My Babies Need To Come Home

As told by Lori Pynn

My story began in November, 2006.  My girls were age 4 and 6 when child welfare was called to my home following a huge fight I had with my boyfriend in front of my daughter. My actions were inappropriate, I should not have done this in front of my 4 year old daughter and I would pay dearly for it. It was suggested that my girls stay with their grandmother who was very close to us. I am fortunate to have much family support.

At this time I was very happy and excited when I realized I was pregnant. I was anxious to get my girls home from a few days with Nan........which turned in weeks and months. My son was born and we were watched constantly. When he was only six weeks old a social worker assumed I was impaired and child welfare ripped him from my breast. The drug test was clean; I had not had a drink or done drugs for 5 years since before my first daughter was born.

Michael spent his first year of life in six foster homes. One foster parent was under investigation for breaking the arms of another infant in the home. It was a horrific day my 4 month old son was taken to the emergency room to be checked for broken bones and fractures. This the year for my son whom I brought into this world by the grace and pure love of God, whom I adored and treasured. I watched and could do nothing as he was deprived of me. My doctor who saw Michael twice in the six weeks I had him, said he was flourishing on his breast milk. I don’t think her statements ever reached the court as the social worker said I was not allowed to feed my son. That first year of Michael’s life the girls stayed with Nan, for which I was very thankful.

It took over a year, until in September 2008, Michael and the girls came home with me. They didn’t even know each other.

In February 2009 I gave birth to Bailey and Brian. They were preemies at 29.5 weeks who both stayed in NICU for 2 months. I was there with them every day to bring them my fresh breast milk, to give them my endless love, to share songs and stories with them. There was always a hospital ward that saw me with them. 

I was never happier than when the babies came home in April, 2009 and we are all together as a family. Then in September, 2009, citing subjective rants about my mental and emotional stability, they stole all my children. From the time the twins were born until their abduction I worked hard at caring for my five children and giving them a good home. I never hurt a child in my life! I have a lot of family and community support. My doctor of 15 years supports my kids’ return, as does my counsellor of 10 years and a missionary woman in the church who has been a great spiritual help to me. I have participated in and completed parenting classes.

We went to court in February, 2010. The child welfare stand was “separate all the children, girls with their Nan, baby Michael with his father and the twins for profit. In June 2, 2010 ~ four very long months later, I was called to a child welfare room with my lawyer. The judge brought the news that I had won custody of my three oldest children. However I was told “Don’t question anything about the twins from this point onward or we are going to take the other three back.”  I have been fighting ever since June 2010. I have not seen my little blessings in 16 months. I don’t know where my babies are, I have no rights to them at all, and I’m not allowed to know if they are dead or alive. I don’t know how much longer I can live like this, but the Lord tells me it will be okay.

I only have 20 days to appeal a Supreme Court ruling that I lost on Sept 20/11. I have lost a lot of precious time with my kids and I don’t know where to go from here.

My babies need to come home to me and their brother and sisters who miss them terribly.

An Angel at Only 4 Months

A beautiful healthy baby a week before she was abducted.

by Jamie Sullivan                           

Hello, I am Delonna Sullivan and I died while in foster care on April 11, 2011. I was 4 months old.

I want to tell you what happened to me through my mother, Jamie Sullivan because I can’t tell you and you should know so you can protect your children.

On April 5, 2011, about 9:00 a.m. there was a knock at our door. Two child care persons and an RCMP officer were there with apprehension Orders ...for the children of my mother’s female roommate. They took the roommate’s children and then demanded me from my mother. I was scared and didn’t want to go. As I looked into my mother’s eyes I was pleading with her not to let them take me but there were three of them and my mother could not battle all three while holding me. They took me to their car, but they didn’t even have a car seat for me. Why didn’t the RCMP officer stop them then? To keep me safe my mother loaned them my car seat.

They took me to a strange place. I could hear my mother and my grandmother pleading with them to let her or my grandmother look afer me. They refused.

I was taken to a strange home and put into the arms of a strange woman. The food she fed me tasted different, I got diarrhea within one day.

I was allowed to visit my mother and grandmother two days after I was taken for less than one hour. It felt wonderful to be in my mother’s arms again, but my bum was sore. My mom and grandmom noticed that I had diarrhea and that I had dried feces on my bottom. They also pointed out that I had a diaper rash for the 1st time in my life and had red marks on my head. Both mom and grandmom told the strange woman that I should be taken to see a doctor. The strange woman said that if the diarrhea didn’t clear up in a few days she would make an appointment for me to be seen by a doctor.

I was taken away again. I cried for my mom and because my bum hurt. Nobody would listen. I was finally taken to a hospital the following Monday about 2:00 p.m. I died about 4:00 p.m. on April 11, 2011. Nobody told my mom I was dying.

