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Sunday, March 22, 2009

Legalized Kidnapping

I had to share the link to a situation that is happening here in our town. It is a horrible thing when police come in and forcibly remove children from a loving home. It is legalized kidnapping. How terrifying it must have been for everyone involved. Please follow the link. There is a lot of history to this story, much more than I could post here. I can tell you that I know Stephanie. She is an outstanding mom. She is the kind of mom I strive to be.

This whole fiasco started at the end of last year. At that time we were in the throes of snowstorm after snowstorm. Many of us, myself included, called the news stations trying desperately to get them to report the story. They wouldn't because as far as they were concerned, the only news was the weather.

Time went by and things quieted down (maybe too much) and we became complacent. Then it hit the fan and now the kids are gone. Freckle (of Such Lovely Freckles) took the bull by the horns. She called KATU, our local news station and spoke, quite effectively, to someone there. KATU was at Stephanie's house within a very short time. The news piece airs tonight at 5pm and 6pm local time. Yes, Freckle ROCKS!

We are hoping that the national news picks this up. If anyone out there has any clout, please step forward.

13 comments:

Secret Mom Thoughts said...

Sounds like an awful situation. Hope the kids get to go home. Keep us updated.

Evonne said...

Thanks for posting, I was just wondering what was happening but never dreamed that they would drag a student from a classroom. So far have not seen the story on the KATU news.

Lisa said...

This is AWFUL, I just read all about it. I'm really confused and don't understand why this would be ok in Va. Kids should come first. I hope the story was broadcast.

Ute said...

The story was on first thing at 6pm. It was only about a minute, but it was a good minute. I really think it turned out well. It'll be on again at 11pm

Evonne said...

Roxanne posted this site: http://www.oregonmediainsiders.com/

rachel... said...

I did read some of the info at the links, but I'm confused as to the reasoning behind taking the kids? What is the state's argument against them staying with the sister? I hope for increased news coverage of the story and for this family to remain intact!

Anonymous said...

The site does not say why they took them. What is the other side of the story?

Ute said...

Rachel and Danielle, the kids are supposed to be reunited with their biological parents.

Shady Lady said...

Thanks for answering Freckle! I'm wondering though, is that what's happening? Originally, they were supposed to go to separate foster homes to wait for their parents to begin rehab and parenting classes. Has that changed?

Anonymous said...

Local news links:

http://www.katu.com/news/local/41688642.html

http://www.katu.com/news/local/41722177.html

It might help if this became a national story, but I don't know. How do you get a judge's order reversed?

Anonymous said...

Stunning! I spent a while reading the back story and it just baffles me that they are in this situation. The red tape, stupidity and well, DHS just makes me scratch my head. How sad. I hope it works out for all of them. Stephanie is obviously a strong person. I hope the story goes national. I'm in Ohio and never heard of it before.

Funny, you'd think DHS would actually fight for the kids security and rights and THEIR best interests. Seems like DHS has failed.

Anonymous said...

Were the kids with their sister legally? Did she have guardianship?

Shady Lady said...

Danielle, yes, the kids were with their sister legally. Oregon DHS is not pleased with how this was handled this. See here:
http://www.katu.com/news/local/41722177.html