We are in desperate need of prayers. Not only did we suffer through what originally was an inoperable brain tumor, then through surgery, then through recovery, all which was very traumatic for us and for our children.
The "Dr." of Child Protection Services said she called us in on the false grounds that we medically neglected our child by taking her in "so late." Obviously this "doctor" doesn't know much about this kind of brain tumor. Since it is a slow growing tumor, there may be very subtle indications but it is only in the last few days that the deterioration really happens. By then she was under the care of the doctors. There is a 14% rate that once the symptoms appear that the person is dead within 2-3 days. Now if this is a medical case then why are they sending a social worker who didn't have a clue about this kind of tumor.
We are well aware that this is just an excuse as one of the "risks" for children is having a large family. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?! They are always so concerned about friends and we have plenty of those as well, but in a large family there is always a playmate to have fun and bicker with :)
CPS is coming in to our home on Wed. Dec 23rd to interrogate our entire family. It's preposterous, I know, but we live in a very sick world, where those who try to live a good life and provide a good life for their children in the eyes of God are persecuted.
I cannot express to you how deeply painful this is to go through. To know that in an instant these people can destroy a family. A FAMILY.
God must have some Plan in all this. I do not see it at this very moment, well, other than a very intense scourging. I am offering up the horrible pain for all those who have been instrumental in this horrific event.
I never thought I'd say "All I want for Christmas are my beautiful children!"
Oh, heavens, Julie! No words, but many, many prayers being lifted. Incomprehensible on every level.
ReplyDeleteI just can't believe this. Many, many prayers for ypou and your family.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. We will be praying for you. It is so sad that there are children suffering with terrible and unspeakable things happening to them while your children are clearly in a loving home with devoted parents and they are persecuting you.
ReplyDeleteDear Julie,
ReplyDeleteHow hard for you and the children especially as you adjust to what has just happened. Your family will be in our prayers
God Bless
Unbelievable, Julie!!! How horrible! I'll offer many prayers for you and your family during this time. Also, I will be praying for your social worker.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that it pleases God that you can be so generous in offering all of this for the benefit of others.
Sending out a prayer, but also asking if you have a lawyer. CPS does not have the right to come into your home unless you allow them, and they can only "interrogate" your family if you allow it. Do you belong to HSLDA? If you do, call them. Praying for our Lord to hold you up.
ReplyDeleteI have just begun to read your blog since your daughter was in the hospital. I am so very sorry this is going on. You are such a strong mother to offer this all up for those involved! What beauty that is-I am sure God is pleased. What a terrible time for you to go through this. Do the kids know? My heart aches for you. Praying for you and offering up all our sickenesses (stomach bug with 6 kids under 9!) May God give you peace during this time and a quick in/out with the CPS, so that you can focus on Jesus' birthday!
ReplyDeleteGOd bless,
Mary @ Cheerios
Julie, please know that you and your beautiful family will be in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteDear Lord! PLEASE, please talk to an HSLDA lawyer so that you know you HAVE to do and what you DON"T have to do, say, answer....
ReplyDeleteIt may make all the difference. You are in our prayers.
You are in our prayers. I am soo sorry!!
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you! Please get an HSLDA lawyer!
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you! Focus on the solution of the problem with faith (and not the problem) and all will go well! Im the mother to 14 children & when we homeschooled I was always aware of how "odd" we appeared to the general public. One of our adopted boys from Nicaragua told his staff at his adult daycare a "story" when he was mad at us, and we too, had to run the gauntlet with CPS. Embarrassing to say the least. Keep positive in word and thought as God knows the solution.
ReplyDeleteJulie --
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your updates on MO and here, and just read your last post to my husband, who has been a policeman for 22 years (and is the son of a retired social worker).
He said to tell you CPS cannot come into your house and question you and/or your children without a warrant, unless you have given them written consent. Even if you have given written consent, you can withdraw it. There's no guarantee they can get a warrant, and if they do, they will have to bring a sheriff's deputy with them to your house -- which sounds scary, but provides another witness so that it's not just CPS's word against yours. Also, making them get a warrant gives them another hoop to jump through -- and they would have to provide probable cause to the judge/magistrate.
