had to react to save them both and not yourself. Thank you is not enough.

Now it is time to go and celebrate the life of my father with my children. Today I wrap myself in his memory and while it hurts me, there is comfort too. My Dad was a good man and he lives on through me and my children. He is not forgotten.

I love you forever. Thanks for still cutting my meat up even though I was 18 years old;) Thank you for your (warped;) sense of humor that I now share with my children. Thank you for hitting me in the arm (lovingly), I don't hit like a girl Pat tells me often! ;) I miss you and I can't wait to see you again. Tell Grandma that I am TRYING very hard to keep our entire family together, as it should be.
Love,
Clem

A place to register if you want to find family.

It amazes me what you can find on the internet;) Today while doing one of my 20 minute power searches, I found a superb site! For those of you adoptees and birth families there is a FREE registration site that you can visit.

Once you register, you continue to keep your contact information updated, and you STAY registered until there is a match and OR you want to be removed from the registry.

They don't search for you but will notify you if someone is also looking for you. I didn't register...............YET, but it definitely is something to look into.

What about the children adopted that move away? What about the child who needs a bone marrow donor and the birth family would be a GREAT place to start looking? What about those forced adoptions? {yes I am talking about CPS (aka DHS)} Or what about the adoptions where the birth mother was a minor and the parents forced the adoption?

I guess there are SO many good reasons to look for birth family members that I couldn't list them all. AND no this is NOT to interrupt the adoptee's life or the adopter's.
YOU HAVE TO REGISTER TO BE FOUND! THAT IS WHAT I FIND SO WONDERFUL!! HIDING BIRTH PARENTS DON'T HAVE TO BE FOUND OR REGISTER. ADOPTEES DON'T HAVE TO REGISTER EITHER;) In my eyes it is a great way to let either party know that you want to be found, IF they want to find you, then there will be a match and you will be contacted. EASY as that;)

http://www.isrr.net/
Just copy and paste the above link to visit the site and get the information for yourself.
In our specific case, I would rather be registered for IF and when he wanted to find us. My nephew would have to ALSO register (and be 18 or the adopters could search). THEN we would have a match and be contacted. I think it was a great idea;)

Former Senator Speaks Out Against CPS

A former Senator speaks out against the crimes of CPS. Sadly, we are NOT alone in our pain; losing our nephew! I found this at another Senator's blog, thanks;) Just copy and paste to view.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1HjVU-UIQU

fosterclub.com

I found a really neat resource for foster kids! WOW! There are inspiring stories, message boards, training, and more!

www.fosterclub.com

There is information for foster parents, biological families, etc. there. I have taken advantage of their library training and quizzes. It is amazing the opportunity that the Internet can provide.

Consumer Complaints for LCSW in California

In California.......................

LCSW's (Licensed Clinical Social Workers) are held accountable to the
Board of Behavioral Sciences
1625 North Market Boulevard, Suite S 200
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 574-7830
http://www.bbs.ca.gov

If you want to check on the status of a licensee you can go to their web site. If you have a complaint about a licensee, you can download a Consumer Complaint Form and mail it, or send an electronic copy. I didn't even have the licensee's # prior to finding this web site, but was able to gain access with the name and county of the licensee. Pretty easy and simple even for a busy girl like me;)

If YOU do not take the time to report abuses of power, NO ONE will and then YOU become part of the problem!

Informative Booklet Coming Soon

"Falsehood flies and the truth comes limping after; so that when men come to be undeceived it is too late: the jest is over and the tale has had its effect."
Jonathan Swift
November 9th, 1710


A veil has been lifted and my eyes are now open. Now what? What do I do with this knowledge?
Keep fighting for my nephew? YES!!!!!!
Continue fighting for visitation and contact with my nephew? YES!!!!!!!!!
But what about the next child, nephew, cousin, etc.? What about the people who PURPOSELY kept my nephew in foster care with their lies and manipulation?
Should we TELL? Ask for justice? Should they continue to work with children?

I have been sent countless requests from relatives like me, who WANT their relatives out of foster care. I have tried to email everyone some suggestions and places to go. AND YES WARNINGS on what COULD happen! IF anything good can come from this awful situation, I hope that someone could use our pain to educate themselves and MAYBE save their relative. At this time I am putting together a simple informative booklet to email to those who ask.

I am not an attorney. I cannot give ANY legal advice. BUT I can tell you what happened to me and with hindsight see exactly how my ignorance of the system was used against my family. I have never been subject to a CPS investigation. I am just your ordinary aunt who had to learn the hard way that not all state workers are truthful, trustworthy, or above deception to have things go as THEY intend. Silly me, I thought that there was justice for all.

Any thoughts or questions that you may have just email them to me. I will do my best, with my VERY busy schedule and try to help point you in a good direction. If you have ANY information that may help future relatives, PLEASE let me know. ANY information would be greatly appreciated. Not unless you have been through this, can you be expected to know the path traveled. There are MANY bumps in the road and by sharing what LITTLE information I know, hopefully, you can avoid the same snake nests that I have found myself in.

I love my nephew and I miss him every single day. Once in a while it will just hit me that some foster parents who receive compensation for caring for him, have adopted 2 or 3 other children CAN fight an approved biological aunt for that baby! Are you kidding me?

NO ladies and gentlemen this is no joke! Welcome to America, the land of the FREE!

Foster parents are and can be a wonderful resource. They can provide the love and care that children need during their time of detainment. They SHOULD aid with reunification at ALL times. IF AND WHEN, adoption becomes the only option for that child, the foster parents COULD adopt..............IF and I really mean IF........there is NO BIOLOGICAL family members who are approved, willing, and ABLE to adopt that child. PLEASE DO NOT THINK THAT I AM BASHING ON COMPETENT FOSTER PARENTS!!! (Thank you.)
In our case the foster parents were shopping for another child, took a low risk little boy, planned to adopt him, conspired with Environmental Alternatives (foster/adoption agency), Del Norte CPS, and State Adoptions (Arcata) to keep him. Simple as that!
In no way is that in their job description, in no way is that morally correct, in no way is that NOT going to HURT this little boy!

OK so before I continue on my soap box, I will just ask that you be patient with my booklet preparation. I want to have a quick response for everyone who asks me for help. With my schedule I have small pockets of time to work on it. It is SO very important to expose the hidden pitfalls to every relative out there, that I will find the time!
Thanks;)

WEB SITES FOR INFORMATION...........

Visit these web sites for more information....................

(Below is a list of sites that I got from another site, PLEASE if you find material that is inappropriate, that I have overlooked, PLEASE email me! I found a site that is NOT suitable and have removed it. As time allows I shall check each site. THANK YOU)

www.familyrightsassociation.com
www.the-facts.com
www.theacf.org
www.cchr.org/
www.fightcps.com
www.familylawcourts.com
www.syc.org
www.reliableanswers.com/cps/news.asp
www.familyinjustice.com
www.avoiceforchildren.com
www.poormagazine.com/index
www.caseassist.com
www.allencowling.com/
www.abuse-excuse.com/
www.falseallegations.com
www.cvsa1.com/index.php
www.liftingtheveil.org
www.childrensjustice.org/
www.childprotectionreform.com/index.html
www.jail4judges.org/
www.nccpr.org/about/index
www.cwla.org/default.htm
www.oregonfamilyrights.com/
www.webup.net/net/let-my-children-go/
www.parentsforchildren.net
www.revolution2.us
www.massoutrage.com
www.judicialwatch.org
www.ijfi.org
www.loislaw.com
www.hope4kidz.com


PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF ANY OF THE ABOVE LINKS ARE NOT WORKING FOR YOU. THANKS;)

Steps to take when a relative is detained.

I do NOT condone abuse in ANY form. Children, women, men, elderly, etc. SHOULD live abuse free lives. I am not naive and know that real abuse does in fact, occur. And the victims of abuse should be PROTECTED, the perpetrators should be punished, and so on.

BUT what happens when the abuser is a governmental agency? When that agency lies in court, distorts facts, withholds evidence, denies children their RIGHT to their biological family, and more? What then?

