I am a loving and sober father from Pike County, PA. Two days ago, my 4-month-old son Colson was torn from my arms by Child and Youth Services (CYS). The reason? His other parents struggles, which she is trying to fix. Despite the fact that I no longer live there and have maintained sobriety for a significant period of time, they took him away. Every drug test I've taken has come back clean; I've cooperated fully with their demands. My son was well cared for and loved which many caseworkers have said but also stated they will not loose their job standing in the way. At court multiple CYS workers lied on the stand about numerous things, (perjury) which was proven by lawyers. Colson's CASA worker even requested that he come home with me because I am a good father who can and does keep my son safe. For whatever reason CYS and the Judge went against the recommendation of the court and put Colson in foster care. 

Yet he wasn't removed due to any actions on my part - the person who had physical custody of him. CYS refused to place Colson with multiple family members who stepped forward willing to care for him. They also failed to notify other family members about his removal. When I seen him one day later for a hour, it was a horrible sight. He was in a diaper too small with feces still on him, wrapped in a TOWEL, not one of the 5 blankets I sent and was not using his own bottles or car seat. He had no hat on and was hysterical. As a parent please help me get this out there to bring attention so I can get my son back where he belongs and this doesn't happen to anymore innocent families. 

This is not an isolated incident but a symptom of larger systemic issues within CYS in Pike County, PA. According to data from the U.S Department of Health & Human Services, thousands of children are removed from their homes each year based on allegations rather than concrete evidence (source: U.S Department of Health & Human Services).

We need reform now! We demand transparency in decision-making processes within CPS agencies; we call for stricter oversight into these decisions that drastically impact families' lives; we insist on better support systems for parents struggling with addiction rather than punitive measures that tear families apart.

Please sign this petition today if you believe in justice for Colson and all children unjustly separated from their loving parents due to systemic failures within our child protective service system.