Richard Wexler, author of "Wounded Innocents," estimates that out of every 100 reports of alleged child abuse: "58 are false; 21 are poverty cases... Adoption
When devotion to your children meets untrustworthy officials.
Special Needs children are often adopted out from birth or due to a
parents inability to cope. Not all adoptions involve foster care
placements. The controversy over adoption continues to grow with
more and more adoption cases making headlines in the news. The question
of how to ensure a safe environment adopted children has yet to be
answered.
Adoptive Parents Drop Appeals Case
Surprise, AZ -- Homeschooling parents Jeffrey and Katie
Bettendorf were promised by CPS workers they would be able to adopt Marissa, a
sibling to four of their previously adopted children, only to have CPS later
change their mind and adopt the child out to another family -- in the best
interest of the child -- of course. Sources say the Bettendorf's have dropped
their appeal of the adoption at this time.
[Watch the video (left) --
learn more]
Meet the Bettendorf Family
February 11, 2007
2008/05/25 - Falsely Accused: Sylvia Vasquez
Follow the case of Sylvia Jovanna Vasquez, who stands falsely accused. Sylvia is currently being held in the Santa Barbara County Jail.
2008/05/25 - Gravelle Family Case: Caged Children
The Gravelle family has been accused of abusing 11 special-needs adopted children, placed in their care by the State of Ohio. Judge Timothy Cardwell, of the juvenile division of Huron County Common Pleas Court is the presiding judge.
2008/05/25 - Gravelle Case: Too Many Foxes in Huron County, OH
The probe of Sheriff's Detective Matt Spencer by the Huron County Sheriff's Department reminds us of the probe of the Gravelle family by the Ohio Department of Health and Human Services.
2008/05/25 - Why Eleven Children?
Why would anyone intentionally raise 11 special needs children? Who has a heart big enough to love that many children and why would anyone bother to try?
2008/05/25 - Gravelle Case Update: Protecting the Innocent Victims from Zealous State Workers
On November 15, 2005 Huron County Judge Timothy Cardwell refused to return 11 special-needs children to their adoptive parents, keeping them in county custody pending a hearing scheduled for Dec. 6 due to allegations that the children were abused and neglected.
2008/05/25 - Former Child Service Worker Falsely Accused
Daycare owner and former child services worker Sylvia Jovanna Vasquez stands falsely accused of child cruelty and the media is having a field day.
2008/05/25 - Gravelle Family: Gag Orders and Mice
Some very interesting things are going on in Huron County. Eric Dumbeck was removed from his position as HCDJFS Director, David Broehl, Administrator of Children's Services will retire and more changes are on the horizens. Michael and Sharen Gravelle continue their fight for justice and you can help...
2008/05/25 - Gravelle Family: Memaw Dies
Huron County won't allow death bed request because 'Not in the best interest' of children
2008/05/25 - Gravelle Case: Reader Responses
On November 15, 2005 Huron County Judge Timothy Cardwell refused to return 11 special-needs children to their adoptive parents, keeping them in county custody pending a hearing scheduled for Dec. 6 due to allegations that the children were abused and neglected.
2008/05/25 - Legal Strangers
Michael Gravelle has been accused of visiting three of his 11 adopted children Friday, March 24. Huron County Prosecutor Russell Leffler said the Gravelles could face criminal charges if the couple contacts any of the children again.
2008/05/25 - An Update from the Family Defense Network of Ohio
Today, Ken Myers, the Gravelle's attorney, is filing several motions in two separate courts. The most important motion he is filing in the criminal court is the motion to suppress evidence based on the fact that the social worker lied in her statement in order to obtain the warrant from the judge.
2008/05/25 - Gravelle Discipline
The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
2008/05/25 - Gravelle Family Life
You may wonder how the Gravelles were able to manage 11 special needs children, a family friend talks about how they could care for eleven children. Also, Governor Taft urges lawmakers to pass new legislation aimed at families considering adopting more than five children.
2008/05/25 - Federally Funded Family Terrorism
I have been called into question as to how I could still be in support of the Gravelle family after the reports came out in court about the supposed abuse these children endured at the hands of Michael and Sharen Gravelle. I've been in contact with family friends who have since filled in a lot of the blanks for me and I now stand even more convinced that this case is without merit.
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