When my mom was told at about 10:00 p.m. that I had died, she immediately came to see me. She held me one last time for awhile and then laid me down to rest forever.

My Grandson's Rights

From the very beginning something was awfully wrong with the way my grandson was apprehended. Such apprehension and separation from his mother was unnecessary. A decision was made by an incompetent case worker. This is to me very disturbing and very scary when public agency employees feel that they can come and get a child at anytime without just cause. What is also most disturbing is that they also clearly feel that they will not be subjected to the law like everyone else, and can do anything they want without accountability. This agency is “Toxic”

The Child and Family Services Act clearly specifies that anyone who has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is in need of protection must report the suspicion and the information to Children’s Aid. We all share a responsibility to protect children from harm, and when I promptly acted on reporting my concern about signs of child neglect in the foster home to my astonishment I was met with tremendous resistance.

Since I filed my complaint, the best interest of my grandson never was a primary consideration in all actions concerning his well being. CCAS never respected my rights and responsibilities as a person that was responsible for the child. Instead I was made to feel like I was a criminal. Their only focus was to keep all responsibility on my shoulders; to put as much pressure and stress on me personally because I dare speak up, and filed a complaint. I have been subjected to humiliation by their constant interference and demands on my privacy. My family, my honor, and reputation were under attack. No family should be subjected to this, and be treated the way my family was treated.

CCAS never respected the rights of my grandson, in order for mother and son to maintain personal relations on a regular basis. They never gave their best efforts to ensure recognition of the principle that his mother has common responsibilities for the upbringing and development of the child. The best interests of my grandson should have been their only basic concern; his best interests should have been taken into account.

The decision making by CCAS never took his mother’s view into account as well. I can reassure you that at any given time my grandson was not at risk with his mother. I do believe the biggest risk here is when a child is returned to a foster home as opposed to immediate family. My grandson is a prime example of what can happen. I thank “God” every day that he is at home safe, and well loved.

Because of his age he needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection. I am challenging their decision, and I have raised concern regarding their conduct and decision making. I believe that they breached his rights.

I have turned my life around to help my grandson and daughter. I feel trapped and at loss in a small town, by all the restrictions that they have place on me (us). I am unable to return to work to earn a living to support my grandson and financial support from the CCAS is out of question. I have done everything in my power to work with the agency on behalf of my grandson. I now feel that I am drowning in the bureaucracy of CCAS.
By Alfredine Linda Plourde
~ an excerpt from my book Protecting Canadian Children
www.protectingcanadianchildren.ca

Samantha's Legacy Of Hope

Our daughter Samantha was born in 1993 with a rare genetic condition called Tetrasomy 18p Syndrome. Autism and absence seizures are often a manifestation of the genetic disorder as was the case with Samantha. Unexpected, Samantha suffered sudden cardiac arrest at 13-1/2 years and died. NO ONE with the Syndrome, but our little girl has succumbed due to the disorder!

At the time of our daughter's birth, poor prognosis for development, led the University Genetics Clinic to benignly enlist Social Services' help to locate supports for us as a newly diagnosed, frightened and grieving family. However, that was not what transpired: Instead, we were advised that the sole way to achieve necessary funding for medial therapies and services would be if Samantha lived in an out of home medical placement. Natural families, the Ministry Representative stated, could not receive access to similar support as foster placements. We were informed that if we wished to offer our child a chance at life, this was the "kindest thing to do". Reeling from prognosis that our daughter would likely not walk, talk, see, nor comprehend that we were her family (the hated phrase utilized to describe lack of development was "imbecile"), we were terrified and naively succumbed to "expert opinion."

In a nutshell, optimum care was not afforded our daughter. In fact, grave issues surfaced and although we repeatedly brought concerns forward to our caseworker, these were belittled or ignored. Years went by as we tried to learn our rights and responsibilities as parents... No one would tell us the truth: Throughout all of the years, the foster mother and caseworker indicated that there was a guardianship split from which the Ministry had the final say. In fact, the placement had never achieved legal authority, we, Samantha’s natural family were legal guardians of our child. Yet, until our daughter lay in hospital dying, the information was not revealed to us. We had entered into an "Agreement" with Ministry shortly following Samantha’s birth and unlike an "Order", our arrangement was at no time ever an intervention issue. Rather, as advised, strictly a means to achieve medical supports. Yet, we were distanced from our child and all parental rights erroneously transferred to the placement. The caseworker informed that she had difficulty locating “placements for children less disabled than Samantha” and advised us to refrain from upsetting the foster mother. We later learned that we were "1 of 4 families in the Province” who existed under the archaic Agreement.

