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PERHAPS the sentiments contained in the following pages, are not yet sufficiently fashionable to procure them general favor; a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defence of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.
Thomas Paine - Introduction to Common Sense
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Opinion 10331

Opinion submitted by ditzy on 2010-03-02 17:31:40    (reads 1656)
Recently I had dealings with the local dhs child welfare dept. I was confident
something would be done since my ex husband admitted to drug use and fighting
with his new wife in front of my son. I was WRONG!!! The worker's findings are
that my ex and I need counseling so we can figure out how to get along!!!! I was
outraged to say the least. Evidentally dhs has a policy that if the child's
BASIC NEEDS are met then it's ok for you to use drugs!! How is this ok and why
is NOTHING being done?
Comment submitted by Hal on 2010-03-02 17:39:57
The local politicians get a kick-back from the drug pushers.  In at least one
case a local state representative IS a drug pusher. 
 
The reality in SE Oklahoma.
Comment submitted by gmf on 2010-03-02 19:27:53
FACTS,  PLEASE --------
Comment submitted by donut on 2010-03-02 20:00:09
I guess they are letting the parents screw up the kids instead of allowing foster
homes to do it. they call them assessments instead of investigations.
Comment submitted by Popeye on 2010-03-02 20:00:54
And get himself killed for saying names?  I don't think so......
Comment submitted by Hal on 2010-03-02 20:10:20
gmf -- there is support for my statement -- even some from Randy Green. 
The rumors have been around for years ... however lacking direct 'legal' proof 
naming the individual would likely just start another round of libel cases.
Comment submitted by amazed on 2010-03-02 20:42:12
It is the recent changes in the laws regarding DHs children. It seems unless a child
is being beaten to death in front of a DHS staff member nothing is found to be
wrong. They won't do anything even when they themselves know the potential threat
of harm is there. The words of the day are "immediate danger" and children being
hungry or around drug dealers/users, substandard homes, emotional abuse, etc. is
considered to be ok. What it is going to take is one or more of the DHs employees
to be tried, found guilty and have to serve time for their lack of concern and
failure to protect these children before changes will be made. If I were you, I
wouldn't stop with them, I would go higher and continue climbing until someone
listened to me and took action. Try contacting Oklahoma Commission on Children and
Youth in OKC to request further investigation. They might be able to help you.
Comment submitted by ditzy on 2010-03-03 19:10:21
I was worried about my son so my parents hired a pi for me. the pi felt there
was enough cause to go to child welfare. The pi took in all of the information
they had and made a referral. This is Not the first referral that has been made.
Instead of talking to the witnesses who's names were given she dismissed them,
the worker found it more important to only check out what she wanted. I have a
taped phone conversation where my ex admits he can Not pass a drug test that
this worker never listened 2. I also spoke with her supervisor and taped the
conversation. In this phone call I was informed that the supervisor knows ppl
that use drugs and their children are taken care of. I was in shock to say the
least. The supervisor making this statement to me was unbelieveable. I have
contacted OCCY and plan to file a grievance and hire an attorney. I feel like if
it's our responsibility to report abuse it Should be their responsibility to
take them seriously!!!
Comment submitted by amazed on 2010-03-03 20:24:38
It is not uncommon for them to "screen out" referrals simply because they don't want
to do their jobs and don't want to explain why they took another child into custody
even when the allegations warrant that action. The way these children are treated
and not protected is sickening. Maybe as stated before, if one or two of the staff
end up going to jail due to their lack of action resulting in injury it will wake
them up. Sorry for what you are facing, but don't depend on DHS to give a crap if
it isn't in their interest. Seek outside assistance as quickly as possible and
expose them for what you feel they are.
Comment submitted by LMFAO on 2010-03-04 09:03:42
DHS needs to be closed down. They don't do their jobs. They are there just for a
paycheck. I know a girl who went to work for them for about 2 weeks and she quit
due to the way they run things. She didnt belive DHS does the right for the child
and she could not work there.
Comment submitted by ditzy on 2010-03-04 10:00:45
First of all it is NOT illegal to tape conversations in the state of Oklahoma as
long as one party involved in the conversation is aware it is being taped. I was
involved with each and every conversation. Next I have an attorney and go to
court the end of March. And the way you make it sound it's ok for ppl to use
drugs, drink, and fight with their children around. IT'S NOT!!! I think it's sad
that you would rather a child be in an unstable environment than in a safe,happy
home. As far as visitation or custody dad has NIETHER!! Paternal grandmother has
temp. guardianship which she recieved after she went to the judge and told them
I did not feed or bathe my son, while I was working on an alzheimer unit of a
nursing facility. No investigation was done the judge just granted her temp
custody!