If you do let them in without a warrant, you can still withdraw consent during their visit and tell them to leave your property.
He also said to *please* speak to a lawyer. Maybe the Thomas More Law Center (http://www.thomasmore.org/qry/page.taf?id=14) could help, or recommend someone you could talk to.
If you already know all of this, please disregard. It's just heart-wrenching to know that you have to go through this after all you have already been through. We are praying for you all every day, and will continue until this nightmare is over.
Prayers to you & your family! It is sad that there are children in real need- our tax dollars hard at work :(
ReplyDeleteThis is absurd and unbelievable. My family does not know yours, but we have been so privileged to pray for you and your family and we are so shaken about this for you. Know that we will be praying for you so much in the coming days. St. Michael, protect you and all the angels hold your sweet ones!
ReplyDeleteOur family will be lifting you up in prayer this week. May God bless you and keep you close and give you peace.
ReplyDeleteI have personally been through the torture you are about to go through - GET A LAWYER. Do NOT let these people in your home without a lawyer present.
ReplyDeleteI cannot stress it enough - GET A LAWYER NOW!!
I urge you strongly to contact this center:
http://www.falseallegation.org/
Tell them to refer your family to a lawyer ASAP as you need one this week - they will give you names of the lawyers in your area who can help. The lawyer cost will be nothing compared to the trauma you will go through if they take your kids - and the trauma your kids will go through.
This is an attack on the family - we are all in this together. Prayers for you all...
Oh no Julie! I just couldn't believe it when I heard it at church this morning. What I've been hearing is what others here have said. It would be wise to get an attorney immediately, and not to let them in without a warrant. We will be praying for you!
ReplyDeleteLove,
The Millers
>> I never thought I'd say "All I want for Christmas are my beautiful children!" << Your children ARE beautiful, and the CPS people will see that they are happy and healthy and so very loved. We will just have to pray extra hard for those CPS folks. What makes me really sad is that they're taking up time with you when there are truly abused and neglected babies out there. Our rosary will be for your family tonight.
ReplyDeletelike your county doesnt have enough meth moms to go after!
ReplyDeleteget real cps people!!
your family is beautiful and happy. St Michaea, protect this family.
Contact FoxNews. This is the LAST thing that so-called CPS want. Let me know if I can help. Jess Harvey
ReplyDeleteAs if you don't have enough to worry about with your little girl just having brain surgery!!!! We will be lifting you up even more in prayer. God Bless your beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteCristeena
I will be holding your family in prayer.
ReplyDeleteWe're praying for you, but GET A LAWYER and sue the pants off of them. Or something. Get an injunction. Calll the governor. Fight!
ReplyDeleteThey DO NOT have the right to interrogate you and your family. You do not have to answer any questions even if they have a warrant. It's the 5th Amendment.
They can talk to your lawyer. DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. They will twist the answers any way they want. DO NOT LET THEM IN YOUR HOUSE (without a warrant).
That's just my lay advise. A lawyer can tell you better.
Remeber O Most gracious Virgin Mary
ReplyDeletethat NEVER was it known..........Amen.
(((hugs)))
Here is the contact information for Christopher Ferrarra's association. He's a bulldog of a lawyer, and a traditionalist to boot. Call them tonight and leave an urgent message. Put out the plea and your expenses will be covered by concerned parents around the world. They are attacking your family. DEFEND THEM! FIGHT BACK!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.acla-inc.org/contact.htm
American Catholic Lawyers Association
420 U.S. Highway Rt. 46, Suite 7
P.O. Box 10092
Fairfield, NJ 07004
Phone
(973) 244-9895
Fax
(973) 244-9897
E-mail
info @ acla-inc.org
I am going to echo what has been said because it is vitally important. My family has serious medical issues and were we turned in to CPS by a person who was vaguely familiar with the case. DO NOT talk to them any more without a lawyer at least on the phone with you.