Following the death of our daughter and the revelation that we were entitled to obtain information, I began to seek medical and educational records. I learned most heart-breaking renditions of truth: For instance, a Principal and Rehabilitation Aide at Samantha's school witnessed the foster mother take hold of my little girl and shake her. The reason? Samantha had been sick, vomiting all day and a decision was made by school authorities that she could not safely return to the placement; that Samantha would need to be retrieved. The foster mother, they wrote, was so angry, denying illness, that she took Samantha and yelled, "STOP IT" as she shook her when she began to vomit.

I discovered from past medical records MORE sinister health concerns had repeatedly emerged... Our little girl was first recognized having absence seizures by an RN on her 3rd birthday. Throughout the years, other specialists witnessed similar signs and recommended follow-up assessment for treatment. The foster mother, however, opted not seek medical intervention nor inform us, the natural family and legal guardians – which, the caseworker was aware. At one point, I had even asked the foster mother outright whether there was a possibility of seizures because statistical research indicated that 25% of individuals with the Syndrome have a disorder. I requested that the information be shared with the paediatrician viewing Samantha, but he was never told.

Twelve years after Samantha's birth, at last, the Office of the Child Advocate in Alberta became involved. I credit Samantha's escape from foster-care to this Agency AND the fact that her file was removed from the Office of Child & Youth Services in Morinville - which had been over-seeing decisions for nearly her entire life - to a new Region 6 Authority. Samantha came home and immediately flourished! She gained 10 pounds; which was 20% of her body mass. Having been merely 50 pounds throughout the ages of 11-13 in foster care, Samantha effortlessly gained weight at home. Within the summer months, I taught Samantha to toilet and she achieved continence during daytime hours; so proud of herself having finally experienced wearing "big girl" panties for the first time in her life. Language also began to emerge... Samantha started verbalizing words; with the efforts of her brothers' each day, began to accurately say their names! Thirteen years of being non-verbal and suddenly Samantha was able to talk with very close approximations of phrases. She would greet her bus driver happily, “Good-morning!” The strides in all areas of development was extraordinary. The manager with Social Services remarked that Samantha's development had obviously been “severely repressed.” Teachers referred to Samantha as "A butterfly who emerged from her cocoon."

Now viewing Samantha on a daily basis, we ourselves, suspected the presence of seizure activity - confirmed by educators - so pursued testing with neurology (EEG.) Our paediatrician witnessed Samantha have an episode in the office during a well-check as we discussed possibility! A second evaluation was to take place and treatment was to begin, however, within days of that office visit, our daughter suddenly took ill at school. Samantha rested during the day and I watched over her closely. The second medical evaluation was scheduled for the next day. I spoke with the hospital's nurse and she advised we continue to monitor Samantha until the following day when the anaesthesiologist would decide whether or not to proceed with sedation. In the early evening, our daughter did not respond to her name so we rushed to emergency where it was determined that she was in cardiac arrest at the hospital. In hindsight, I don't believe Samantha was merely resting, but was actually exhausted from having repeated seizures during sleep which caused the heart to stop functioning.

The life and circumstances surrounding Samantha Lauren Martin caused me to challenge archaic laws inhibiting the rights of persons with disability & their families. Samantha passed on December 3rd 2006. Amendment to the Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) legislation was effected retroactive to December 2006; FSCD informed establishment was a direct result of Samantha’s existence.

http://www.child.alberta.ca/home/527.cfm

Section 2-3, Manual Amendments: Policy and Procedures in Family Centred Supports and Services:

"The Family Support for Children with Disabilities Program to have separate legislation from that of child protection services." (Samantha's Law)

Amendment, which, I am currently petitioning the Court to recommend for National benefit of all Canadians and to be formally referred to as Samantha’s Law in tribute to the child, from which Legislation evolved:

http://www.petitiononlinecanada.com/petition/samanthas-law/67

While I appreciate that the Ministry refers to our history as "a learning experience" for them, for us, the absence of our child/sister will forever hold an empty space in our hearts and lives that we must constantly strive to survive. The sole consolation that we may take is the hope that archaic perspective towards individuals with disability may begin to change and with "Samantha's Law" other loving families, their children and constitutional rights will better protected in the future.

Society appears to be more accepting of diversity, however, Legislation to protect fundamental human rights of individuals with disability largely lags behind. And, law tends to fail our most vulnerable because of lack of enforcement. We must strive to alter the past so that the future holds better promise of constitutional adherence to law. Enforcement must not only be for the general public, but also include members of Government Authority who breach Legislation. Often, where Law is non-existent, the Courts do have the ability to establish decisions based upon precedence set in neighbouring jurisdictions... This is our greatest hope for all: Recognition that our daughter's life held significance as she continues to live on by aiding others in need.