Sadly, this is happening MORE than I ever dreamed possible. I have been fighting for my nephew for over a year now. He was only 17 months when taken into custody. Within days I contacted Del Norte CPS to inquire on HOW to get my nephew. (Sadly, I was very naive back then.) I did EVERYTHING they asked and have been approved for relative placement TWICE, took fost/adopt classes, DOJ clearances, have an approved adoptive home study, went to court hearings, had (BEGGED for) visits with my nephew, sent photos, etc. and STILL I am without my nephew. He is in a fost/adopt home and they are FIGHTING me to adopt him.

I have been witness to countless (purposeful) errors on behalf of Del Norte CPS. WHY? I scream to myself! WHY would they do this? We are APPROVED biological family members who WANT him. The biological parents even signed him over to us!!

I use to believe that anyone who did NOT have their children or had CPS in their lives were guilty to some extent. I believe that no more. This particular CPS agency has purposely FOUGHT us to keep my nephew with the foster parents. They made a decision and then made the puzzle pieces to fit.

What I am trying to say is NEVER EVER assume that someone involved with CPS is guilty. I know that I will never do that again. My eyes are open and NOW I am reminded that we should NEVER judge others, especially before we know the facts. I said the FACTS!

My nephew is gorgeous but I would still love him if he was green, 3 inches tall, and smelled of skunk;) THAT is what family does. We love each other no matter what. Our government SAYS that relatives have preference. Our family codes READ that family has preference when a child is removed from a home. BUT what really happens is not always what should happen. EVEN if you do what is required, and then some.

BEWARE: What you DO NOT know about the system WILL HURT you and more importantly hurt your relative.

Here are some things I HIGHLY recommend.................
Read everything you can about the system in your state and county.
Ask questions to the social workers
Put EVERYTHING in writing (keep track of all contact information).
Put tracking numbers on ALL letters, packages, etc. to the child & agency.
ASK IF the child has a CASA worker, who it is, and contact them (let them know who you are and what you want).
Ask who the child's court appointed attorney is, contact them!!! (do NOT rely on CPS to do this for you!!) in our case the attorney did NOT know about me until I hired my own attorney! WHY hadn't CPS told the courts about
me? hmmm?
Visit the child, keep up or start a relationship! I KNOW how difficult this is even when the child lives 12 hours away: ask for phone visits, letters, photos, and visits. (send your own on a regular basis)
Fill out a visit summary form after EACH visit, send with proof(via certified letter, received stamp, tracking #) to CPS and keep a copy for you for future reference!
Keep a well documented timeline (organize receipts, phone bills, etc. for easy sharing to the courts, etc.)
KNOW their rules, regulations, W&I (Welfare & Institution) codes.
Join a support and or blog / bulletin group about foster care/ adoption, learn from other's mistakes and successes!!
Hire an attorney who will help you if you can afford to do so.
Take foster care / adoption classes (get certified).
Take CPR and First Aid classes (all adults in your home).
Apply for relative placement through CPS.
Attend court hearings (ask the Social worker and or the parent of the child for dates).
Be kind and honest but do NOT trust that the SW (Social Worker) is going to do the right thing, be SURE that they will by staying in contact.
Consider having bio parents sign over their rights BEFORE they are terminated. {as per 8700(f)} This is extreme but MAY be called for.
Have bio parents ASK in writing to have child placed with you (EVEN if out of county). IF RU (reunification services) are NOT terminated, then work out
a visit schedule for the child and parents with CPS & parents (ride the train if you have to!)
KNOW that once a foster parent has a child for 6 months they CAN fight you for that child in court.
ALSO know that NOT all biological Families, Foster Parents, CPS Workers, State Adoption Specialists, Lawyers, Judges, etc. are BAD or even GOOD. I am not generalizing ANY one group, just arming the willing relatives that are
ABLE to be approved through relative placement, adoptive home studies, etc.!

REMEMBER: IF you don't document it, it didn't happen!!!!! Or worse, they can slant it however they choose.

Below is a link that I feel is very important for people to see. I have found it very informative and helpful.


Fighting Child Protective Services False Accusations

more Updated timeline for nephew; Baby R

Timeline for Baby R. (I am currently compiling my MANY notes into this easy to follow timeline. ALL receipts, notes, and documents can be delineated upon request.)


November 2007
11-9-07 Spoke to Mike Henderson on phone concerning Baby R
11--07 Susan Wilson told Lisa Turner on the phone that "She would do anything to get that baby away from Melissa."
11-23-08 Baby R taken into custody by CPS (he was 17 months old)-moved from Santa Rosa area to Del Norte County

December 2007
EARLY December 2007 spoke with Susan Wilson via phone about intentions to have Baby R placed with me & he lived with me before (1st 9-10 months)
12-10-2007 wrote letter of intent to Social Services (kinship placement and adopt)& mailed
12-14-2007 overnighted to Social Services (w/confirmation)
12-21-2007 left message for Susan Wilson
12-21-2007 Susan Wilson called me back, gave me Cindy Salatnay's ext. 283, I asked about gift for Baby R, future visit (I asked if it was possible)
12-21-2007 left message for Cindy Salatnay
12-27-2007 mailed out Baby R's doctor and medical history, gifts
12-29-2007 left message for Cindy Salatnay about future visit & what requirements were

January 2008
1-2-2008 Deanna in Del Norte licensing- informed us of fingerprinting & home visit soon
1-23-08 Baby R moved to KD foster home (I was NOT told anything about it, and this is a fost/adopt home)
1-28-08 spoke to Amber Davis in Del Norte licensing about home evaluation
1-29-08 spoke to Amber Davis in Del Norte licensing- about getting home evaluation, gave her email address
1-29-08 received email from Amber Davis about home evaluation worker in our county
1-29-08 sent email to Amber Davis
1-31-08 left message for Lucy Tucker in Fresno County concerning home evaluation visit

February 2008
2-6-08 Patrick & I had our live scans completed in Fresno County
2-6-08 mailed out copies of live scan receipts & information to Cindy Salatnay in Del Norte
2-6-08 receive email from Amber Davis
2-6-08 sent email to Amber Davis
2-6-08 received email from Amber Davis
2-6-08 sent email to Amber Davis
2-7-08 received email from Amber Davis
2-7-08 received email from Amber Davis
2-14-08 spoke to Diane Emry in Fresno County, scheduled home evaluation for 25th @ 10AM- found out what criteria was for home
2-14-08 left message with Cindy Salatnay about date of home evaluation
2-24-08 spoke to Diane Emry in Fresno County, rescheduled home evaluation due to Brynna & Kim having Pneumonia
2-24-08 left message for Cindy Salatnay about rescheduling

March 2008
3-13-08 Diane Emry from Fresno County came for home evaluation
3-13-08 sent email that we FINALLY had home evaluation to Amber Davis
3-13-08 mailed Patrick Fraser's criminal record release to Del Norte (2nd)
3-17-08 received email from Amber Davis that she will let me know if we need anything else for home approval
3-08 Mary Young called is new licensing contact in Del Norte

April 2008

May 2008
5-5-08 Mary Young left message on home phone, our home was approved for relative placement!!
5-7-08 received letter stating our home approved for relative placement