Comment submitted by donut on 2010-03-04 15:16:45
Dangle,  the law allows the warrantless recording of phone conversations as long as
one participant involved in the conversation is aware the conversation is being
recorded. The recording would be admissible in criminal court. It does not require
both parties to be aware or give consent.
Comment submitted by Chass on 2010-03-04 16:23:19
Dangle you always read more into peoples comments than are there. No where did she
say she was doing it for revenge. She is doing it for the best interests in the
child. And probably how the child is witnissing it.. grandparents have a bad habit
of getting children then handing them over to their child.... didnt a child get
beat to death by doing that... named Ryan luke?
Comment submitted by Chass on 2010-03-04 16:36:07
I to this day still recvord all phone calls between me and my x. No children
involved.. its called being smart and prepared to defend yourself. Its perfectly
legal.. perfectly usable in court.. and admissable as evidence. Been there done
that.. used it in court to stop a stalker I had. It has nothing to do with revenge
but trying to protect her child... which she has a right to do.. more power to
her... People like her x and my neice should be done away with they are wastes of
space. My NEice has had 5 children.. drug head from hell.. and DHS only temp
resides them with family. I honestly Feel her pain... and have felt her pain.
Comment submitted by ditzy on 2010-03-04 18:20:53
First of all I am NOT an idiot and if you knew me or took the time to comprehend
what you are reading you would see that!! When my 6 year old tells me he wants
to blow his head off I take that very very serious!!! I did not go to dhs my pi
did and furthermore if it was revenge I wanted I have more on him than just his
drug use and could use it!!!
Comment submitted by Popeye on 2010-03-04 20:03:30
Ditzy, please take a deep breath and don't blow your stack over imbecelic comments
made by a person who seems always to want to find fault with those who post here. 
In his mind, he's never wrong and he thinks the rest of us reside in the lower IQ
levels - and tells us about it frequently.  You have an extremely personal battle
to deal with - and he's approaching it from an analytical viewpoint.  He obviously
has no empathy nor sympathy for those who are in a struggle.  Just ignore him and
maybe he'll leave you alone.
Comment submitted by countdown on 2010-03-04 20:31:23
Ignore dangle,  just a troll.  The recordings are legal, and can be admitted without
consent.  Former phone employee, with convicts involved.
Comment submitted by amazed on 2010-03-05 07:32:55
If the child is in potential danger, don't give up Ditzy. Regardless of what Dangle
says, it is a DHS issue they have an obligation to protect and not sweep it under
the carpet like they normally do. Stay on them or as advised later, go above them
either way, it's a shame to have to make them do their jobs. Have to wonder if they
would feel the same way if it were their own children being subjected to these
issues.
Comment submitted by ditzy on 2010-03-05 10:59:59
I had my son in counseling and grandma pulled him out because the doctor advised
that my son needed to be returned to me! As far as my working on the unit being
relevant if I am going to take care of elderly ppl that aren't capable of caring
for themselves why would I notdo the same for MY CHILD? Next you say neglect how
do you come up with that I was NEVER investigated there was only an accusation!
Next I work in the law profession so an idiot I am not and I am doing EVERYTHING
I can to protct MY SON!! As for the wire taps go I haven't tapped anyone's phone
I was just sick of the he said she said bullshit, I also made them aware I would
be taping from now on so if they chose not to pay attention to what they say
it's their bad nt mine. You sure act like you kow it all to in reality know
NOTHING at all.
Comment submitted by Chass on 2010-03-05 14:05:37
Dangle do you forget where we live? Do you honestly expect without paying for it
justice? People are really shocked to find out how different things are here..
it really is who you know.. who owes you... or how much cash you have. Also
about the Stalker yes I had a lass who was stalking me... she wouldnt leave me
alone... when I was at work she would sit outside my place of employment and
chew any females I talked to out. She even went up and had her last name Changed
to mine. I almost went through similar as this lass. MY Motherinlaw... she tried
to get us investigated.. my brother had just returned from Afgan... so we went
to visit. Came home to a note on the door from DHS. I picked up the phone and
called.... Got someoen who knew me on the horn.. The woman was coming to take my
child not investigate. He told me what the accusation was "neglect" which is
beyond unbelievable. My child is the complete center of my universe. See the
problem was she wasnt coming to investigate.. just take the child, all ont he
word of a bitter, evil spirited vile woman (yes my mother in law). Had it not
been for somoeone in the office knowing me, and been to the cub scouts with me
and my son.... and had been around us interacting... they would have taken my
son, or tried to. See little known fact.. they have to have a cop with them, if
the cop does not agree the child is in danger they can not legally remove the
child.
