The Truth Behind CPS: Advocacy, Accountability, and Reform
This section of the website brings together key insights and evidence that expose the systemic corruption within Child Protective Services. Explore detailed accounts, expert analysis, and shocking revelations about how the system has failed families and children.
Nancy Schaefer’s Revelations
Dive into the groundbreaking exposé by Senator Nancy Schaefer, whose report, The Corrupt Business of Child Protective Services, unveiled the systemic failures and injustices within the CPS system in Georgia and across the nation. Through her work, Senator Schaefer exposed how families were torn apart unnecessarily, children were placed in abusive situations, and the system operated with little accountability or responsibility. Her fight to uncover the truth has left a lasting impact, inspiring countless others to demand justice and reform.
Senator Schaefer worked with over 300 cases in Georgia and hundreds more nationwide, documenting heart-wrenching stories of CPS corruption. She revealed how children were often taken from safe and loving homes without cause, only to be placed in environments that caused them harm. Her conclusion was clear: “There is no responsibility and no accountability in Child Protective Services.”
The Role of Federal Incentives
In her report, Senator Schaefer highlighted the devastating impact of federal policies like the Adoption and Safe Families Act. First introduced in 1974 by Walter Mondale and expanded in 1997 by President Bill Clinton, this act provided financial incentives for states to increase adoptions out of foster care. These "adoption incentive bonuses" turned children into commodities.
For every child adopted out to strangers, states could receive bonuses of $4,000 to $6,000, with an additional $2,000 for “special needs” children. The system, driven by financial incentives, created a perverse motivation for CPS to remove children from their families unnecessarily. Employees worked diligently to keep the federal dollars flowing, often prioritizing profits over the well-being of the children they were supposed to protect.
Senator Schaefer’s revelations continue to resonate as a call to action for parents, advocates, and policymakers to address the corruption within CPS and fight for a system that values accountability, transparency, and the sanctity of family. At Stolen Children by CPS, we carry forward her mission, shining a light on these injustices and advocating for meaningful change.
The ABA's Role in CPS Oversight
Uncover how the American Bar Association (ABA) influences the Child Protective Services system. Learn about its legal frameworks, ethical guidelines, and the gaps in oversight that allow systemic failures to persist.
Kimberly J. Winbush, J.D., and the Legal Foundations of My Fight
The legal insights of Kimberly J. Winbush, J.D., have been a guiding light in my fight for justice. Her article, Violation of Parent's or Child's Rights to Familial Association Under Fourth or Fourteenth Amendment Based on False Statements, resonated deeply with my experience, shedding light on the systemic failures that led to the unjust separation of my family.
Her work not only reflected the painful reality I faced but also illuminated the path forward, empowering me with knowledge of my constitutional rights and the legal precedents that could strengthen my case. The article highlighted the protections of the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments, emphasizing the right to familial association and the consequences of deceit and fabrication in court.
Winbush’s detailed analysis, including cases like Patrick v. County of Los Angeles, became a cornerstone in my fight against the lies and manipulations that unraveled my family. Her work underscores the power of truth and the critical importance of holding systems accountable.
Her legal expertise gave me not just clarity but hope—hope that justice could prevail and that my fight could inspire change for others. This is a story not only about my case but about the fight to protect the rights of all families. Read more about the foundation of my fight in my upcoming book, Stolen Children by CPS.
Post-Separation Abuse Education
Post-separation abuse often extends beyond intimate relationships, with perpetrators weaponizing systems like CPS to further harm parents. This tactic can lead to children being unjustly removed, intensifying trauma for both parents and children. For more insights, explore this.
Exposing Judicial Misconduct: The Case of Judge John Michalski
The tragic story of Judge John Michalski highlights the darker side of judicial systems and the consequences of unchecked misconduct. Known for connections to corruption and alleged criminal activities, Michalski’s untimely death brought attention to systemic issues within the judiciary. This case underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the legal system.
Read more about the case in The New York Times: Judge John Michalski’s Story.
Exposing CPS Racism and Disproportionality
In the United States, Child Protective Services (CPS) disproportionately targets Black, Latino, multiracial, and other marginalized families, separating children from their parents at significantly higher rates than white families. This systemic bias perpetuates racial inequality and tears apart families who deserve protection and support—not scrutiny and injustice.
Recent data underscores these troubling disparities:
-
California Statistics: Families of color in California face disproportionate representation in child welfare interventions, with data revealing systemic inequalities in how CPS interacts with different racial groups. ExploreCalifornia Statistics
-
Federal Statistics: National trends further illustrate these disparities, with state-specific foster care data showing a consistent pattern of racial inequity. View Federal Statistics
These statistics paint a clear picture: CPS disproportionately harms marginalized communities, creating generational trauma and perpetuating cycles of injustice.
It’s time for accountability, reform, and action. Together, we can advocate for a child welfare system that upholds equity and justice for all families, regardless of race or background. Join us in the fight to protect children and demand systemic change.
A New Perspective on Child Support and Custody
In many cases, child support laws disproportionately place financial obligations on fathers, creating an imbalance that fails to reflect the shared responsibility of raising children. I believe it is time to rethink the traditional approach to child support. Instead of assigning financial responsibility to one parent, both parents should contribute equally to the needs of their children.
Data from the study Nonresident Fathers and Formal Child Support: Evidence from the CPS, the NSFG, and the SIPP highlights inconsistencies in the way nonresident fathers are represented and the disparities in their ability to meet formal child support requirements. For instance, nonresident fathers from disadvantaged backgrounds or minority groups are less likely to provide formal child support, not because of unwillingness but due to systemic challenges and economic barriers. This data underscores the need to move toward a more equitable system that considers informal support and the shared financial responsibility of both parents.
