Law

"The Bill of Rights, Due Process Clause, and other provisions of the U.S. and Oregon Constitutions must be repealed." - Suggestions from the Oregon Judges Spring Conference, as reported in MDT Quarterly for the State of Oregon, Volume 17, July 1998

Most people don't know that laws don't apply to state employees, at least not in the normal sense.  State employees are granted immunity from prosecution for their official acts.  That is, a caseworker can physically intervene to force apart the legs of an unwilling young girl for a genital examination; a deputy can kick in a door to enter a home without warrant - and they have TOTAL immunity under state law from civil and criminal penalty.  State workers can be charged with Federal civil rights violations, but plaintiffs must pay an attorney to file suit.   Federal suits typically cost $50,000-$100,000 to pursue, and workers are defended voraciously by top attorneys on retainer with public employee unions.  Also, under collective bargaining agreements, income for government workers is a right, not a privilege.

Further, the system creatively interprets legislation to get what it wants.  For example, at least in Oregon, a spanking that leaves a bruise is NOT explicitly stated to be child abuse.  In fact, state law specifically allows "reasonable force" by parents.  However, a law passed to protect aging adults in nursing homes includes language which makes ANY injury a felony.  Many judges accept that a welt is an injury.  The law doesn't specify adult injury.   SCF got what it wanted....spanking as felony, without the risk of a loss in say, a referendum or explicit anti-spanking law.

Oregon Laws - Normal parental discipline is a felony in Oregon.  Probably in your state, as well.

Oregon Administrative Rules - Most laws never have to pass the floor of the House or Senate; they are written by agencies themselves as administrative rules.

Violations of Law - laws violated by SCF and Law Enforcement in the Gilman case.  But, let's not actually hold the government to the same standards as everyone else.....

Michigan Exposed - actual practices, from an experienced attorney. 

Caseworker Immunity #1 - a US Supreme court ruling so creative, we knew you'd appreciate it.

Caseworker Immunity #2 - just in case you didn't believe it the first time....

US Department of Justice - only a few well-connected, politically correct plaintiffs need apply.

Immunity Pierced! - Really good news from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Immunity Pierced 2 - More good news from the never-ending Wenatchee, WA saga.

Immunity Pierced 3 - Excellent news from a really smart, tenacious man with money to spend.  New 1/01

Public Schools and Genital Exams - A newswire to make parent's skin crawl, and status of a lawsuit to stop this barbaric practice.

Federal Law - the Feds aren't really the problem.  Their definition of abuse is far more reasonable than most states.

Florida Bill - a reform effort that ended up bogging down in the state Senate.  Pretty good try, though.

Florida Legislative Analysis - what the state thought of the bill.  Requires a .pdf viewer.

Specific Suggestions - CPR tries for Oregon reform.  This became HB 3570, which was killed in House committee in early 1999.  A genuine thanks for your good efforts on our behalf, Representative Close!

More Suggestions - A long time family rights activist has a plethora of ideas.

Still More Suggestions - Liability reform to bring accountability

Florida Petition - circulated in 1999 in an attempt to get the governor to reform through executive order.

HB 3570 - substantial reforms introduced into the Oregon Legislature in 1999, courtesy CPR and Representative Betsy Close.  CPR strongly recommends eventual passage of this legislation.

AFA suit against Michigan - dunno how this will turn out, but a great effort.

Spanking - is it legal?  Technically, yes.  Practically, no.  Take a look at California law.  It is both reasonable and widely disregarded by Children's Services in that state. 

Foster Care Reform - Foster parents are sometimes targeted by Children's Services.  This Oregon organization plans to do something about it.