Child Protective Services (CPS) took my grandson away from me, and now they are trying to keep him from me. This isn't just my story, but a reality that far too many families face. The very organizations designed to protect our children are causing immeasurable harm and heartbreak while operating under a financial incentive to separate families.

CPS has a fundamental responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children, yet all too often, their actions reflect a different priority. Instead of assisting families in crisis with the necessary resources and support, they resort to drastic measures of removal that should be a last resort. According to the National Coalition for Child Protection Reform, studies indicate that child abuse in foster care can be as much as six times more common than in the general population. It's a system that's broken and profits from the very act of tearing families apart.

There is a need to reform CPS by introducing stronger oversight and accountability measures. We should prioritize family preservation efforts and in-home services over foster care placement whenever possible. Allowing families to stay together with supportive interventions should be at the core of child protective services.

Moreover, we call for the defunding of CPS until they can demonstrate systemic change. The funds should be redirected toward community-based programs that emphasize family reunification and prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Families should be supported, not torn apart. Every child deserves the security of their family and community. I urge you to sign this petition to demand systemic reform, greater transparency in CPS practices, and a focus on keeping families together. Let’s fight for justice and change that puts our children's best interests at heart. Please sign this petition and stand with us in making a difference.