Click this blue link to watch a video of my son and with the local police station on the news and Get your community involved in our disabled childrens safety.

My son was taken from me, and he had no voice. No one understood how difficult it was for me to provide for him or access the necessary resources. This is the painful reality for many parents like me. Parents of children with disabilities, such as autism, Down syndrome, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, Rett syndrome, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, face immense challenges. Yet, when intervention from Child Protective Services (CPS) or Child Welfare Services (CWS) occurs, the nuanced needs of these children are often overlooked.

Children with disabilities often have unique requirements that demand specialized understanding and care. However, most state workers in child protection agencies are not equipped with the specific training needed to address and support these children appropriately. This gap in expertise can lead to devastating outcomes, where children are separated from their families not because of neglect, but due to a lack of understanding by the system designed to protect them.

I propose that child protection agencies establish dedicated departments staffed with professionals trained in the care of children with disabilities. Having specialists who understand the challenges faced by these children would ensure that their needs are met appropriately, and prevent unnecessary family separations.

These departments should provide comprehensive assessments, offer tailored support services, and facilitate access to resources that parents desperately need to support their children’s well-being. By implementing this change, we can safeguard the rights and welfare of children with disabilities, while also supporting families in their care.

This is an important step towards justice and equity for all families affected by disability. Please join me in calling for this essential reform in child protection services. Sign this petition to help create a system that truly understands and addresses the needs of every child, including those with disabilities.