We, the undersigned, respectfully urge the 17th Judicial District Court of Lafourche Parish to grant an emergency stay in the critical child custody case.

Background

 • On March 28, 2024, a Consent Judgment granted Jill Pitre sole custody of Treasure as it relates to the rights of the father. (Mother was incarcerated and unable to appear.)

 • Treasure has been in Jill Pitre’s care since she was 3 months old regularly, and continuously since July 28, 2023. In November 2023 the biological mother was granted 1 hour supervised visitation every two weeks. She has not been unsupervised with Treasure since infancy, furthermore the court has granted multiple protection orders beginning in October 2023 continuing through January 3, 2025.

 • For 526 consecutive days, Treasure has thrived in a safe, stable, loving environment with the Pitre’s.

 • On January 3, 2025, the court unexpectedly ordered Treasure’s immediate return to her biological mother, disregarding the previous Consent Judgment, disregarding the mother’s extensive violent arrest history, failing to properly investigate the molestation allegations and without any transition period.

Legal Concerns

 1. Violation of Louisiana Civil Code Article 131: The ruling fails to consider the best interest of the child by disrupting a stable custody arrangement.

 2. Disregard of Louisiana Civil Code Article 134: The court appears to have overlooked mandatory factors in custody decisions, including:
 • The moral fitness of the parties
 • The stability of the child’s environment
 • Existing relationships between the child and parties

 3. Violation of Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 3945: The emergency modification lacks evidence of immediate harm under the current arrangement and disregards a valid Consent Judgment.

 4. Potential constitutional violations:
 • Due Process rights under the 14th Amendment
 • Louisiana Constitution Article 1 § 2
 • Right to be heard before custody modification
Immediate and Irreparable Harm
Without an emergency stay:

 3. Treasure’s stable environment will be disrupted after 526 consecutive days in Jill Pitre’s care.

 2. The mother’s recent criminal history and incarceration pose potential safety concerns for the child.

 3. An abrupt change threatens the child’s emotional well-being, with no transition period provided.

 4. Serious allegations of potential abuse in the mother’s family environment have not been fully investigated.

Importance of Public Awareness

Public knowledge and engagement in this matter are crucial for several reasons:

 1. Transparency in the judicial process: Public scrutiny ensures that the court adheres to proper legal procedures and considers all relevant factors in making decisions that profoundly affect a child’s life.

 2. Child welfare advocacy: Raising awareness about this case can mobilize child welfare advocates and experts to provide valuable insights and resources to support Treasure’s best interests.

 3. Accountability: Public attention can help hold the court system accountable for decisions that may not align with established legal precedents or the child’s well-being.

 4. Community support: Increased awareness can rally community support for Treasure’s immediate return to Jill Pitre, potentially providing additional resources and assistance during this challenging time.

 5. Precedent setting: This case could set an important precedent for how similar custody cases are handled in the future, making public engagement crucial for long-term child welfare policies.

 6. Education: This case provides an opportunity to educate the public about the complexities of child custody laws and the importance of prioritizing a child’s stability and well-being in legal decisions.

Our Request

We respectfully ask the court to:

 1. Grant the emergency stay motion filed by Jill Pitre.

 2. Order the immediate return of Treasure to Jill Pitre’s custody pending further hearings.

 3. Authorize law enforcement to assist in peaceful transfer if necessary.

 4. Uphold the April 15, 2024 Consent Judgment until a full hearing can be held.

 5. Schedule an expedited hearing to thoroughly examine all factors affecting Treasure’s best interests.

Conclusion

By signing this petition, we stand united in our commitment to protect Treasure’s safety, stability, and well-being. We call on the court to act swiftly and justly in this critical matter, always keeping the child’s best interests at the forefront. The potential legal violations and disregard for established custody principles in this case demand immediate attention to ensure Treasure’s rights and welfare are protected. Our collective voice can make a difference in safeguarding Treasure’s future and promoting transparency and justice in our legal system.

visit our website for our story at

https://thevoiceoftreasure.com/