Is Illinois' DCFS Compounding A Tragedy?

Illinois Family Institute ^ | September 8, 2009 | Daniel T. Zanoza

[Daniel T. Zanoza]

It was one of those phone calls no parent wants to receive. In fact, it was the beginning of a nightmare for Jean Cohoon. Cohoon's daughter, MeLisa Cleary, 30, a mother of three, was missing. It's a story which, tragically, is repeated all too often in America today. A woman's car is found, her purse and cell phone are left behind, but she is nowhere to be found.

During the first three days after MeLisa's disappearance, a frantic search for the young mother took place. Family, friends, neighbors, and good people who simply wanted to help began the search for MeLisa. Flyers were printed up, the media reported on the case and search teams were organized to scour the town of Mackinaw in Tazewell County, Illinois in the desperate hunt for clues to MeLisa's disappearance.

But on June 10th of 2008, Jean Cohoon's nightmare became reality...

[Dr. Sivana]

There is not enough information here to make a determination. I am normally not a big fan of DCFS, but if the grandmother really appeared to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown, whether it is understandable or not, the children have to be kept out of harm’s way. Maybe she wasn’t a danger, but uunless we know what was said on those calls, we don’t know what made them wary.

[Graybeard58]

We are not hearing the whole story, there’s a reason grandma’s not getting the kids and yes, I read the whole article.

I have dealt with Illinois DCFS off and on for 35 years as a foster parent and legal guardian and have found them to be easy to work with and professional. there are incompetents in every occupation and profession but I haven’t had any problems along those lines.