Shine a light on complaints against CPS

The Issue

My daughter was wrongfully removed from our home based on falsification of a CPS investigation. The anguish and hardship my family endured cannot be adequately expressed. I am not alone in this, as I have come to encounter many others who have been similarly affected by the actions of Child Protective Services (CPS). It is time to address these issues and push for significant reforms within CPS.

Statistics reveal a troubling trend: many families have raised grievances against CPS. Between 2015 and 2020, thousands of complaints were lodged regarding everything from mismanagement to unjust removal of children. Each case is unique, but collectively, they paint a picture of an agency struggling with systemic issues that demand attention.

Improper removal of children can cause irreversible harm to families and children alike, disrupting their lives and inflicting psychological trauma. This is further intensified by the emotional distress of navigating a labyrinthine legal system in efforts to reunite families.

To initiate change, we propose the following actionable solutions:
1. **Independent Review Board:** An external body should be established to oversee CPS investigations, ensuring accountability and transparency.
2. **Improved Training for CPS Workers:** Ensure all personnel undergo comprehensive and continuous training focused on ethical practices and unbiased assessments.
3. **Clear Guidelines and Protocols:** Standardize the investigative processes to eliminate subjective interpretations that lead to wrongful actions.
4. **Feedback Mechanism for Families:** Introduce a mandatory system allowing families to provide feedback on CPS interactions, enhancing agency accountability.

By shining a light on the volume and nature of complaints against CPS, it becomes apparent that reforms are necessary to protect families and children from unwarranted separations. Families should not live in fear of unsubstantiated claims and unjust removals.

I urge you to join me in pressing for these essential changes. Let's hold CPS accountable and work towards a fairer, more just system for all families. Please sign this petition to advocate for reform and to prevent other families from undergoing similar ordeals.

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The Issue

My daughter was wrongfully removed from our home based on falsification of a CPS investigation. The anguish and hardship my family endured cannot be adequately expressed. I am not alone in this, as I have come to encounter many others who have been similarly affected by the actions of Child Protective Services (CPS). It is time to address these issues and push for significant reforms within CPS.

Statistics reveal a troubling trend: many families have raised grievances against CPS. Between 2015 and 2020, thousands of complaints were lodged regarding everything from mismanagement to unjust removal of children. Each case is unique, but collectively, they paint a picture of an agency struggling with systemic issues that demand attention.

Improper removal of children can cause irreversible harm to families and children alike, disrupting their lives and inflicting psychological trauma. This is further intensified by the emotional distress of navigating a labyrinthine legal system in efforts to reunite families.

To initiate change, we propose the following actionable solutions:
1. **Independent Review Board:** An external body should be established to oversee CPS investigations, ensuring accountability and transparency.
2. **Improved Training for CPS Workers:** Ensure all personnel undergo comprehensive and continuous training focused on ethical practices and unbiased assessments.
3. **Clear Guidelines and Protocols:** Standardize the investigative processes to eliminate subjective interpretations that lead to wrongful actions.
4. **Feedback Mechanism for Families:** Introduce a mandatory system allowing families to provide feedback on CPS interactions, enhancing agency accountability.

By shining a light on the volume and nature of complaints against CPS, it becomes apparent that reforms are necessary to protect families and children from unwarranted separations. Families should not live in fear of unsubstantiated claims and unjust removals.

I urge you to join me in pressing for these essential changes. Let's hold CPS accountable and work towards a fairer, more just system for all families. Please sign this petition to advocate for reform and to prevent other families from undergoing similar ordeals.

The Decision Makers

Abigail Spanberger
Virginia Governor
J.D. Diggs
Virginia State Senate - District 24

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Petition created on March 8, 2026