ReplyDeleteYou are not being aggresive or angery by getting a lawyer you are being a good steward to your lovely family.
My heart breaks that you are having to deal with so much right now. We will be in prayer for your family's protection and the healing of your daughter.
God bless
Heather Laurie
www.specialneedshomeschooling.com
I could HARDLY believe what I read...I am so heartbroken for you to be enduring this at a time you should be rejoicing your daughter is here with you...when you should be able to rest and recover...to re-group as a family. I just keep thinking of what Our Lady told St. Bernadette...that She can not promise us happiness in this life, but She can in the next. Your reward will be great- I am excited for you...but I grieve with you here as ou endure such persecution. Our family is in prayer for yours.
ReplyDeleteadele
Behold, God is my salvation: I will be confident, I will not fear; for the Lord is my strength and my joy... (Isaiah 12)
ReplyDeleteWe will be praying for your lovely family. Do not despair! God is using you for something, and I know you will be blessed richly for your obedience to His will.
Passing on prayer request as well...Keep us informed, dear lady!
.
Praying for you all, and I agree, CALL A LAWYER. Thankfully, you are surrounded by so many who care about you and your family, and have been given some excellent words of advice here....May God comfort you and give you strength in this continuing trial. God bless.
ReplyDeleteI agree; get an attorney! Do not let them into your home without consulting a lawyer. Praying for you here in Missouri for God's divine protection and favor.
ReplyDeleteAll our prayers are for you-
ReplyDeleteI've just started visiting but this is beyond belief. Your whole family will be in our thoughts and prayers, even more than before. God bless you all.
ReplyDeletehow horrible!!! I pray for you with all my heart.
ReplyDeleteJulie...I've been through something similar with CPS. You can read about it here. If there is anyway, anyway at all for you to change that scheduled "visit", please do so. Your home is your castle and unless they have a court order, you are not required to let them in. We opted for an in office visit on their territory, and only with the child involved. This was at the suggestion of an attorney. You will not need an attorney, unless charges are filed. This is nothing more than a fishing expedition. Be pleasant, answer only questions that you're comfortable with...let them know that your family has been through a tremendous shock and that you must protect your other children from any unnecessary trauma. Talking to strangers about one's family is traumatic under any circumstances. My prayers are with you...remain in peace, as our Lord says: Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents and simple as doves.
ReplyDeleteMatthew 10:16
Please get a lawyer - you need one present whether the meeting is in your home or not - social workers are known for lying and twisting the truth. Record the meeting too. Your children will be interviewed in PRIVATE if you do not let these people know you know what they are all about - yes, be nice - but you need to act tough on issues about talking to your kids in private -you have no idea how cunning these people are.
ReplyDeleteCALL A LAWYER TODAY AND MAKE SURE HE/SHE IS PRESENT.
Julie,
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your beautiful family and hoping for a quick resolution to this nightmare.
I don't know you but I will pray like mad on Wednesday. These other ladies seem to know what they're talking about; do try to find legal counsel.
ReplyDeletePraying for you.
ReplyDeleteNo words Julie. Just prayer and tons more prayer. God bless you.
ReplyDeletePrayers for you all!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.profane-justice.org/
ReplyDeleteDirect and to the point here-you have a lot of work to do in a short period of time. Look over the website above, have your lawyer get ahold of Suzanne-she can work him through the system of what to do.
Praying the Memorare hourly,
Mary
Mom to 11
One more thing-
ReplyDeleteUnder the website, look at "Advocacy" in the left hand column. This is what you need to do also!
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeletePlease consider speaking to a good Catholic attorney before Wednesday. My husband has helped a few families dealing with CPS and would be willing to chat with you. Just shoot me an email if you would like. I pray you receive a visit from a loving, compassionate social worker.
I hear there are some out there that work for CPS :)
I'm heartsick reading this update, Julie.
ReplyDeleteBe assured that we are storming heaven here.
St. Michael, defend us...