June 2008
6-08 mailed Baby R his gifts, new photos, cards

July 2008
7-7-08 left message with Cindy Salatnay
7-8-08 left message for Cindy Salatnay
7-8-08 Cindy Salatnay called me, gave me new worker's extension Dorita Leno
7-8-08 left message for Dorita Leno
7-14-08 spoke to Dorita Leno, informed of court date (6 month review the first date EVER given to me, said I was going, asked if Baby R needed anything, sizes, asked for visits)
7-23-08 left for Del Norte, spoke to Dorita Leno, told was to meet Tedee Boylan from State Adoptions from Arcata
7-23-08 spoke to Dorita Leno, gave me KD (foster mother's) phone number
7-24-08 spoke to Dorita Leno gave better time of arrival estimate (while driving)
7-24-08 got to Del Norte, spoke to Dorita Leno, got directions
7-24-08 met Dorita Leno and Cindy Salatnay, had visit with Baby R during Melissa's visit, saw 4 bite marks on back, took photos on Lisa Turner's cell phone
7-24-08 had 1.5 hour long visit with Baby R while speaking with Dorita Leno, changed Baby R, played games, was told of Melissa's services being discontinued the next day at court, told of adoptions being forwarded my application and I was priority and Baby R would be placed in my home within 1-2 months by Dorita, witnessed by Lisa Turner, told to renew home evaluation by Fresno County (only lasted 60 days)
7-24-08 left message for Diane Emry in Fresno County concerning renewing home evaluation immediately (I was still in Del Norte)
7-24-08 met foster mom, KD, found out she was friends with our estranged mother and wanted to adopt Baby R, our mom was in support
7-25-08 had visit with Baby R during Melissa's visit, took him 3 shirts, gummy worms, happy meal, took photos, video
7-25-08 attended court with Melissa T., spoke with Dorita, Skudstad about guardianship & adoption Melissa approved; drove to Chris D. (attorney) office Melissa requested meeting for adoption papers (on Dorita's suggestion) (The D Foster Home should have only had placement of Baby R for 6 months and 2 days per Melissa Thornton's and Robert's request to Dorita L. & CPS)
7-25-08 saw estranged mom in court, I never spoke with her, had F for over an hour visit w/ Melissa & Lisa present, ate quick lunch while trying to get appt. w/ Chris D. and Skudstad for adoption, took photos, video (would have kept F longer but mom wanted us to come over to house (suspicious), met at Glen's bakery to exchange F and continue trying to get adoption / permanent guardianship papers completed)
7-25-08 began 12 hour drive home, stayed in hotel late that evening due to exhaustion
7-26-08 completed drive home

August 2008
8-1-08 Mailed and faxed letter to Julie Cain, CPS about the bites I saw on Baby R and concern for his safety, as mandated reporter & aunt. (I NEVER got any response about abuse report.)
8-5-08 attempted call to Gene Schach, Baby R's attorney, after court, not able to leave message, won't return until 8-13-08 (I believed Gene was Baby R's attorney)
8-5-08 Dorita L. called me in AM, gave her Sandy Davis's number Fresno County home evaluations (to get renewal relative placement)
8-5-08 left message for Sandy Davis, Fresno County home evaluations
8-5-08 called Dorita, after court, she told me that my information was forwarded to state adoptions
8-5-08 left message for Julie Cain
8-5-08 left message for Tedee Boylan at State Adoptions in Arcata
8-6-08 left message for Tedee Boylan
8-7-08 Tedee Boylan left message for me
8-7-08 left message for Tedee Boylan
8-7-08 Julie Cain returned my call, told her of bites on Baby R, let her know I still want Baby R placed with me, asked what else I could be doing
8-10-08 mailed Baby R a binder with drawings, letters, extra plastic sheets to be kept WITH him (each home), pair of shoes; size 6, snacks
8-11-08 mailed Baby R a card with copies of kids hands
retained Attorney Cochran in Crescent City (same one I spoke to EARLY in the case but he said I shouldn't waste my money)
spoke with Sutie Wheeler -denied me application, placement, mentioned my mother & previous experience with me, told me relative placement approval was null and void, that I needed adoption home study approval even for a designated relinquishment & I was to call Fresno District Office, she gave NO written request (Sutie W. was made VERY aware of both parents wanting designated relinquishments) she also asked WHY I needed an attorney
spoke to Fresno District Office Anna P. was informed that I would need written request to study my home from Arcata
spoke with Sutie Wheeler and blatantly asked for application and she denied me one, she told me that, "no she would not look into me or my home", despite my asking for a chance to prove myself, she said "she didn't feel comfortable wasting the state's resources even looking into my home if she did NOT plan on placing with me", reminded her that I would need written request to have Fresno DO study my home
8--08 received application for adoption from Fresno DO
8--08 Live Scan completed for Kimber, paid $84
8-08 Live Scan completed for Patrick, paid $84
8-25-08 turned in majority of adoption application to Fresno DO
called Sacramento Central Office for adoptions; spoke to Niccole Larkins & emailed
called Ombudsmen in Sacramento left information,told they would get back to me this week
8-28-08 had renewal of relative placement evaluation on home, approved pending stair gate installation, Lupita, recheck on 4th
8-29-08 called ombudsman & got case worker name & spoke to her, Cynthia McDowell, explained most of story

September 2008

9-4-08 Lupita rechecked gate, home passed for 2nd time relative placement approval renewed, emailed criminal statement back to Lupita (2nd time for that too)
9-4-08 met with Fresno DO State Adoptions, Anna P. in my home (here when Lupita rechecked gate too)
9-10-08 Kim began PRIDE classes at FCC- Sue S. helped set up classes for me (9 sessions each 2.5 hours =22.5 hours total plus homework)
9-11-08 left w/ Lisa for Del Norte, to see Baby R, attend court, 12 hour drive
9-12-08 visit with Baby R in Del Norte, in supervised room (Brynna's & K's birthdays we missed them due to court)
9-13-08 visit with Baby R in Del Norte, at Kidstown park, supervised by DeDe Ward; gave Baby R his packages that were received by Del Norte exactly 1 month prior & had NOT been given to him yet (shoes, binder, photos, letters, cards, snacks)
9-14-08 visit with Baby R in Del Norte, at Kidstown park, supervised by 2 CPS workers, I facilitated sibling visit w/ J & K; gave Baby R more photos of recent visits
9-12-08 attended court hearing in Del Norte
9-15-08 met with Sutie Wheeler. in Arcata, first face-to-face, Tedee Boylan out of office,
9-15-08 left from Del Norte for home, 12 hour drive w/ stop in Arcata for 1 hour, w/ Lisa Turner
9-16-08 Melissa Thornton and Robert met with Tedee Boylan of State Adoptions, to have 1st of stated 2 meetings to sign designated relinquishments; to The Frasers
9-17-08 PRIDE class 6:30 PM to 9 PM, 2nd session
9-24-08 PRIDE class 6:30 PM to 9 PM, 3rd session

October 2008

10-1-08 PRIDE class 6:30 PM to 9 PM, 4th session
10-3-08 Adoptive Home Study w/ State Adoptions Fresno DO, approved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
10-8-08 PRIDE class 6:30 PM to 9 PM, 5th session
10-14-08 left at 2AM with Lisa for Del Norte by car, 12 hour drive (4 hours of sleep)
10-14-08 arrived in Del Norte @ 2PM exhausted, had visit with Baby R, in small meeting room
10-15-08 had visit with Baby R in Del Norte, in supervised room
10-15-08 Melissa & Robert met with Tedee Boylan, 2nd mtg. to sign designated relinquishments to me per 8700 (f), she denied "knowing" that was why they were meeting (1st of 2 required meetings was on 9-16-08, this was a FULL 29 days later)
10-15-08 Kimberly Fraser met with Tedee Boylan first time, Lisa was present (mom; meds, F. w/ Lisa, mistake), in small meeting room at CPS
10-15-08 attended court hearing for placement of Baby R, w/ Tedee Boylan testimony cont'd, in Del Norte
10-16-08 attended court hearing for placement of Baby R, denied, in Del Norte
10-16-08 DeDe told me outside of court house about "first therapist Remi Vista said Baby R needed no services, he was fine" (Lisa present)
10-16-08 had first overnight visit with Baby R after asking while still in court, facilitated sibling visit with J & K, had Baby R call foster mom to say good night, my family each spoke to Baby R on the phone, bought him a sweatsuit, 2 beanies, 2 pr. gloves, pj's, pkg. socks, pkg. big boy underwear, Diego backpack toy, pkg. of pull-ups & Lisa bought him a Dora doll; saw B.H. at Wal-Mart
10-17-08 returned Baby R to CPS for visit with Melissa & Robert @ 10:15 AM, sent more photos with Baby R of visit, Baby R dropped off 2 dozen bakery cookies to front office staff at CPS (we picked out at breakfast; Glen's Bakery)
10-17-08 drove home with Lisa, 12 hours, got home around 2 AM Saturday
10-19-08 wrote new letter of complaint and sent out to state adoption heads and governor.........and.........ombudsman, attorney.........and...........(list to be updated continuously)
10-19-08 wrote DeDe Ward letter asking for phone contact weekly w/ Baby R (waiting for answer before calling), therapist diagnosis to aid in search for proper therapist here (since they want me to have 2 meetings with first), that Baby R be shown the photos of me and my family to ease transition, for foster family to put an album together of them to ease overnights and transition, for Baby R to listen to us reading the books regularly; sent information about EPU (Exceptional Parents Unlimited) services here in Fresno County
10--08 sent out request to meet with Governor, Senators
10-22-08 PRIDE class 6:30 PM to 9 PM, 7th session
10--09 filed for de facto parent status (Me & Patrick)
10--08 found out date for court via phone (11-07-08)
10--08 Melissa was served with restraining order papers in front of Baby R, during visit (court set for 11-07-08), Baby R had to be removed from visit he got upset
10--08 Mailed Baby R's Halloween Card, K.D.'s (fmom) thank you card w/ homemade laundry soap recipe, Baby R's now clean clothes & DeDe Ward Thank you letter for overnight visit (all inside of a pkg. mailed to CPS w/ tracking number)
10-29-08 PRIDE class 6:30 PM to 9 PM, 8th session

