Ingleside parents consider suing state
by Temple Hemphill
September 6, 2007
http://www.chicagodefender.com/page/local.cfm?ArticleID=9788
A lot has happened in the last 15 years. The U.S. has seated three
presidents - not to mention the Chicago Black man who may become president.
But Jerry and Joanne Nicholas said the last 15 years includes a daily
reminder of one episode -the six children who they say in 1993 were
"stolen" from them. "The police walked through our back door and without
a word took our children," the Ingleside father recalled.
Jerry, who says the state has misdiagnosed him with a learning
disability, claims the Illinois Department of Children and Family
Services acted on an alleged anonymous tip received on its hotline.
"DCFS said someone told them I was going to kill myself and my six
kids," Jerry said.
He denies the threat ever occurred.
However, court papers from the Circuit Court of Cook County Juvenile
Division tell a different story. The court claims the children were
taken because they were at "substantial risk of physical harm due to the
parents "unstable and sometime violent relationship."
The children, who at the time ranged between ages 18 months to 7, were
spread amongst family members, including Jerry's sister who he says
claims to have adopted a few of them. Jerry pulls out the birth
certificates, which appear to support the claims. But he denies the
authenticity of the documents.
The story is scattered and winding with allegations and facts that
mirror a daytime drama. However it's very real to the Nicholas children.
Rape, psychiatric hospitalizations, shootings, and transgender living -
are various things they've endured since 1993. "They've (children) been
through a rough life," Joanne said on the verge of tears.
Stuffed in suitcases, the paperwork produces an even longer trail. Jerry
pulls out two different certificates indicating the completion of
parenting classes he says he "willingly" took in hopes of reuniting
with his children. The certificates date back to the 1990's, which he
maintains is proof that he didn't turn his back on his kids.
Some community folks believe the Nicholas' account and have come to
their aid, including Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook
County. In a letter dated August 14, 2007, Brown asked the Illinois DCFS
to review the Nicholas' case and to hold a private meeting with them.
The Nicholas' are still waiting.
What's Next…
Jerry has no problem spurting dates and remembering small details of
what he considers the worst of times - simply saying, "I have a
photographic memory…I can't forget." And although he realizes time
can't be bought back, he says he wants the state to financially assist
in putting his family back together. And if they don't willingly do so,
he says his family is open to suing the state for civil rights violations.
"It's the state's responsibility and obligation to rehabilitate and
preserve a family - a family they destroyed due to an anonymous tip," he
said matter-of-factly.
CURRENTLY CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES VIOLATES MORE CIVIL RIGHTS ON A
DAILY BASIS THEN ALL OTHER AGENCIES COMBINED INCLUDING THE NSA / CIA
WIRETAPPING PROGRAM....
CPS Does not protect children...
It is sickening how many children are subject to abuse, neglect and even
killed at the hands of Child Protective Services.
every parent should read this .pdf from
connecticut dcf watch...
http://www.connecticutdcfwatch.com/8x11.pdf
http://www.connecticutdcfwatch.com
Number of Cases per 100,000 children in the US
These numbers come from The National Center on
Child Abuse and Neglect in Washington. (NCCAN)
Recent numbers have increased significantly for CPS
*Perpetrators of Maltreatment*
Physical Abuse CPS 160, Parents 59
Sexual Abuse CPS 112, Parents 13
Neglect CPS 410, Parents 241
Medical Neglect CPS 14 Parents 12
Fatalities CPS 6.4, Parents 1.5
Imagine that, 6.4 children die at the hands of the very agencies that
are supposed to protect them and only 1.5 at the hands of parents per
100,000 children. CPS perpetrates more abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse
and kills more children then parents in the United States. If the
citizens of this country hold CPS to the same standards that they hold
parents too. No judge should ever put another child in the hands of ANY
government agency because CPS nationwide is guilty of more harm and
death than any human being combined. CPS nationwide is guilty of more
human rights violations and deaths of children then the homes from which
they were removed. When are the judges going to wake up and see that
they are sending children to their death and a life of abuse when
children are removed from safe homes based on the mere opinion of a
bunch of social workers.
CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES, HAPPILY DESTROYING THOUSANDS OF INNOCENT
FAMILIES YEARLY NATIONWIDE AND COMING TO YOU'RE HOME SOON...
BE SURE TO FIND OUT WHERE YOUR CANDIDATES STANDS ON THE ISSUE OF
REFORMING OR ABOLISHING CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES ("MAKE YOUR CANDIDATES
TAKE A STAND ON THIS ISSUE.") THEN REMEMBER TO VOTE ACCORDINGLY IF THEY
ARE "FAMILY UNFRIENDLY" IN THE NEXT ELECTION...
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