Comment submitted by rentamom on 2010-03-05 19:51:31
I have seen a lot of questionable things regarding who or what gets custody of
children in DHs custody. Learned a long time ago to quit scratching my head and
take action instead, legal action that is. Just as you say we don't know the whole
story, you're absolutely correct but it doesn't necessarily mean the mom was
automatically guilty of wrongdoing. I know for a fact that DHS will NOT remove a
child because they are not being bathed or living in filthy conditions. Who the
child ends up with depends on which one the caseworker assigned to likes the best
and that's the bottom line. Doesn't matter what the parents do or don't do when a
friendship alliance is formed between the parent or caregiver in general and the
DHs staff, the facts don't seem to matter regarding the child.
Comment submitted by Armymom on 2010-03-06 10:48:35
Being the parent of a teenager with mental disabilities I have had DHS at my house
on a few occasions for allegations the child made against us and automatically we
were the bad parents until they looked at the meds, therapist visits, physc visits,
inpatient stays etc.  So I am not taking either side the parent or the childs.  But
as I have said before (and was attacked as having no control) until you walk a mile
in someone else's shoes you really have no idea what someone deals with.
Comment submitted by rentamom on 2010-03-06 11:20:39
including and especially the child......
Comment submitted by gmf on 2010-03-06 11:53:34
It is so really hard to believe that a child is taken from their home for "no
reason". Now, some parents get their "act together" and it sometimes takes time to
get the child placed back in the home. Certain steps have to be followed and proven
to be a stable situation for the child.DHS is short staffed for what they have to
deal with and cover (home visits, reports written, court appearances etc.). Last
year this county and the one just north of us (combined) had over 1,000 child abuse
reports and about 300 of them were investigated and confirmed. No, I'm not a DHS
worker, but I've seen both sides .
Comment submitted by amazed on 2010-03-06 14:34:49
Do you not find it a little strange that over 1000 investigations were done and
only 300 were confirmed. Color me stupid here but I'm not buying that garbage
which confirms an earlier post discussing those allegations which are "screened
out" simply because the worker assigned doesn't believe there is immediate
danger to the child. I have often wondered does the child become in immediate
danger 5 minutes after this so called "investigator" leaves the area? It takes
so long to place the child back into the home because they're so busy giving the
biological every break imaginable even when they know they're doing drugs, not
working, not doing their "programs", and making little effort to correct their
situations. Quite frankly I, like many others are sick of hearing about DHS
staff shortages which could be corrected if they were taught "time management"
classes so they could utilize their time more effectively instead of standing
around gossiping, and head-hunting for everyone except the ones that are to
blame for their children being taken into custody to begin with. Another option
would be get rid of half the supervisors which would make those left have to do
their jobs. Children are placed back into homes that ar
Comment submitted by amazed on 2010-03-06 14:41:12
continued - healthy or safe simply to get them out of the system.  The only thing
these children seem to have going for them and this includes all the so-called
advocate agencies that are supposed to be protecting these children but are afraid
to stand up to DHS and tell them when they believe thing ... 
Read Full Text
Comment submitted by historian on 2010-03-07 09:40:14
I'm sorry your child is going though such a time as this, Ditzy. I really hope
everything can go well for him soon.  I was merely a temporary social worker for
awhile, a few years ago and in another county. So, I'm more familiar with how
things work in that county, rather than here. Anyway, we'd get ... 
Read Full Text
Comment submitted by amazed on 2010-03-07 13:22:43
You know Historian you made a lot of sense in your statements, however, my question
would be when a caseworker or a supervisor sees the employee is getting "burned
out" why don't they transfer them to a different branch? There are childrens' lives
on the line here and no room for burn out. From what ... 
Read Full Text
Comment submitted by ditzy on 2010-03-08 09:44:47
I am very grateful for each and every opinion posted. Thank you all. I would
like to carify one thing though my whole reason for posting this was to HELP the
children who are in need of help and not recieving it. This was not a report for
revenge as was first thought my concern is if these children  ... 