November 2008
11-3-08 spoke to Stacy F. (Central Adoptions) about new psych eval for Baby R & me too (?), waiting for written request, explanation, directions (was told it was a psych eval for all involved with Baby R, NOT a bonding assessment as I specifically asked that question)
11-4-08 Lisa called S.A. (mom) about F to see if we could have a sibling visit with Baby R and J & K (LM, has recording for proof)
11-08 Spoke to 2 different people concerning polygraphs, Fresno $500 1 question and Bakersfield $450 more questions ???
11-7-08 Court for Melissa (foster mom is petitioner) and Kimber (de facto) (Brynna sick- I stayed home with her)
11-7-08 Court granted de facto to the foster parents, set hearing date for Thurs. 13th @ 9 AM for me de facto (CPS & their attorney fighting it)
11-7-08 Called Del Norte CPS visiting, left message on voice mail for over nights w/ Baby R end of next week
11-7-08 Called John Wagner and Glenn Freitas and left messages, to call me for a meeting, as follow up to my letter dated Oct. 19th
11-9-08 Tedee Boylan has YET to make contact or answer any of Melissa Thornton's or Robert calls, emails, faxes, or letters requesting a third and FINAL meeting to sign designated relinquishments. (To date it has been 25 days since 2nd mtg. AND 54 days since 1st actual visit.) Proof that she is DENYING them their rights per 8700 (f).
11-12-08 begin 12 hour drive to Crescent City alone
11-17-08 (scheduled) Class for drug exposed children at FCC
11-20-08 (scheduled) class makeup #6, missed due to court
11-18-08 Phoebe Morison, MSW, Adoption Specialist from Arcata met with Melissa Thornton AND Sutie Wheeler, Supervisor from Arcata ;met with Robert (both at jail but not in same room) next appointment set for Tuesday @ Noon at Del Norte CPS (Melissa stopped by Cochran's office to show papers)
11-19-08 met @ UC Davis Dr. B. C. for assessment, saw Baby R briefly, Sacramento, CA (see my description)
11-20-08 spoke to Melissa about designated relinquishments
11-21-08 spoke to Anna P. about designated relinquishments and Sutie's appointments set with Melissa & Robert
11-25-08 noon, designated relinquishments signed by both biological parents in Del Norte
11-26-08 spoke to Stacy F. about designated relinquishments, and how Arcata mistreated Melissa & Robert during meeting
11-26-08 left message for Anna P. about relinquishments and Arcata's mistreatment of Melissa & Robert

December 2008
sent email to CPS Director Gary Blatnik
received phone call from Crystal M., CPS about Baby R- I am to send email with my complaint to her
12-5-08 .26 hearing (TPR) was continued to 12-19-08 foster parents hired an attorney, Mavris (same attorney mom used when I got restraining order against her)Also same attorney, Melissa said to have been on in her case prior-conflict??
12-10-08 received UC Davis evaluation report, .26 report, State Adoption report via fax from my attorney
12-10-08 began pointing out, in writing, corrections needed on UC Davis report; there are MANY
12-12-08 I called and left message with Visiting CPS for visits on 12-18, 19, 29-08
12-15-08 DeDe W. left message no weekend visits foster family out of town & gave me dates & times I was able to visit
12-18-08 my birthday, drove to Crescent City at 3 AM with sister, through snow, rain, winds gusts, and ice arrived at 2 PM
12-18-08 had visit with Baby R from 3:30 PM until 6 PM, he saw us through glass & screamed our names happily and ran to us!! -he saw K, his sister for a while
12-19-08 had visit with Baby R from 9 AM until noon, he again ran to me when he saw me picking him up in CPS
12-19-08 .26 hearing was held, both Bio parents were TPR'ed against State Adoptions order, I was AGAIN denied return of my overnights, next hearing was to be 1-22-09 but SW had prepaid Mexico tickets for that week, next hearing set for Feb. 4th, 2009, judge is allowing me to work with therapist and nephew as therapist sees is OK for Baby R, Sutie W. was not in court, A.G. was on the phone - silent but on the phone
12-19-08 I called and left message for therapist J.B., then saw her in person to request to be included in therapy; she said she would call me back after the holidays
12-19-08 left messages for both F. Sanchez and G. Freitas at State Adoptions
12-19-08 F. Sanchez called me back and was very gruff, saying the A.G. will be there in person on Feb. 4th
12-19-08 I let my attorney's secretary know about phone calls
12-19-08 5 PM started for home with sister, got to Rohnert Park, and had to pull over to rest at hotel
12-20-08 started again for home, got home in afternoon
12-22-08 received by mail, not certified, notice of my mother to file more papers against me in court over a lawsuit she started in 07, there is a OSC 2-27-09 in Fresno

January 2009
01-13-09 (Tues.) spoke with Jill Babbit, therapist for Baby R, she is unwilling to see me with Baby R. (see summary of phone conversation)
01-15-09 (Thurs.)received voicemail from Assembly member Villines (sp?) office; tried to return call but rep. was gone for day, will get back with her on Monday next week.
01-15-09 received voicemail from DeDe about letter dated 12-17-08 concerning my plans for a week long visit; she wanted to be sure I planned accordingly due to the change in court dates AND she said that Melissa had a visit 1-16-09 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM and that (FINALLY-I asked in OCTOBER!) I could have a phone visit with Baby R at 1:15PM
01-15-09 I LM for DeDe thanking her for the call and confirmed the phone visit for following date and time, gave her my # again
01-15-09 left message with Anna P., state adoptions voicemail and secretary
01-15-09 Anna P. left me a voicemail, Frank Sanchez is leaving dept. 1-22-09 is celebration for him, she let me know for contact reasons
01-15-09 left message with attorney's secretary about Jill Babbit's refusal and about phone visit with Baby R the next day
01-16-09 Melissa, Robert had visit with Baby R 11:15 AM to 1:15 PM at CPS (first for Robert for over a month, Melissa's last visit was over 2 weeks ago)
01-16-09 1:15 PM Sandy at CPS, visiting, called me with Baby R on her lap for a phone visit, he was so good;) He spoke to me for about 15 minutes total (cell phone records will confirm exact times) I thanked Sandy. He snorted for me like Aunt Lisa & told me "I Love you" and I told him the same;) (see summary)
01-28-09 scheduled visit between bioparents and Baby R at CPS (2 hrs. every 2 weeks)
01-28-09 I was unaware that it was today, Melissa let me know via phone, I called DeDe at CPS asked for a phone visit after the parents visit (11:15 AM) DeDe said that there may be a problem, Baby R "may still be out of the area for audiologist appt. and she will call me back." She called back and yes he was still out of area, she forgot to CANCEL parents' visit (they were BOTH sitting in the waiting room for Baby R) scheduled phone visit after next parental visit Monday noon to 2PM they will call me
01-28-09 assembly member representative left me another message

