On September 22, 2023, my family experienced a devastating event that changed our lives. We are a good, loving, caring family; my grandmother (our beloved me-ma), my two beautiful and smart daughters - Macy Lea and Kaylee K, and two loving mothers - Kristina Lea Nichols (rest in peace). Alongside Kaylee’s momma, Lexus , and myself, KC, the father of my wonderful daughters, we have become prisoners of a system that is supposed to protect us.

In California, families just like ours are facing unjust challenges under Child Protective Services (CPS). The system is in desperate need of reform to prevent more families from falling into its complex and often detrimental processes. CPS’s methodology can sometimes lead to unjust separations, as it relies heavily on flawed investigations and outdated procedures that do not account for the reality of each family's situation.

It is crucial that CPS be reformed to include transparency and accountability in their operations. Investigations should be conducted with compassion and understanding, ensuring each family's unique circumstances are taken into account without overarching bias. Furthermore, there needs to be a robust, independent review process to challenge decisions that inadequately reflect the best interests of the children involved.

Statistics show that about 61% of CPS cases that lead to family separations in California are unnecessarily prolonged due to bureaucratic hurdles and lack of resources (source: California Child Welfare Indicators Project). This excessive duration often results in emotional distress and long-term impacts on the children, mothers, fathers, and extended family members, unintentionally causing more harm than good.

By signing this petition, you can help bring attention to the plight of families affected by CPS decisions and urge policymakers in California to adopt measures that emphasize fairness, accuracy, and family reunification whenever possible. Help ensure families like ours, and countless others, aren't torn apart by a system meant to protect them.

Please sign this petition to push for meaningful reforms in California's Child Protective Services, so no more families have to experience the heartbreak and struggle we are enduring.