my two daughters have been in & out of DHS child protective services since age 14, because her mother and i live in different cities and she couldn't maintain suitable housing that met HUH standards. to begin with, they were asigned a young, recently out of college case worker who not only had no children of her own, but also very limited (if any) experience in her chosen profession. this counselor was brash, lacked tact, and clashed with my children's mother at nearly every turn, frequently interjectcting her biased opinion of how my children were being raised. eventually, she took my children into the custody of the state, and immediately, recommended the seperation of the two, which resulted in them being placed in foster families some 80 miles apart at the ages of 12 & 14. this traumatized them both, but particularly my youngest.
my oldest began having sexual relations and got pregnant & miscarriaging twice. recently she had a baby and is still in dhs' custody. what can i do?
2006-10-12 16:40:03 · 4 answers · asked by enragedagainstthemachine 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
The daughters may have benefited from your guidance and parenting if you had moved close by to where they lived. If the mom was having financial troubles - were you paying child support and helping out? Did you file for custody once you learned that things were going wrong in that household? Likely the case worker saw the unfolding situation and gave warnings that if things didn't improve then the girls would be moved to suitable housing (a roof over their heads, clothes and food). Sometimes young girls who choose to be sexually active will end up having babies regardless of where they are - the first miscarriage was a clear message to her as to what could happen due to lack of birth control and continuing to engage in that behavior. What you can do is try to be more of an involved parent instead of acting after the fact.
2006-10-15 04:04:48 · answer #1 · answered by sunshine25 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First get a good lawyer and be prepared to spend money and time. Call around and see if there is one that will take the case pro-bono.
Second report the caseworker herself to Child protective services. Clearly where they are placing her the people are incapable of keeping an eye on her. There is legal precedence for holding caseworkers responsible for the welfare of the children. Recently one was charged with man-slaughter because a child she placed in a foster home starved to death. The caseworker falsified records and didn't check on the child.
If nothing else take it to Good Morning America or some such program. DSHS hates the publicity. }-] By the same token you need to make sure your recent background is as close to spotless as possible because DSHS will dredge up and TWIST any and ALL facts and allegations against you! They have been caught in out and out lies in court and somehow seem to escape purgery charges. It's an uphill fight so good luck. Don't let them wear you down, They will try to outlast you so hang in there. They will also try to stall forever.
2006-10-12 16:55:10 · answer #2 · answered by CatLady 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If protective services hasnt come to you, for whatever reasons, or you havent been involved except to hear what tragedy your estranged wife? ex-partner? and children's life is...Your only recourse is to get an attorney involved. You wont fight the system on your own. Sad case really.
2006-10-12 16:48:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, that is......wow. DHS lately drives me crazy, they are ment to take care of the childrens best interest but instead screw them up even more. If I were you, I would contact a lawyer and get some advice from them. Good Luck
2006-10-12 16:48:15 · answer #4 · answered by prophacyks 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