February 2009
02-3-09 left with my ENTIRE family in RV for Crescent City, CA
02-4-09 arrived at 7AM in Crescent City- had 30 minute power nap
02-4-09 court began, Sutie & Tedee make HUGE confessions-damage case, A.G. was present
02-4-09 had 2 hour visit with Baby R, my kids were in HEAVEN, it was great for all!
02-5-09 court
02-5-09 drove back home
02--09 emailed a summary of what Sutie & Tedee did in court to A.P. (State Adoptions)
02-6-09 arrived home in late AM, Pat went to work, kept my kids home from school (we were exhausted)
02-6-09 Melissa & Robert had lawyers put back on case, prepare for TPR appeal
02-10-09 court again (I was in Bakersfield another matter)
02-11-09 in court by phone, denied placement AGAIN, still in Bakersfield
02-11-09 was told that fosterdad took Baby R to a specialist appt. (no details)
02-12-09 drove home
02-17-09 FOIA requests sent via certified mail to State Adoptions & Del Norte CPS
02-18-09 I called CPS for phone visit, told no visit that day?, asked for all future phone visits w/ Sandy in visiting, then LM on DeDe's voicemail for the same
02-18-09 Melissa text me about the visit, she had been in waiting room at CPS, waiting for Baby R and THEN was told that Baby R would not be there, no explanation given! (This is at least the 3rd time in little over a month!)
02-19-09 spoke w/ Anna P. about normal visit routine for PAP, etc.
02-19-09 spoke w/ Advokids.org
02-19-09 spoke w/ attorney- got great news!
02-24-09 still no word from CPS/DeDe Ward about phone visits, LM 2-18-09

March 2009
03-02-09 sent via certified mail, HIPAA violation complaints for BOTH S.W. and T.B.
03-02-09 message about an appellate attorney
03-02-09 STILL no word on FOIA request from either agency, and no word from CPS about phone visits
03--09 Baby R's attorney filed an appeal on his behalf (concerning placement)
03-03-09 spoke with appellate attorney, my attorney, State Adoptions P.R. assemblymember's office contacted them on my behalf;)
03-04-09 scheduled visit between Baby R and bio parents 11:15-1:15PM
03-04-09 spoke with Baby R via phone 1:15PM, cell phone (DeDe called my cell around noon to let me know & LM, I called CPS visitation to confirm, DeDe called me back again) Sandy w/ visitation called with Baby R on phone (speaker phone this time, not as nice as when he holds the phone) He sounded well, no coughing this time;)
03-04-09 spoke w/ appellate attorney at length about appeal (see notes)
03-05-09 received notice from State Adoptions that I will have my FOIA request granted by 03-20-09
03-08-09 received via letter, closure of our relative placement application from CPS in Del Norte; stating that child will remain in current placement DATED 02-18-09
03-09-09 receive letter via certified mail from Gary Blatnick that they have NO records on me or Pat; their response to my FOIA request (????) DATED 03-02-09
03-10-09 appellate attorney LM for me on cell
03-11-09 spoke w/ Mr. Cochran - appeal and visits
03-12-09 sent revocation for UCDavis/Carmichael health releases (HIPAA) via certified mail (k)
03-12-09 received by mail the two certified copies of Baby R's birth certificates; just in case things go badly;(
03-12-09 LM for appellate attorney
03-12-09 got appellate attorney name from Melissa for TPR appeal (D.H.)
03-13-09 spoke w/ appellate attorney again
03-16-09 sent State Grievance for Sutie W. to State Adoptions via certified mail (k)
03-18-09 CPS has scheduled the "exit" visit for bioparents, for 1 hour even though they are appealing TPR (?)
03-18-09 Both Biological parents had their ONE HOUR Exit Visit at CPS. Melissa turned in a request for an appeal hearing for the revocation of her visits with Baby R to CPS in person.
03-18-08 I faxed a request for a schedule for phone visits and in person visits to DeDe Ward at 9AM, gave new cell number (switch from AT&T)
03-18-09 I had an awesome phone visit with Baby R;)
03--09 received via mail FOIA requested documents from State Adoptions; included was only information that I had given to them, photos, CD's
03--09 Cynthia McDowell called me re: the State Grievance, I mailed her a copy, she had also spoken to Baby R's attorney, she was aware of the appeal filed on Baby R's behalf
03-20-09 received letter from Office for Civil Rights, Region IX (was given OCR Reference number and notice that initial review is in process)
03--09 received email of interest from (a popular tv show!!) via Lisa


April 2009
04-1-09 received a response from State Adoptions re: State Greivance for Sutie W., with a case manager's name and date to be available for more information by phone
04-1-09 received letter from Dave Cogdill, Senator, 14th District
04-23-09 Ms. A. L. (appointed Grievance Review Officer) will review my grievance and may call between 8 AM - noon

The United Nations is listening, so WE should TALK!!

U.N. Form & Instructions
for Reporting Adoption Abuses
to the United Nations

Return to Human Rights & Adoption


THE UNITED NATIONS IS LISTENING!!

E-mail or snail-mail the U.N. about your own adoption horror story or about someone else's adoption problems (no matter how old or recent the adoption), or about Child Trafficking for adoption or other purpose, or about CPS unjustly taking children for adoption or if you suspect any "Severe Risk of a Child Becoming a Victim of CPS and/or the Adoption Industry" (you can ask that our name be kept confidential and CPS will not know of your complaint).

Instructions:
Cut & paste the UN's form below, onto an e-mail;
Enter a very brief opening message summarizing the nature of what you are reporting, below "Dear Dr. Petit,";
Enter your information as requested on the form, as it pertains to your specific case;
Subject (in Subject box above message) as follows:
Special Rapporteur, Sale of Children
At end of Form (where indicated) include info on how to contact you
Address your E-mail & Send to: Webadmin.hchr@unog.ch



ATTN: Dr. Juan Miguel Petit
Special Rapporteur on Sale of Children
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations at Geneva
8-14 ave de la Paix
1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland

RE: Sale of Children for Adoption in the United States,
and/or Trafficking (and/or Severe Risk of Being
Victim of Such Offenses)

Dear Dr. Petit,

INFORMATION SHEET

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

- Does the incident involve an individual or a group ?
(Please mark with an X)

- If it involves a group please state the number of people involved and
the characteristics of the group:
- Number of boys/adolescents:
- Number of girls/adolescents:

- Country in which the incident took place:

- Nationality of the victim(s):

2. IDENTITY OF THE PERSONS CONCERNED

Note: if more than one person is concerned, please attach relevant
information on each person separately.

- Family name:

- First name:

- Sex:

- Birth date or age:

- Nationality(ies):

- Ethnic background (if relevant):


3. INFORMATION REGARDING THE ALLEGED VIOLATION

- Date:

- Place (location/country):

- Time:

- The nature of the incident (please describe the circumstances of the
incident)

- Number of offender(s):

- Are the offender(s) known to the victim?

- Nationality of offender(s)

- Agents believed to be responsible for the alleged violation:

- State agents (specify):

- Non-State agents (specify):

- If it is unclear whether they were state or non-state agents, please
explain why.

- If the perpetrators are believed to be State-agents, please specify
(military, police, agents of security services, unit to which they
belong, rank and functions, etc.), and indicate why they are believed
to be responsible; be as precise as possible.

- If an identification as State agents is not possible, do you believe
that Government authorities or persons linked to them, are responsible
for the incident, why?

- If there are witnesses to the incident, indicate their names, age,
relationship and contact address. If they wish to remain anonymous,
indicate if they are relatives, by-passers, etc.; if there is
evidence, please specify.



