To: World Mailbag@GWP

cc:

Subject: child protection reform ad

Hello:

I am writing to thank you -- and praise God -- for the ad you ran in the June 10 issue ("Are Your Children at Risk?" -- www.childprotectionreform.org). The magazine remains on my kitchen counter, open to that page. I've barely read anything else!

I have been ministering to and advocating for a few women who have had their children taken by Child Protective Services for almost three years. I have witnessed CPS workers and the system trample the rights of parents; I have been in the courtroom when judges made decisions that flew in the face of the statutes; and I have been on the receiving end of comments from a variety of people who think I am paranoid. My husband and I even sent a letter to the Grand Jury -- but sent it anonymously because of our fears of retribution by CPS, who had become very unhappy with me personally.

Perhaps someday, one of the more powerful family advocacy groups will begin to work for reform in this area. In the meantime, that ad gives hope to falsely accused parents, and acknowledges a very serious problem in this country. The web site is a good source of information and support. There is not much that can be done by the individual parent who is victimized by the system, but at least it lets those parents know that they are not alone.