I can't imagine, Julie! This is completely outrageous. Doubling up the prayers.
ReplyDeleteMy darling, you are living out most homeschoolers' worst nightmare....I'm so sorry you're having to endure this on top of everything else you've been through. No advice but lots of prayers for you and your family and cyber {{{HUGS}}}.
ReplyDeleteHaving special needs kids of our own, we understand what the medical world can throw at you. I would encourage you to see if you can get a letter from any of the doctors you see explaining the tumor is slow growing. Also, go on line to reputable medical sites and print out articles on the symptoms and diagnosis as well. Have copies for you and copies for the social worker. If you present enough evidence (letters and articles) that there is no way you could have known before now, I have every confidence that you will prevail. Ask if any of the doctors you have seen will support you or if you can use their name and phone number as a reference to vouch for you. There are many many families out there larger than yours. Clearly, this is a social worker who lacks understanding and education in this matter. Find as many articles as you can (and keep track of the website or source you got them from) that support the notion that large families are healthier, healthier for the children, that the children are better socialized etc. etc. Again, keep copies of this for yourself and a second set for whomever you may need it for. Fight for your kids. I know you will.
ReplyDeleteI too am praying for you!
Dearest Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
I lift up this entire family in Jesus name and ask for your intercession and divine intervention. Lord, I ask this matter will be dropped immediately. Lord, I ask that any worker involved in this case will see what marvelous children these kids are and what a well-balanced and healthy family these kids are. Lord, I pray that every person who encounters this family or any member of this family will see, or hear or divinely understand that these kids need their parents and that there is no other place on earth for them to be except with mom and dad and all their siblings. Lord, I pray your mercy on this family. I pray your comfort and peace on these parents. I pray these kids will be protected from all evil. I lift up this prayer to you, Jesus. Jesus, I offer this prayer in perpetuity for every moment between now and the time this case is closed and the children are safe with their parents in Jesus name. Lord, let your light shine through this experience and bring this family closer together, and make them a stronger family. Amen.
J
If you are a homeschooling family, you can also join www.hslda.org or go to http://www.hslda.org/join/join.asp
ReplyDeleteto join. Call them and tell them your situation. They are a homeschooling legal defense association with attorneys who fight for homeschooling families. They will give you good advice on what to do. Their first rule is to require a warrant. Without a warrant, the social worker cannot enter your house. It is worth the membership fee. If they accept your case and can help, there is not charge for attorney fees.
This is horrible!! Praying for you and your dear family!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for this. The world is sick. I'll be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteJulie
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for all of this. I don't anticipate you having any trouble with them. They will see a beautiful home, with happy, GORGEOUS children....ask their questions and leave merrily.
Really!! Some stupid idiot filed a complaint, and now they have to follow through with their job.
I know it's easier said then done, but try not to loose sleep over this.
God will protect you.
Love to your family and many, many prayers for Maria's continued recovery.
Lesa in MN
As a family who has been through this, I echo the others who say get legal advice. The first time we let them (CPS) in and it was a long drawn out drama. It traumatized some of our children for a long time. The second time we got an attorney and said "no way". After some argument they went away, never to be heard from again!
ReplyDeleteGet counsel NOW!!!
Been there done that.
ReplyDeleteWriting this in an extreme hurry, please pardon the bad grammar and/or misspellings:
Facts:
1. CPS are bullies, they like to keep folks intimidated.
2. They keep you thinking that if you don’t comply (let them in) they will “remove” your children.
3. ALL CPS' are two-faced dragons that have a knack for lying. (hey they can't help it, it's their native tongue!)
Cures:
1. Reverse the intimidation by tape-recording every word they say. This will also come in handy if it gets taken to court. Plus they will be less enthusiastic about “removing” the children.
(Note: you will find tones change from condescending threats, to meek annoyance).
2. CPS can take away the kids and want to because (depending on the state) they get $500 per kid. In some desperate cases (like my own) you may have to move the family out of state.
3. another good thing about the tape recorder is CPS will be forced to tell the truth, not wanting to be caught lying on tape.