4. STEPS TAKEN BY THE VICTIM, HIS/HER FAMILY OR ANY ONE ELSE ON HIS/HER
BEHALF?

- Indicate if complaints have been filed, when, by whom, and before
which State organization

- Other steps taken

- Steps taken by the authorities:

- Indicate whether or not, to your knowledge, there have been investigations
by the State authorities; if so, what kind of investigations? Progress
and status of these investigations; which other measures have been taken?

- In case of complaints by the victim or its family, how have the organs
dealt with them? What is the outcome of those proceedings?


5. IDENTITYOF THE PERSON OR INSTITUTION SUBMITTING THIS FORM

- Family name

- First name

- Status: individual, group, non-governmental organization,
inter-governmental agency, Government. Please specify:

- Contact number or address (please indicate country and area code)
- Fax
- Telephone
- Email

- Please state whether you want your identity to be kept confidential

- Date you are submitting this form




This information provided courtesy of Abolish Adoption.
E-mail: Info@AbolishAdoption.com
PO Box 401, Palm Desert, CA 92261 USA








Site Copyright © 2000-2005 Scarlett West | Website designed by AllWebTemplate.com

Song by Mike Schultz........He's My Son

I'm down on my knees again tonight
I'm hoping this prayer will turn out right
See there is a boy that needs your help
I've done all that I can do myself
His mother has tried I'm sure You can understand
Each night as he sleeps she goes in to hold his hand
And she tries not to cry as the tears fill her eyes

Chorus:
Can You hear me?
Am I getting through tonight?
Can you see him?
Can you make him feel alright?
If You can hear me let me take his place somehow
See he's not just anyone, he's my son

Sometimes late at night I watch him sleep
I dream of the boy he'd like to be
I tried to be strong and see them through
But God who he needs right now is You
Let him grow old live life without this fear
What would I be living without him here
He so tired and he's scared
Let him know that You're there

Chorus

Very Interesting information............

GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 820-823


820. (a) Except as otherwise provided by statute (including Section
820.2), a public employee is liable for injury caused by his act or
omission to the same extent as a private person.
(b) The liability of a public employee established by this part
(commencing with Section 814) is subject to any defenses that would
be available to the public employee if he were a private person.



820.2. Except as otherwise provided by statute, a public employee
is not liable for an injury resulting from his act or omission where
the act or omission was the result of the exercise of the discretion
vested in him, whether or not such discretion be abused.



820.21. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, the
civil immunity of juvenile court social workers, child protection
workers, and other public employees authorized to initiate or conduct
investigations or proceedings pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with
Section 200) of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Welfare and Institutions
Code shall not extend to any of the following, if committed with
malice:
(1) Perjury.
(2) Fabrication of evidence.
(3) Failure to disclose known exculpatory evidence.
(4) Obtaining testimony by duress, as defined in Section 1569 of
the Civil Code, fraud, as defined in either Section 1572 or Section
1573 of the Civil Code, or undue influence, as defined in Section
1575 of the Civil Code.
(b) As used in this section, "malice" means conduct that is
intended by the person described in subdivision (a) to cause injury
to the plaintiff or despicable conduct that is carried on by the
person described in subdivision (a) with a willful and conscious
disregard of the rights or safety of others.



820.25. (a) For purposes of Section 820.2, the decision of a peace
officer, as defined in Sections 830.1 and 830.2 of the Penal Code, or
a state or local law enforcement official, to render assistance to a
motorist who has not been involved in an accident or to leave the
scene after rendering assistance, upon learning of a reasonably
apparent emergency requiring his immediate attention elsewhere or
upon instructions from a superior to assume duties elsewhere, shall
be deemed an exercise of discretion.
(b) The provision in subdivision (a) shall not apply if the act or
omission occurred pursuant to the performance of a ministerial duty.
For purposes of this section, "ministerial duty" is defined as a
plain and mandatory duty involving the execution of a set task and to
be performed without the exercise of discretion.



820.4. A public employee is not liable for his act or omission,
exercising due care, in the execution or enforcement of any law.
Nothing in this section exonerates a public employee from liability
for false arrest or false imprisonment.


820.6. If a public employee acts in good faith, without malice, and
under the apparent authority of an enactment that is
unconstitutional, invalid or inapplicable, he is not liable for an
injury caused thereby except to the extent that he would have been
liable had the enactment been constitutional, valid and applicable.




820.8. Except as otherwise provided by statute, a public employee
is not liable for an injury caused by the act or omission of another
person. Nothing in this section exonerates a public employee from
liability for injury proximately caused by his own negligent or
wrongful act or omission.



820.9. Members of city councils, mayors, members of boards of
supervisors, members of school boards, members of governing boards of
other local public entities, members of locally appointed boards and
commissions, and members of locally appointed or elected advisory
bodies are not vicariously liable for injuries caused by the act or
omission of the public entity or advisory body. Nothing in this
section exonerates an official from liability for injury caused by
that individual's own wrongful conduct. Nothing in this section
affects the immunity of any other public official.
This section shall become operative January 1, 2000.




821. A public employee is not liable for an injury caused by his
adoption of or failure to adopt an enactment or by his failure to
enforce an enactment.


821.2. A public employee is not liable for an injury caused by his
issuance, denial, suspension or revocation of, or by his failure or
refusal to issue, deny, suspend or revoke, any permit, license,
certificate, approval, order, or similar authorization where he is
authorized by enactment to determine whether or not such
authorization should be issued, denied, suspended or revoked.



821.4. A public employee is not liable for injury caused by his
failure to make an inspection, or by reason of making an inadequate
or negligent inspection, of any property, other than the property (as
defined in subdivision (c) of Section 830) of the public entity
employing the public employee, for the purpose of determining whether
the property complies with or violates any enactment or contains or
constitutes a hazard to health or safety.



821.5. A public entity or a public employee acting within the scope
of his employment is not liable for failing to prohibit or restrict
the time that cargo tank vehicles required to display flammable
liquid placards may travel through a tunnel.




821.6. A public employee is not liable for injury caused by his
instituting or prosecuting any judicial or administrative proceeding
within the scope of his employment, even if he acts maliciously and
without probable cause.


821.8. A public employee is not liable for an injury arising out of
his entry upon any property where such entry is expressly or
impliedly authorized by law. Nothing in this section exonerates a
public employee from liability for an injury proximately caused by
his own negligent or wrongful act or omission.



822. A public employee is not liable for money stolen from his
official custody. Nothing in this section exonerates a public
employee from liability if the loss was sustained as a result of his
own negligent or wrongful act or omission.


822.2. A public employee acting in the scope of his employment is
not liable for an injury caused by his misrepresentation, whether or
not such misrepresentation be negligent or intentional, unless he is
guilty of actual fraud, corruption or actual malice.



823. Neither the widow, widower, nor the heirs of a peace officer,
as defined in Sections 830.1, 830.2, and 830.32 of the Penal Code,
shall be liable individually for any injury or death that may result
from an act or omission of a peace officer that occurs in his or her
line of duty, including an act or omission not directly related to
the officer's death, if the officer was slain while in the line of
duty. Nothing in this section shall preclude any action from being
brought against the estate of the peace officer.

After speaking with an advocate for children, I found out something VERY important. It won't help my nephew much but...........it may help families out there BEFORE they fall victim to these agencies.

IF you or your family members are on a slippery slope, and NOT yet in the system of DHS (CPS) and are wanting to protect the children involved. You may want to look into a private probate guardianship. It is NOT stealing someone's child, it is insurance. I have been told that CPS or DHS has to recognize this appointment and the child will NOT be placed in a foster home. BUT you have to look into it for your own personal situation. Of course, being the relative, you will have to be appropriate too. (By that I mean be sure that YOU (or whomever is to be the private probate guardian) be in a situation where you are stable, free of drugs, criminal activity, etc.)

This would have to be a DONE and legally binding, by way of court papers, etc., as far as I know.

IN NO WAY CAN I GIVE ANYTHING THAT EVEN LOOKS LIKE LEGAL ADVICE!!! I AM ONLY INFORMING YOU OF A SUGGESTION THAT WAS MADE TO ME, AND IN MY CASE COULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS CHILD FROM BEING PLACED IN A FOSTER HOME. Please look into this suggestion for you or your family members and your own situations and state laws;)

I WISH I had known before my sister left my home. It would have been a good way to get involved and at the same time, respect that NOTHING had been done wrong up to that point. It would be exactly what I called it before.........INSURANCE!