Read Full Text
Comment submitted by amazed on 2010-03-08 18:00:34
You hang in there. These workers couldn't take half as much of the pain they inflict
on all parties concerned. Keep praying as will I and it will all work out to the
best interest of your child.
Comment submitted by amazed on 2010-03-09 13:27:43
I have found in the past that when a person is in the same position for any length
of time they become complacent in that position and may possibly look at one
situation and think it is exactly as the 100 they've seen before it and take no
action only to find out that might be the one situation that ... 
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Comment submitted by amazed on 2010-03-09 13:30:54
In this particular discussion, there is food stamp division, TANF, as well as many
other areas in DHS, not just child welfare.If they have been there so long they
cannot look at each situation objectively, it's time to go. If they are not taking
care of business they need to be removed from that pos ... 
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Comment submitted by donut on 2010-03-09 14:19:53
funny thing is there isn't a worker at any DHS office that is allowed to make a
decision. everything is ran up the chain of command. they don't close cases, or
make a recommendation with out a supervisor approving such action. Also the workers
do not take children away unless the DA and a district j ... 
Read Full Text
Comment submitted by amazed on 2010-03-09 17:50:59
While they may not be calling all the shots, they are indeed the ones that make the
recommendations oftentimes based on a 15 minute home visit every 30 days. I have
seen personalities enter into the decision making process and sometimes wrong
decisions made simply because they don't like the biologi ... 
Read Full Text
Comment submitted by wutnext on 2010-03-17 12:49:53
Comment submitted by wutnext on 2010-03-17 12:52:17
I have a question:  The DA charges a mother with felony child abuse charges for
slapping her 17 year old daughter in the face.  Why would they allow that child to
remain in the home if she is in danger?
Comment submitted by gmf on 2010-03-17 17:26:32
Because there is no place to put her except the youth shelter and that is a
temporary fix. There must be more to the story.
Comment submitted by pugzleesmom on 2010-03-17 22:54:21
I have to agree that something needs to be done about dhs.  My sisters exhusband
hasn't paid child support in several months and dhs hasn't done a thing about it. 
She was told that if she wants anything done about it she has to take him back
court.  My parents have already spent $2500.00 on a lawye ... 
Read Full Text
Comment submitted by countryboy0001 on 2010-03-18 15:12:38
If you say they don't pay then they don't get to see there kids, how about the ones
that pay there support and have never been late, however the ex won't let you see
the kids.  and also if you think $2500 is a lot, you have another thing coming. 
get ready to dig into your ass pocket to pay for atto ... 
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Comment submitted by pugzleesmom on 2010-03-19 13:22:42
For my family 2500 is alot when both my parents are on disability and trying to
support themselves and my sister and her kids.  Ya my sister needs to get a job but
everytime she does something her ex is filing charges on her for child neglect or
abuse. I know all to well about the the ones who pay a ... 
Read Full Text
Comment submitted by countryboy0001 on 2010-03-19 18:28:05
I am not saying $2500 isn’t nothing, hell yes that is a lot of money for me also,
just saying that I have spent a lot more than that fighting this so called fair
legal system that we have.  I have been told by several people that you might be
able to get something done by going to someone at the DHS ... 
Read Full Text
Comment submitted by wonderingthetruth on 2010-03-19 20:22:43
DHS doesn't do child support in Pittsburg County. It is the child support
enforcement office and they are not an entity of DHS.
Comment submitted by Chass on 2010-03-20 03:19:07
Um where does it say if they dont pay they cant see the kids. A friend of mine has
custody of his son.. His ex has not paid one dime of child support (in the year and
a half since their devorce).. they have revoked her lisc, and put out a bench
warrant but keep warning him he better have the child t ... 
Read Full Text
Comment submitted by Chass on 2010-03-20 03:20:16
Um where does it say if they dont pay they cant see the kids. A friend of mine has
custody of his son.. His ex has not paid one dime of child support (in the year and
a half since their devorce).. they have revoked her lisc, and put out a bench
warrant but keep warning him he better have the child t ... 
Read Full Text
Comment submitted by Chass on 2010-03-20 03:20:28
Um where does it say if they dont pay they cant see the kids. A friend of mine
has custody of his son.. His ex has not paid one dime of child support (in the
year and a half since their devorce).. they have revoked her lisc, and put out a
bench warrant but keep warning him he better have the child t ... 
Read Full Text

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