I am writing this petition because I have faced the heartbreak of losing my children to Child Protective Services (CPS) due to an unjust decision. This ordeal began when I reported an incident of domestic violence. My children's father not only attacked me but also our son, who is his biological child. Despite being a victim, CPS accused me of engaging in domestic violence, using my report against me while my children were taken away.

This experience is not isolated. Many parents in Lemoore, CA, and beyond face the same systemic injustice where the victim is unfairly penalized. This petition seeks to address these injustices by urging lawmakers in California to revise CPS laws, ensuring they protect rather than punish victims of domestic violence.

CPS should focus on keeping families together by providing support services for parents who require assistance. Instead of immediate removal, social services should offer counseling, support groups, and parenting classes to those in need. Research from the National Domestic Violence Hotline indicates that victims often face judgment and bias when reporting abuse, leading to tragic separations like mine.

It's critical to distinguish between perpetrators and victims accurately. Legal reforms should mandate thorough investigations to ensure reports by non-offending partners don’t result in unwarranted child removal. These changes are imperative to protect families and ensure justice.

Please join me in demanding change. Lawmakers must acknowledge the oversight in current CPS practices and implement policies providing genuine support for families. Together, we can bring about a system that is compassionate, fair, and just for all children and parents in Lemoore.

Sign this petition to urge California legislators to act now. The future of countless families depends on it.