Thanks;)

YOU have the right to have a state administrative hearing.

You have a right to a state fair hearing and/or a CSOB complaint concerning Child Protective Services (CPS) / Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS)

Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations Section 205.10 and/or 205.100, California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 22, section 22-003 gives you that right.
If you feel you have not been treated fairly by CPS/DCFS social workers and their agencies, you may file for a state fair hearing. All inquiries are submitted to:
California Dept. of Social Services
Public Inquiry Response MS 16-23
P.O. Box 944243
Sacramento, CA 94244-2430

Or CSOB to

Rita Saenz, Director of CDSS
744 P Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

In approximately 10 days, the CDSS must send you a confirmation of their receipt of your hearing request.
Within 30 days CDSS must respond to your CSOB complaint.
Within 30 days upon receipt of this request, CDSS must notify you.
Two days prior to the State hearing, they must also notify you and your AR that the County’s agency’s “position statement” is ready and where to pick it up.
“What is a county position statement?” It is the county’s answer to your claim. When you pick up your position statement, you have the right to inspect your file. You may ask for copies of any paperwork in your file. If the county agency refuses to let you see your file, get the person’s name, note it so you can also claim this at the hearing.

Rescue Baby R from Foster Care

Rescue Baby R from Foster Care

Before I was a Mom...............

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.



Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom.
~ author unknown

First Amendment Freedom............

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is the part of the United States Bill of Rights that expressly prohibits the United States Congress from making laws "respecting an establishment of religion" or that prohibit the free exercise of religion, laws that infringe the freedom of speech, infringe the freedom of the press, limit the right to peaceably assemble, or limit the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Although the First Amendment only explicitly applies to the Congress, the Supreme Court has interpreted it as applying to the executive and judicial branches

Letter to the foster parents in OUR case!!!

SAVING BABY R.
To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right. -Confucius


My purpose for writing this is not to paint foster parents as villains. In most cases they are the opposite. Foster parents our very important and should be looked at with high regards and respect by society.

They are there to provide temporary love, support and a family like atmosphere when children are taking away from their biological parents. And at times, the best place for the child to remain permanetly if reunification does not take place with their biological parents should be with the foster parents through legal adoption.

But foster parents should not fight the child’s family when the family has jumped through every hoop required by the State for proper placement especially when the State Adoptions itself recommend the placement with family.

If I may address the “foster parents” of my nephew:
First I would say thank you, thank you for having a heart for children. Being a “foster parent” is a difficult job to say the least. But my thank you ceases there. I find it terribly difficult to praise “foster parents” who would fight a very loving, very qualified and very dedicated family for the return of our beloved family member. Our nephew is very much missed by eight aunts and uncles, ten cousins, two siblings and numerous extended family members. All who did nothing to deserve for him to be taken from us.

We have been there for him since before birth. We anxiously awaited his arrival and were ecstatic to see him take his first breath of this earth. When CPS took him from his biological parents we ALL stepped up and made it very clear we are his family and we want him to be returned to us. You were aware that we have always been here, you met us, we sent pictures of him and his cousins. We provided clothes, toys, valuable family medical information, prayers, support, love and never ending desire to have him remain in the family God blessed him with.

And yet, for your own selfish reasons you did not do what “foster parents” are inteneded to do. You did not promote reunification; you did not care more for this child and his immeasurable love from his family. You cared only for yourselves. You were given proof the State Cleared and even recommends permanent placement to be given to his maternal aunt and uncle and still you fought. You attended court date after court dates where you first handed saw his family love and dedication to him and still you fought. You were aware of his biological parents’ wishes and signed designated relinquishment for him to be placed with his maternal aunt and uncle and still you fought.

This fight by you cannot be seen as heroic or you are doing this for the best interest for the child. It could only be seen as organized kidnapping. You should be seen for the villains you are, not heroic “foster parents” it’s quit unreasonable for the foster parents to fight this child you claim to love family and create this acrimonious atmosphere between yourselves and this child’s biological family. This is not a child who has no suitable family to provide permanency for him.

If that were the case then you should be commended to want to provide a loving home and family for a child where there isn’t one. But this has never been the case. You should be ashamed for doing everything in your power to attempt to take a very much loved and wanted member from a family.

All I am left to say is if you are successful, if the Judge determines our nephew is to remain with you, this will come back to bite you, regardless of the outcome. This child will be an adult longer than he is a child, he will learn the truth, and he will be shown the sacrifices happily made by his biological family to keep him with us. And he will see how you kidnapped him. His family will not be erased, his DNA will not be changed and his forever bond with our family will not be stolen forever.

Our family’s hearts are right, we love Baby R. and we want him to remain where God intended for him to be, with our family, with HIS family.

You do not have to be a parent to shudder at the word kidnapping nor do you have to be a parent to feel the pain of the loss of a child. All you need is to have a relationship with a child to know the forever ache of the mere thought of them to be taken from you. I am a parent, a proud mother of two.

I am currently experiencing and grieving a kidnapping in my family today but not of my own biological children a kidnapping of my blood related nephew. This kidnapping did not initiate the Amber Alert, the police are not searching for a criminal, and there will be no court date to see the person responsible for taking my nephew be found guilty. This story may sound like a bad Lifetime movie plot but this unfortunately is my reality, but the kidnappers in my Lifetime story are hidden and protected under the guise of “foster parent.”

My nephew was taking from his biological parents and placed into foster care in November 2007. Since that date, my sister and I have made it very clear that we love our nephew and both sought to have him placed with us. Child Protective Services (CPS) prolonged the case and placed our nephew with a foster family that have already adopted a number of foster children.

My sister was cleared by California State Adoptions for permanent placement of our two year old nephew; she and her husband were also named as defacto parent. The foster parents knew our families request and intent to have our nephew remain in our family and they not only fought us but hired their own attorney. The foster parents frustrated visitation with our family, and they unsuccessfully attempted to get a restraining order on our nephew’s biological mother. Moreover, they have done everything in there power to keep the extended biological family out of his life.

My sister and I have entered into an unbridled war with the foster parents for our nephew to remain with his biological family. His biological parents signed a legal designated relinquishment to severe there rights of their son to be specifically placed with his maternal aunt and uncle. The foster parents still would not cease in there efforts to thwart his reunification with his biological family.
Today, the only thing standing in his way of being returned to his biological loving and highly committed family is the foster parents desire to adopt him. California State Adoptions has done a complete investigation of the maternal aunt and uncle and highly recommends permanent placement and adoption by the maternal aunt and uncle. These are not foster parents who desire to help a child who does not have love or family ties; these are foster parents who out of there own selfish wishes are fighting to keep him.

This situation is not one where family did not make there presence and wishes for the child known to the child’s foster parents until the eleventh hour. The foster parents knew our families intent the entire time, and they still selfishly sought the child. These specific foster parents should be ashamed of their lack of compassion and there intent to keep this child from his natural biological family. This act by the foster parents is not praiseworthy and should not be commended; it is without a doubt malicious. They are attempting to take this child from his family who has done nothing but show love, support and the desire to have him remain in their family. The foster parents are trying to adopt a child that should not be adopted as he has a very supportive and State Approved natural family that wants him.

In the next few weeks the fate of my nephew will be decided by a Crescent City Judge. Our two year old nephew will either be permitted to be adopted as requested by his biological parents and as recommended by California State Adoptions by his maternal aunt and uncle. Or he will be left with his foster parents to be adopted. Unfortunately if the latter is to happen this case will not end there, there will be an appeal filed by our family immediately.

Baby R.’s proud Maternal Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve Turner

Did you know?????????????

Did you know that..........................?

