It is with urgency and respect to a Retired Army Veteran, that I demand an immediate plan of action, investigation and justice for myself in Hanover County, Virginia. 

My name is Tina Woodson. I live in Hanover County and I’m a victim of bullying, intimidation, retaliation, discrimination, harassment and perjury by court appointed officials and unlicensed employees within multiple Hanover County entities, to include the Department of Social Services, Hanover County Community Service Board, Hanover County Sheriff’s Department and Hanover County Courts. The County where I live in Virginia has imposed restrictions that have prevented me from freely being in my children’s lives for over 3 years. Judges have written egregious court orders with partial information and false statements, which makes it impossible for me to achieve anything just and favorable. Their actions have tremendously violated my right to due process and have also violated other constitutional rights. The local system in Hanover, designed to provide high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being, is working against my black family and brings shame to me, who retired from the Army in 2015 and signed an oath to protect and defend our country and the Constitution of the United States.I was accused of spanking my children in Hanover County, however in May of 2022, the convictions were overturned and dismissed. (Woodson vs. Commonwealth). The onset of the “abuse” allegations removed my 4 children from my care in March of 2020. I’ve only been able to continue custodial guardianship for the youngest child, who requires the most care and would be deemed the most vulnerable. 

Throughout the process of satisfying DSS and Courts with completing their recommended services, I was told that upon completion, I’d be able to work towards getting my children back. This included a 20-week parenting course, 6-week parent coaching, a mental evaluation and a parental assessment. I completed all the services in 2020, despite efforts impacted by Covid and concerns of reliving military sexual trauma by engaging in services from the County that I was already engaged in, simultaneously. 

DSS in Hanover County was not fair. There are so many conflicts of interest that practically denied me the opportunity to be treated fairly and impartially. Accusations became fact, with little to no investigation. Services were recommended, by DSS, that supported their narrative and not the wholistic narrative. There were no other possible alternatives or solutions because despite other family members efforts and my efforts, we were ignored as if we didn’t exist. Funding by the County was made available to us when the service was recommended by the County. All of my concerns were either ignored, overlooked or dismissed. At the completion of their recommended services, DSS closed their case without any attempt to reunify me with my children, like they originally said.

The Courts were then able to control my ability to have regular access to my children by creating requests for services that accompanied fees paid solely by me, knowing that I was not financially able to secure the financial ability to pay for the services that they wanted me to request in addition to what I already completed by DSS. In addition, the Courts imposed egregious penalties and fees unrelated to the services. I was illegally imprisoned by a judge who willfully had me arrested, knowing that her reason was illegal. Like any other citizen, I wasn’t given a regular opportunity to appeal any of these decisions by the court, because the judge required for me to pay maximum bonds in order to appeal her decisions.

To date, I’m still fighting an unfair battle with a broken system who is getting away with perjury and abusing their power. CASA, GAL’s and Custodial caregivers are conspiring against me with the help of the Court System, to keep me silenced and away from my children. They’ve made a troubled situation almost unrecognizable, with their negative interference. 

In March of 2023, one of my children reached out to me when he was left alone and informed me about a different story than what the courts had been spinning in court. This child’s name was changed, without my consent. I was accused of new allegations involving my children that clearly occurred in their current caregivers care and I have not been given the opportunity to have a fair trial to address any of it. My child cried so bad after he was caught on the phone with me, after 2 years of the courts saying that he had concerns and didn’t want to talk to me.

The court appointed officials were never trying to help me my family. I have solid evidence to prove that the county has been acting out of malice in their dealings with my family’s case. This County is retaliating against me for filing complaints and writing my elected representatives for help. The local connections, the Judge’s power within family court, and her position on the State’s Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission has covered up this unusual injustice and misconduct. 

Being black and a low income person has made it impossible to get an attorney. I’m asking for someone who can raise awareness to this situation because other minorities and low income families in my county is experiencing similar problems. I believe the stakes are higher for me because I’ve made attempts to file grievances against the County at different stages of my experience, in connection with the timeline of events. 

No one is hearing me or giving me the opportunity to even hear my voice. I need help with signatures, exposure and justice for my household. My life and my children’s life have been effected and our quality of life is being effected by County and State government entities.