E-mail to TCFR supporters on July 2, 2004
IT'S TIME TO SPEAK OUT
It's time! We are putting the word out for you to consider contacting Gov. Perry, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, your state representative, your state senator, and/or getting in touch with local media. Help Gov. Rick Perry expose the atrocities of the CPS system.
Yesterday, Gov. Perry called for an investigation into CPS based on his concern that CPS has failed to protect children who have been abused and/or died at the hands of parents. CPS does need to be held accountable for those oversights. BUT GOV. PERRY MUST HEAR OF THE OTHER SIDE ALSO : that far too many children are removed from their parents and family based on scanty evidence.
Did you know that in Los Angeles the Department of Children and Family Services admitted that "half of the children in the system had been unnecessarily taken from their families and placed in more dangerous environments because of financial incentives in state and federal laws." (Los Angeles Daily News, 6/20/04)
Do you, or does Gov. Perry, think it is much different here in Texas?
Let's make a difference now! Consider the momentum here in Texas!
In November, 2003 Speaker of the House Craddick appointed an interim committee to look into specific charges related to CPS.
About the same time the Comptroller began investigating foster care.
In March, 2004 we helped participate in a press conference exposing the undue targeting of minorities in foster care.
In April the Comptroller issued her scathing report.
In May the Commissioner of DFPS gave notice of his resignation effective this fall
By June DFPS was acknowledging their requirements to look to relative care first before removing children
In June the Governor's office issued a condemnation of practices under DFPS related to Adult Protective Services.
And yesterday, Gov. Perry initiated an investigation of Children's Protective Services one day before the Comptroller was to have a press conference calling for "sweeping reforms" in the system.
The sunlight is exposing systemic problems at every level of the Department of Family and Protective Services. Had they accepted accountability long ago, these problems probably would have been much simpler to deal with. But they didn't so the ball is in our court.
Therefore, talk to your attorney about contacting state officials. While CPS may choose to retaliate state officials may be able to get them to bend on your behalf and that of others.
This is a time that you can make a difference while they are coming under intense scrutiny. We have no idea how long this window of opportunity will last.
Some recommendations:
1. When you contact them you may mention you are calling in light of Gov. Perry's investigation into CPS; that should get their attention
2. Share your story of how CPS abused you
3. Give names of caseworkers and supervisors that you would like them to check into.
4. Share specific grievances. Some of those that seem to come up repeatedly include
a. They assumed I was guilty, period.
b. They had such an arrogant attitude; we could do no right : they could do no wrong.
c. They did not listen to me as a parent; no due process.
d. They did not make reasonable efforts to keep my family together
e. They did not consider placement with relatives or friends
f. I felt like my children were used as a hostage
g. They did not even have a court order
h. They forced their way into my home
i. They actually lied
5. Ask them since DFPS has proven to be so shamefully abusive of children and adults within their custody after removal from a family, what sensible person would trust them in the investigative state prior to removal?
We wish you a safe and happy Independence Day weekend. Links for contacts are below.
Respectfully,
Peter JohnstonPresident