D.W. was the CASA worker for at least two of the previously adopted siblings of Baby R's? (since she had so much previous experience with THIS family before, isn't that a conflict of interest to be the SW?)
S.W. told L.T. (maternal aunt) that "she would do anything and everything to get that baby away from Melissa", via phone BEFORE Baby R was taken into custody by CPS?
J.C. LIED in court to the judge's FACE about a summary written by R. of R.V.? dated 10-16-08
D.W. LIED in court about dates and DAYS (stated it was the day AFTER) my overnight visit and it was over a WEEK later, when she drew her own conclusions to take away my overnights?
Melissa's HIPAA rights were violated, proof was given on 10-16-08, see transcripts, when S.A. stated PROTECTED information about the EXACT number of drug tests and their results in court? AND WHO shared this information with her?? CPS? The Foster parents? BOTH? ONLY CPS could have gotten the information!
The Psychologist report had MANY errors and misquotes, so many that the validity of the report itself is in question. (The report is confidential otherwise I would post more.)
D. L. (SW in July 08) stated that S.A. had NOT had ANY contact with Baby R to her knowledge, BUT come to find out she had (or had lied about it)? (see transcripts 10-16-08)
Sutie Wheeler, State Adoptions A., DENIED K.F. an application for an adoptive home study via phone? Then she wouldn't give a written request for Fresno to do the home study, as is customary?
A. State Adoptions, T.B. & S. W. DENIED BOTH biological parents SINCE AUGUST (at least) their rights per 8700(f) to sign designated relinquishments? (see court transcripts for the MANY times of them stating that they wanted to do so, and they BOTH wanted their SON placed with ME!)
T. B. stated in front of: K.F. & L.T. on 10-15-08, before court, AND also in front of L.T., M.T., and R. S. that "SHE (State Adoptions) made a mistake by placing F.A. (previously adopted sibling to Baby R) with S.A.!!!!!!?
T. B. also asked L.T., witnessed by K.F. if there was any way that S.A. would ever agree to place F. A. with her? (10-15-08 before court in CPS visiting room)
CPS, K.D. (foster parent), and State Adoptions (A.) claimed how "fragile" Baby R was both medically and mentally in court, but the R.V. summary stated that there were "NO services needed", meaning no therapy. AND his medical conditions are ALL very minor!? (IN fact, he started seeing his current therapist on 10-7-08, which is odd, since our placement hearing was on 10-15-08)

All of the above IS TRUE AND CORRECT, under penalty of perjury..................we are MORE than willing to take lie detector tests to confirm the validity of these statements!

Disclaimer...................

Please be patient........and forgiving. As I translate my original documents and letters to more appropriate forms; to protect the juveniles in this case, I am TRYING to keep errors and omissions down to a minimum. I did say TRYING;)
Thanks for understanding;0

As my Freedom of Speech allows I will keep my family and friends updated with my beloved nephew and our FIGHT to bring HIM HOME!!!!!!!!!

December 31, 2008 Complaint letter.........

Below is a copy of my newest letter of complaint. As I send them out to ALL previous recipients AND more, I can only hope to draw more attention to the HUGE injustice that is happening. I will try to update the contact list as I have time. It seems that the system would love nothing more than for me to disappear, but I simply cannot, for my nephew's sake. Also in the works: a book, (speaking to published authors NOW:),we even have a volunteer to edit our manuscript, charity for relatives in the CPS system,and there is more..............my imagination and writing skills should be able to serve this cause. The longer this takes, the more damage that is done to my nephew, the more OUR entire family suffers, the more DETERMINED I get.

IN NO WAY IS THIS A THREAT! THIS IS A FACTUAL JOURNAL OF OUR STRUGGLE TO BRING OUR FAMILY MEMBER HOME!

Our mission is to BRING OUR NEPHEW HOME, CHANGE legislation, and STOP the individuals & agencies that obstruct justice!


December 31, 2008

Re: Denial of Kinship Care and Adoption

The reason for this letter is to formally complain about Del Norte County's denial of my kinship care rights. I am the maternal aunt to a beautiful and sweet 2 year old little boy, named Baby R J. P. Sinnott. He is funny, smart, and very loving. If you saw us together in public, you would assume he was my son, not just because of our very similar features and coloring but also of our comfortable and loving relationship. The reason I tell you of Baby R's sunny disposition is because of how very much he has overcome in his short little life.

When my sister Melissa Thornton was just 29 weeks pregnant with him, they were in a fatal car accident, where 2 people did not survive. Melissa while still pregnant with Baby R, was then airlifted to Redding, CA for surgery and medical care. After both her broken leg and arm were repaired by the surgeon, little unborn Baby R was stable but a heart anomaly was found. I live in Fresno County and drove to Redding and transported Melissa to my town, so that I could help care for her and Baby R. Baby R was born June 7, 2006 only weighing 4 pounds 11 ounces but was the cutest preemie our family ever laid their eyes on. His heart condition was serious but with delivery and 7 days in the NICU, he was stable enough to come home, along with his mother. He lived as part of our immediate family, in my home, for the first 9 months of his life. My husband, five children, and myself were devastated with Baby R's absence from our daily lives.

My sister moved with Baby R to Del Norte County, where her other children reside. On November 23, 2007 Baby R was taken into the custody of Del Norte CPS and put into a foster home. On December 10, 2007 I sent a formal request for placement of Baby R into my home for both temporary and permanent basis, as a follow up to a phone request made to Susan Wilson, of CPS. I have repeatedly asked for placement, sent cards, photos, clothing, toys, letters, etc. for Baby R. I began the relative placement approval process and was approved 5-5-08, by Del Norte.

While maintaining contact with the department, I was given very little information about the process and how to navigate through the system as a relative. I have driven the 12 hours to visit my nephew on several occasions, attended court, hired an attorney, and "fought" to have an adoptive home study. (State Adoptions in Arcata has had a hand in the problems that we are experiencing also. Their denial of a home study and of both parents REPEATED request to sign designated relinquishments, for months, is it's own problem to be dealt with.) My home study was approved, by State Adoptions Fresno District Office on October 3, 2008. I had 14 glowing references delivered to State Adoptions.

My nephew has been victim to severe bite marks on at least 3 occasions and CPS refused to move him even at the biological parents' request. I have witnessed perjury with my own eyes in court by CPS workers and have been denied "many" requests to keep up my biological relationship with my nephew with digital photos, phone calls, audio recordings of me reading to him, participation in therapy with him, overnights, and above all placement. Baby R has three older half-sisters that have been previously adopted. The two oldest J. and K. were adopted by their paternal grandparents. The youngest of the three was adopted by the maternal grandmother. I am the only one who has facilitated any kind of a relationship between the two older sisters and Baby R since his detainment. Neither the foster mom or CPS has facilitated any visits.

Now even as the named prospective adoptive parents, by State Adoptions, my husband and I have not received placement of my nephew. The foster parents have adopted before and are intent to add my nephew to their collection of children. Environmental Alternatives Adoption Agency, Del Norte CPS, and State Adoptions, Arcata District Office have had an agenda from the beginning; regulations and family codes have not been followed and now a biological relative may be lost forever.

My story is long and my plea very urgent, I am requesting your aid in bringing my nephew home to the first home he has ever known. I am a more than willing, ready, and able relative who has asked from the beginning for his placement. Not only does my immediate family lose out on a close relationship with Baby R if we are denied adopting him, but his two older sisters, his 10 cousins, several aunts and uncles, many-many extended family members to include a great-great aunt, as well as a supervised relationship with his biological parents. (The foster parents even TRIED to get a restraining order against the biological mother.)

Time is of the essence and a little boy is waiting to be brought home. As Martin Luther King Jr., so eloquently put it, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere". IF relatives who have been able to do what we have, are as qualified as we are, and have fought this long, I shudder to think how MANY relatives will or have been lost to the average family.

I would appreciate a response at your earliest convenience, the next placement hearing is February 4, 2009 in Del Norte. (Documents in support of the above, may be delineated upon request.)

Respectfully,



Kimberly Fraser

cc: CA Foster Parent Ombudsman, Cynthia McDowell (877) 846-1062
Robert Cochran, Attorney at Law (707) 464-3178