I am telling my story, not just for myself, but for all parents who have unjustly had their children taken away by Child Protective Services (CPS). At 33, I've spent 12 long years trying to reunite with my three oldest daughters who were placed in foster care because of mistakes in my past. Now, with new allegations concerning my two younger children, the ghost of my past is being unfairly used against me. The accusations of me being an addict are false. While it's true that I've fought that battle when I was 18 or 19, those days are behind me, but it seems impossible to convince CPS of this. Even though I’ve consistently proven my sobriety with regular negative drug tests results, there are relentless investigations and unwarranted visits from police to my home.

There is a serious issue within CPS that is causing families unnecessary anguish. Often parents who have transformed their lives still find themselves under the biased lens of CPS misconduct. This violation of civil rights is not just about me; it occurs far too frequently.

A report from the University of Chicago Law Review argues that corruption in child welfare adjudication primarily affects marginalized communities and exacerbates existing inequalities. Further, a study from Rutgers University found that formerly dependent or neglected children placed in foster care face significantly greater risks of unfavorable outcomes as adults, warranting a reevaluation of CPS' operational practices.

This petition calls for a comprehensive audit, review, and reform of Child Protective Services practices. Our children deserve justice, and families should have the right to prove they can change without the continuous and intrusive harassment from CPS. It’s time to ensure that reforms are implemented so that families, like mine, may prosper without fear of discrimination based on past history. Please sign this petition to bring about meaningful policy changes and end the cycle of CPS harassment.