social services taking my son!!

[Burning Goddess]

I don't know if any of you will remember my posts from December but I now find myself losing the child I love with all my heart. Child protective Services is having a hearing on Monday (tomorrow) to try to do this. Their worker said it's because of neglect but he has no PROOF. I spoke to a friend that works in his office and she said it is because of me being Wiccan. Religious persecution in this day and age... I just can't prove it ::frown:: Watch your backs friends.... Goddess knows it could be you next.

[Jeleia]

I'm so sorry to hear that Burning Goddess :( You will be in my thoughts and prayers...

[Flar's Freyja]

I worked for child protective services in my state for five years. If I can help, send me a pm.

[Margie]

I am so sorry Burning Goddess. I really have no advice because I've never been in a similar situation, but if they do come out and say something like that, can't you get a good lawyer to appeal? I'm not very smart about this kinda stuff, but just wait till Yvonne gets here ;) She knows everything. {{{HUGS}}} I'm so sorry you're going throught this!

[Twilight Garden]

They have to have proof to be able to go through with it. Having a hearing doesn't mean it will happen. Anything you think they may try to use against you, you would just have to either show it's irrelevance or innaccuracy. Best of luck to you.

[Flar's Freyja]

Originally posted by LunarMist
They have to have proof to be able to go through with it. Having a hearing doesn't mean it will happen. Anything you think they may try to use against you, you would just have to either show it's irrelevance or innaccuracy. Best of luck to you.

Unfortunately, it's the way the worker presents the information to the court, and it's the worker's perception of what is proof. The court only knows what's presented to them. Individual workers handle cases so differently, we had a few that we called "Pick-up Princesses."

I would strongly advise Burning Goddess to do all you can to be cooperative and control your reaction - if you deal with them screaming, crying and yelling it gives them reason to say you're mentally or emotionally unstable.

[Danustouch]

I heard of a couple who had their child taken away a few years ago, because they had athame's on their altar, and someone who was involved with the state was a guest in their home, saw them, and reported them for "Risk of endangerment" or something like that.

I think it's rare for people to have their kids taken away because of their religion these days, as the ACLU is usually pretty happy to get involved in these cases.

But sadly, it does happen.

I hope that justice is reached, Burning.

[Flar's Freyja]

Here's a site that might help:

http://www.witchvox.com/xprotection.html

[Yvonne Belisle]

The calmer you are the better. Also if you know the exact things they are going to try to use against you any proof that you have about being a good parent will help but and this is the hard part when it comes to protecting our children as far as the state is concerned we are guilty unless proven inocent. If there are children involved the courts will err on the side of safty for the kids. You may end up losing for a little time if you do don't freak out or you will make things worse. Calmly contact a lawyer if any clergy or official type people have been in your home and know it is kept clean get statements. Maybe you know someone who works for a government office get statements from them if they have been around you and your child. Get statements from the dr about if he has seen any signs of abuse at all teachers too. These things can help you if you are correct and the only excuse is religion. Each worker does what they think is best for the children and in that workers eyes this could be what they think is the best way to save the childs soul. We know better but that isn't going to make this all go away. Remember that you can slant all information in both good and bad ways and that they are going to present things with the slant that says they are doing the right thing unless they actually say in court or in front of witnesses that this is a religious issue then it will be a challenge for you to prove but don't give up. My prayers are with you.




Margie you are silly I don't know everything I learn new things everyday. :)

[Twilight Garden]

Department of children and families investigated us because 'Lil Girl's mother called in a false report of medical neglect. All we had to do was show that there were no signs of neglect. The investigator knew of my religion because it was mentioned in a document that she asked for. We were extemely cooperative and gave them any information they asked for. It got filed as a false report and the mother got chewed out by the investigator for attempting to abuse the system.

[Phoenix_Blue]

To Hél with prayers; get a lawyer. Today.

[Ball-Bhreac Ròn]

(((Burning Goddess))) My thoughts and prayers and hopeful energies are with you. I'm beginning to see myself what loss can be, and I truly hope that your son can stay with you.

[shnen]

(((Burning Goddess))) my thoughts are with you.
please keep updated..:)

[DragonDawn]

((Burning Goddess)) My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I agree be very calm.
Social Services tryed to take my nephews away from my sister because my 2yr nephew broke his leg and then both of his arms. The investigator actualy had to DEFEND my sister.
They can be pains and if they want to take a kid, most of the time they do.
:( its very sad

[Flar's Freyja]

Originally posted by Phoenix_Blue
To Hél with prayers; get a lawyer. Today.

Very good idea if you are able to do so. The clients I had who could afford private attorneys fared far better than those who could only get a public defender.