We are #JusticeForJosie and we are fighting to see real change in the safety of children being placed through Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA), Minn. Stat. 524.5-211. Sweet Josie was 2 months old when she was put on life support after maliciously sustaining multiple skull fractures, retinal hemorrhages and detachment of the eyes. She died two days later. Josephine's legal guardian utilized a DOPA while serving a prison sentence to meet a caregivers wish and desire to care for a child through adoption. The legal guardian has previous children removed from her care through a Child in Need of Protection (CHIPS) petition. The caregiver listed on the DOPA for Josephine is charged with 2nd Degree Murder following her death.
No child should ever have to suffer as baby Josephine did at the hands of someone who was trusted to care for her and her welfare. Our goal is to fight and advocate for stricter screening and background assessments which would cover all aspects necessary for parenthood: mental, financial, physical and emotional well-being. This would help us ensure, as active constituents of the great state of MN and beyond, that no future children have to endure the pain inflicted upon Josie due to being placed with unfit caregivers.