Additionally, joint custody should be the default arrangement, ensuring that children maintain meaningful relationships with both parents unless there is a documented history of domestic violence. This approach not only promotes fairness but also prioritizes the well-being of the child, fostering a balanced and supportive environment.
It’s time to advocate for policies that recognize parenting as a shared responsibility and prioritize the best interests of children without creating unnecessary financial or emotional burdens for either parent.
Domestic Violence and the Systemic Impact on Families: Statistics and Insights
Domestic violence remains a significant issue affecting families and children across the United States. Studies estimate that domestic violence is present in at least one-third of the families involved in child protective services (CPS) investigations (Break Down the Silos That Harm Children, Child Protective Services and Domestic Violence). Exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) during childhood is recognized as an adverse childhood experience (ACE), with long-term health and developmental consequences (A Balancing Act, During the COVID-19 Pandemic: IPV and CPS Provider Perspectives).
-
Prevalence and Exposure:
-
Over 15.5 million children in the United States witness constant companion-partner violence annually (A Balancing Act).
-
In California alone, up to 18% of child abuse and neglect cases include allegations of IPV (A Balancing Act).
-
Children who witness IPV are more likely to experience psychological, emotional, and social difficulties compared to those who do not (Child Protective Services and Domestic Violence).
-
-
Systemic Responses and Challenges:
-
Despite its prevalence, systemic gaps in addressing domestic violence persist. Historically, CPS and domestic violence programs have operated separately, leading to inconsistent support for affected families (Break Down the Silos That Harm Children, Child Protective Services and Domestic Violence).
-
Collaborative efforts between CPS and domestic violence programs are emerging but remain limited. Innovative approaches, such as employing domestic violence specialists in CPS and cross-training professionals, show promise (Child Protective Services and Domestic Violence).
-
-
Impact on Child Welfare:
-
Witnessing domestic violence is correlated with co-occurring child maltreatment, particularly emotional neglect (A Balancing Act).
-
During the COVID-19 pandemic, school closures and social isolation exacerbated risks, with a 25% increase in IPV-related child welfare cases (A Balancing Act, During the COVID-19 Pandemic: IPV and CPS Provider Perspectives).
-
These statistics highlight the urgent need for integrated systems that protect children while supporting non-offending parents. Comprehensive reforms, education, and advocacy are essential to address the dual harms of domestic violence and systemic failures.
For a deeper understanding of these issues, explore the full reports from Virginia Journal of Social Policy & Law here and other key resources linked above.
Let us unite to ensure safety, justice, and dignity for all affected families.
Perspective on Civil Suits Against Family Policing Agencies
The Potential of Civil Suits: Advocating for Justice in Family Policing Systems
Family policing agencies, under the guise of protecting children, have perpetuated systemic inequities and inflicted profound harm on vulnerable families. These agencies, often operating outside constitutional norms, disproportionately target low-income and minority communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and trauma. Civil suits provide a critical, though underutilized, avenue to challenge the overreach and misconduct of these systems.
As highlighted in Harvard Law Review (Civil Suits by Parents against Family Policing Agencies, n.d.), civil suits face significant hurdles, including qualified immunity and the systemic secrecy of family courts. However, notable cases—like Chanetto Rivers’ challenge against racially biased child removals in New York—demonstrate their power to hold agencies accountable and spotlight injustices. Such cases not only seek redress for individuals but also pressure agencies to adopt more equitable practices.
The trauma of forced family separation is immeasurable, affecting parents and children alike. Removal can cause lifelong emotional and social damage to children while devastating parents’ mental health and community cohesion. Civil suits serve as a vital check on these agencies, providing a platform to expose their failings and advocate for systemic reform.
To effect meaningful change, these legal battles must be led by those most impacted, ensuring that their voices and priorities shape the fight for justice. Civil suits are not a standalone solution but an essential component of a broader movement to end unjust family policing and promote community resilience.
For further details, visit our resources or read Alexa Richardson’s comprehensive analysis in the Harvard Law Review Blog (Civil Suits by Parents against Family Policing Agencies, n.d.)
For further details, visit our resources or read Alexa Richardson’s comprehensive analysis in Harvard Law Review Blog(2024): https://harvardlawreview.org/blog/2024/05/civil-suits-by-parents-against-family-policing-agencies/
LOS ANGELES COUNTY CPS EXPOSED: MORE CHILDREN KILLED AFTER GABRIEL FERNANDEZ
Watch Now: Click Here
After the tragic death of Gabriel Fernandez, the world was outraged. Netflix documented his story—but what they didn’t tell you is that Los Angeles County continued to fail more innocent children in the years that followed. More boys lost their lives because CPS and social workers refused to act.
How many more children must suffer before we hold CPS accountable?
At Stolen Children by CPS, we are exposing the truth that the system wants to bury. CPS claims to protect children, but time and time again, they turn a blind eye to abuse while wrongfully tearing apart loving families.
What You Need to Know:
-
CPS ignored warnings, leaving children to die
-
Social workers failed to act, even with clear signs of abuse
-
More innocent children suffered while the system covered it up
-
The media stays silent—WE WON’T
Help Us Expose CPS & Demand Justice!
-
Watch & Share This Video: Click Here
-
Support the Fight: Shop Cause Shirts and Coffee Mugs to help fund legal advocacy Click Here
-
Get Involved: Speak out, raise awareness, and demand accountability
Every child’s life matters. Every family deserves justice. No more stolen children.