This is our story, Samantha's far too short life and death... My baby girl, loved so much that we let go and will always have to live with the cost of trust. While I cannot go back in time to change my family's outcome, I can strive to help others in similar dire need by establishing Family-Centred Care Practice to protect human rights. That is Samantha's legacy of hope.

Yours Sincerely,
Velvet Martin

Plea For Ayn

My name is Derek I am a single father of three wonderful young children, aged 9, 10 and 11; my youngest two have both been diagnosed with severe autism. Though a constant and challenging struggle, I have done my best to protect and nurture them, as I love them so much and have dedicated my life to their achievement of happiness. My youngest child is a bright and beautiful little spitfire named Ayn. She has and is blossoming so well here at home and has come so far to overcome her obvious disability, she does however continue to struggle and outburst when in other environments, particularly at school.

Ayn is naive and unaware of the dangers that exist in the world at large, so when on Sunday June 12th she escaped the backyard we were very worried for her safety. With each passing moment the likelihood that something terrible had happened increased, as Ayn should stand out from other children easily and should have been quickly spotted. Fortunately Ayn was discovered two doors down playing in a neighbours backyard, the neighbour had taken an afternoon nap which provided Ayn with the ability to play undisturbed. The challenges I have faced in caring for my daughter have been encompassing and life altering, these challenges are very dynamic and new challenges arise as fast as the old one depart. Now with her discovery of the neighbours nearby trampoline and pool, she will undoubtedly seek to return there, vigilance will be required to face this new found challenge, but it is one which I must now face just as I have with each prior challenge and as i would have to with our future challenges as well. As it stands today I may never get that opportunity.

On the morning of June 16th two workers from CPS arrived at my home to request that I "voluntarily" give Ayn over to them (she was at school at the time), if I refused they would simply coercively remove her. There should be no illusions here when someone approaches you and says "give me your child or i'm taking her" you should not pretend that any such choice would be done "voluntarily".

Within hours of her removal Ayn had hospitalized and drugged with powerful neuroleptics, one of which at double the maximum daily dose. Her whereabouts has been concealed from me, due to me refusing to sign the voluntary agreement. And I will not be given the opportunity to argue before an impartial court as per why this was a wrongful removal for months. After twelve days of hospitalization, in which the hospital noted "no bruises or evidence of physical abuse and her body status showed no evidence of neglect" , and "Initially there was some suspicion of ADHD along with autistic aggression, but this dissipated as Ayn improved...".

The hospital insisted on discharging her (june 28th), she is now in foster care awaiting further hospitalization as the Ministry has waitlisted Ayn for a longer term residential based psychiatric assessment. My little girl is autistic, she does not require a psychiatric assessment, I am aware that she does not understand the dangers that lurk, I love her and I protect her, when Ayn has a tantrum at school it is me they either call in to calm her or send her home to, when she is injured it is to me whom she turns because she "needs a bandage". The greatest successes this little girl has had were nurtured in the home, she loves it here, she loves her brothers and she loves her Dad, It is my firm belief that if our system of child protection has reached a point where a happy thriving child who was not abused and in no need of medicating, can be coercively removed from their family, forcibly medicated within hours, denied access to that family punitively, and the family is given no redress for months potentially years; then we are indeed facing a serious systemic problem. A problem which unfortunately is not confined to my city or province, nor even my country, for these acts are playing out around the world. Please help me get my little girl back and to address this issue in such a way that it never affects another family again.

I would be forever in your debt,
Derek (July28th, 2011)

The preceding was updated on the 28th of July, and with a meeting on the 29th at my home with a social worker from the MCFD, came many new developments. I hesitate to sound overly optimistic, but what a difference: a day, the public spotlight and an experts opinion can make. Though I still lack a firm commitment from the Ministry, they have informed me that Ayn's case has now been reviewed by their resident autism expert. This expert has advised them against placing Ayn in the psychiatric facility, why this expert was not introduced to this case earlier is unknown. In addition the Ministry has ironically informed me that all they would like to see is for Ayn to have proper supports in place, something which I have been advocating for years now. With these supports in place she can come home... reason to rejoice? Perhaps, but without a firm Ministerial commitment to this I cannot relent in my quest for her return. Nor will I relent in my advocacy for the reformation necessary to prevent these systemic failures from ever effecting another family as it has mine. And I ask the same of all those whom have chosen to support Ayn, myself. and all those families facing this threat in the future. Please join us in ensuring Ayn comes home promptly and a positive reformation of the very system which allowed and endorsed these unjust actions. (Aug 1)
READ Derek's ongoing updates  http://freedomforayn.blogspot.com/

iconoclast_ensues@yahoo.com
http://www.facebook.com/groups/152278868178942?ap=1