My children are the center of my universe, as they are for many loving parents who want nothing more than to provide them with a safe and nurturing environment. However, I, like countless others in Georgia, have been caught in a nightmarish situation where the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) seems to wield power unjustly over families who lack the resources to fight back effectively.

Time and time again, I've seen families torn apart not because of neglect or abuse, but because DFCS fails to adhere to their own policies and procedures. It's a heartbreaking reality that many parents face; unable to afford a private attorney, they end up represented by court-appointed lawyers. Unfortunately, these lawyers often lack the resources, time, or dedication to adequately defend parental rights, leading to unnecessary prolongation of child dependency cases.

A study published by the Child Welfare Information Gateway reports that effective legal representation is crucial in child welfare cases. Despite this evidence, financially struggling parents are at a severe disadvantage, forced into a system where the odds are stacked against them from the start. Their children linger in foster care longer than necessary, separating them from their families and permanently altering the course of their young lives.

Moreover, investigative reports have highlighted significant lapses and inefficiencies within state DFCS operations, yet the bureaucratic machinery continues unchecked. The Georgia Department of Family and Children Services must be held accountable. An independent investigation is necessary to ensure that DFCS policies and procedures are properly adhered to and that families are being treated fairly.

We are urging the Governor of Georgia and the State Legislature to take immediate action by commissioning an independent oversight body to conduct an audit of DFCS practices. Such an investigation would identify areas of non-compliance, rectify them, and establish a more transparent, accountable system that prioritizes keeping families together whenever safely possible.

The lives of Georgia's children and their families are at stake. We cannot stand idly by as families are torn apart due to systemic negligence and oversight failures. Join me in demanding justice and accountability within the Georgia DFCS. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless families across the state.

Please sign this petition to force an investigation into DFCS and ensure compliance with their own policies and procedures. Let’s fight for a fair chance for every Georgia family to stay together.