Tips:
Be firm, give no leeway.
You DO NOT have to let them in.
If you decide to do so, limit it to only the main room. (It’s still your house.)
Make sure your husband is home.
Do not let them talk privately with your children.
Do not let them in unless they agree to be on tape FIRST.
God Bless.
Joan Heatherington.
Saint Joseph, patron of families pray for us!
Your family and Galadriel have been in our thoughts and prayers, and I'm just devastated reading about your most recent cross! Others have given good advice. Know you are in our prayers!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh- I'm in complete shock reading this.
ReplyDeleteMy gut instinct is not to let them in the door without a lawyer present-- and also not to let them talk with your children privately unless the entire thing is being taped by YOUR lawyer.
We are absolutely praying you through this.
Julie, We are praying for you and your whole family. I agree with the other comments; call HSLDA asap even if you do not belong. May God strengthen you for this battle and Mary comfort you always. God Bless. Kelly.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and asking our Father to surround your home and your children with His strong and mighty angels. May you be filled with His peace about this whole situation. I am so sorry you have to endure such persecution, but I will be praying for you and your family, especially tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteWe shall pray for you. God bless.
ReplyDeleteThe Donahue Family
Oh Julie this makes me sick to my stomach. We will be praying mightily!
ReplyDeleteI was just forwarded your story by a friend. Our two year old spent the month of March in the hospital having a JPA removed from his brain. Your story about the tumor is so familiar to me. Our son's was in the middle of the cerebellum, and was completely removed. Of course, we have no idea how long it was there before it was discovered, btu he started to manifest symptoms about a month prior to the diagnosis. It was our *former* pediatrician who missed the diagnosis, and Praise be to God we got a second opinion. Our son's eyes had begun to dilate the night before the surgery which saved his life. He's now a completely normal 2 year old! We were homeschooling at the time all this happened, but had decided the month prior to discovering the tumor to send our kids to school starting in the coming school year. Our decision had absolutely nothing to do with the brain tumor. We're still of course very sympathetic with homeschoolers, and may return to it one day. We will be praying for you. In reading the comments posted here, I am curious to know if you still must have these people into your home? May God be glorified through your family! I would think this blog to be pretty good evidence of a very stable family situation.
ReplyDeletePraying, praying , praying.
ReplyDeleteLet no large, homeschooling, religious, modest family go unpersecuted.
ReplyDeleteHow dreadful. I am praying for you.
ReplyDeleteMy neighbor is a social worker. We aren't close, but have a friendly relationship so a few years ago when we were both working in the yard I shared my fears about getting a visit from protective services. She laughed and said that the case workers know that very rarely is there a problem and for them it's more a formality and not something they like to have to do either. She also told me that she only had to investigate one homeschooling family over the years but had gone into hundreds of more contemporary homes following up on complaints. Since that time I've been paying attention to the incidence of problems between social services and large homeschooling families and you know what, it really is extremely rare that anything develops. As a matter of fact, I can only recall two times when I read about a problem and in both cases there was a younger children who had unexplained bruises. This has made me realize that I've become more than a little paranoid. It's a sad thing that this has happened when you've so lovingly cared for your children and I would be a nervous wreck if I were in your shoes, but I truly doubt anything is going to come of this. It would be strange if you weren't concerned about the visit, but I think as a whole that those of us with large families have become unusually paranoid because we are not aware that many of these same things happen to average "normal" families too. I've added this to my prayer intention book and will especially be storming heaven.
ReplyDeleteJulie, I am praying HARD! May God and all his Holy Angels and Saints surround you with their protection today and always!
ReplyDeletePraying many Memorares for you!
Praying for your family.
ReplyDeleteMary
Prayers, angels and Saints, dear friend!
ReplyDelete(((hugs)))
Dear Julie
ReplyDeleteThis is heartbreaking news. I will offer all of my stresses of today for you and your precious family. You need legal help and I have heard that HSLDA may help even if you are not a member.
Nicole Berube