The following is a letter that I mailed and faxed to CPS on 8-1-08. SADLY, I NEVER had a written response or even a verbal one! I did speak to J. Cain on the phone BEFORE she received it and she said that "she would look into it" and get back to me. She never did get back to me on this issue. There have been more incidences of bite marks on Baby R. The dates will be on the time line. This was NOT the only time there was proof of physical abuse on Baby R. There was a police report filed at one time but I cannot post that here. Environmental Alternatives is the other agency involved in this case. It amazes me that an agency can ignore and NOT help a little boy remain safe in a foster home.
BTW we still have the photos, I am unsure if I may post them here or not. Just imagine the WORST bite you have EVER seen without the skin breaking! There were 4 of them and all in the same stages of bruising! AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kimber Fraser
P.O. Box 923
Clovis, CA 93613
(559) 360-0191
kimmysbenz@hotmail.com
July 31, 2008
Dept. of Health and Human Services
880 Northcrest Drive
Crescent City, CA 95531
(707) 464-3191
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is in regards to Baby R, the minor son of Melissa T. and R.S.. There is an urgent issue that warrants the immediate attention of your office and all agencies involved in the case.
During a recent visit with Baby R on Thursday July 24 of 2008; Melissa alerted myself and our sister Lisa Turner about some very severe injuries on Baby R's back and sides. I personally viewed the bruises after Melissa revealed the injuries by lifting up Baby R's shirt. I saw the imprint of complete bite marks that appeared to be from a youth's mouth, as they were small in diameter. There were several marks that looked quite painful, and there were at least four separate marks. Tiny teeth imprints that were red and purple in hue, were easily visible to the naked eye. Due to the amount of bites, it seemed a very intentional act that was violent in nature. Melissa told us that she reported it to the staff at Social Services and it was noted in the case file. An explanation was offered by the current foster parent K.D. to the staff. The bites were said to be from a little girl about Baby R's age. Melissa said she doubted that Baby R took part in any biting because she had never witnessed or heard of him biting before. I witnessed K.D., telling Melissa about the bite marks in the lobby the next morning just prior to another visit with Baby R. I find the marks on Baby R, very unacceptable. With five children myself I know that children argue and fight. With one or MAYBE two bites you can say that the fight was interrupted quickly and the children were kept from further injury. Due to the amount of bite marks found on Baby R I am worried that Baby R was held down and bit with such force and severity that he had no adult supervision for quite some time. I let Melissa know how very disturbed I was by Baby R's injuries Melissa and Lisa both stated that they felt the same. Melissa did however state that she did what she could by reporting the visible signs of abuse and showing myself and Lisa. My sister Lisa was able to take photos of the bite marks on her cell phone. A foster parent that cannot protect a child's safety, while in their care, should not continue care for that child.
I realize that the foster system may be overloaded and the social workers overworked, but the very reason for such a system is to protect all children from bodily harm. As Baby R's Aunt, a mother, and a medical professional I cannot sit back and not demand that something definitive be done to correct this dangerous situation. It is not OK to be injured so severely, even if by another child. I am deeply concerned about the supervision in the home and the possibility of further injury or worse. Even the pain and time it took for the current injuries to occur are proof of lack of competence. I would be very uncomfortable and derelict in duty, if I did not share my concern about these injuries.
Thank you in advance for your immediate attention to this urgent matter. I would greatly appreciate a reply to my letter at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Kimber Fraser
cc: J. Cain
M.S.
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