Hello! 

As a former ECE professional & mom of 2, childcare topics are near and dear to my heart. As many of you know, my family had a traumatic experience in April 2024. I’ve started this petition and hope you will join me in signing. It is my hope to present this to local & state lawmakers to end religious organization exemptions in the state of Alabama. Thank you for your support and prayers. 

Currently church or faith based child care can be exempt from DHR standards in the state of Alabama. This needs to end so ALL childcare follows the same basic, minimum requirements of DHR. This includes ratio of caregivers to children, background checks and various minimum standards for the care of children age 0-5. Churches, home daycares, private facilities and all providers should be licensed through DHR to ensure compliance, training and proper child care practices. 

This topic is personal to my family, as my son suffered from an abusive caregiver in Moundville who was thankfully turned in to authorities. I want to prevent this pain, trauma and fear of childcare  and I firmly believe licensing any and all childcare facility is the way forward. 

For support and/or questions, please reach me at karikterry@gmail.com

relevant links:

https://abc3340.com/news/local/alabama-moundville-methodist-church-for-obstruction-of-governmental-operations-and-failure-to-report-abuse-moundville-methodist-daycare-pastor-mike-cobb-breana-hope-lee-arrested-charged-investigation