Help Needed (resources & contacts)...in Denton, TX (Dallas-Fort Worth area

8/3/04 | Self

[call meVeronica]

I have a friend who is going through a hearing for his children. His ex-wife was found "responsible" for a child abuse incident prior to the divorce but was awarded the kids anyway.

He has a great deal of evidence, showing she is still abusing them, but no one piece so significant it can't be challenged. Since he is male he cannot find anyone who will help him thus far.

The judge has given him temporary guardianship over the kids until this Thursday when the temporary hearing is to be completed. The final hearing date will be decided later. But he's worried what might happen if she gets them back even temporarily.

I was wondering if any Freepers know a forensic psychiatrist in the DFW area that might be willing to assist in this case. He's struggling with funds, but is very unsure of the judges motivation behind some of what he has decided & can't take any chances.

Also, Does anyone know any investigative reporters in the DFW area that might like to expose a coordinated failure of CPS, Police & the judicial system in this area?

[call meVeronica]

For anyone who doesn't have any information, please pray for the truth to be revealed and the safety of the boys and my friend.

Thank You

[TomServo]

I have nothing to offer other than a small prayer for those kids.

[PaulaB]

Veronica...go to this web page..this is a local news team that has a department just to investigate this kind of stuff in the Dallas/FTWorth area....contact them...also my prayers are with this situation

http://www.cbs11tv.com/

[Redbob]

V:
Does he have a good lawyer?

I believe Tiffany Haertling specializes in family law (could be mistaken) but she's a great person and very intelligent, be a real plus to have her on your side.

Money or no money, getting the very best legal representation is in your friend's best interest right now!

[MeekOneGOP]

Help Needed (resources & contacts)...in Denton, TX
(Dallas-Fort Worth area)

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call meVeronica posts:

I have a friend who is going through a hearing for his children. His ex-wife was found "responsible" for a child abuse incident prior to the divorce but was awarded the kids anyway.

He has a great deal of evidence, showing she is still abusing them, but no one piece so significant it can't be challenged. Since he is male he cannot find anyone who will help him thus far.

The judge has given him temporary guardianship over the kids until this Thursday when the temporary hearing is to be completed. The final hearing date will be decided later. But he's worried what might happen if she gets them back even temporarily.

I was wondering if any Freepers know a forensic psychiatrist in the DFW area that might be willing to assist in this case. He's struggling with funds, but is very unsure of the judges motivation behind some of what he has decided & can't take any chances.

Also, Does anyone know any investigative reporters in the DFW area that might like to expose a coordinated failure of CPS, Police & the judicial system in this area?

---

If anyone can help, please post to call meVeronica. Thanks.

Please let me know if you want ON or OFF my Texas ping list!. . .don't be shy.
No, you don't HAVE to be a Texan to get on this list!

[Dog Gone]

That's a tough one. The general rule of thumb is that the man always loses in divorce and custody cases no matter what the evidence. The woman wins unless she's a proven drug user or demonstrably insane.

[exhaustedmomma]

Gov. Perry has an investigation of Texas CPS. I'd call the Governor's office and tell my story. I'd ask about the "investigation" committee; ask for contact numbers.
Executive Order RP35 - July 2, 2004

CPS Watch
I'd contact these people, too. Don't be discouraged if it takes a while to hear from them... be persistent.

[mtbopfuyn]

A former CPS worker here. It's hard to prove abuse (mental or physical) if there are no outside witnesses or medically backed physical injuries. It's a he said, she said. If CPS learned there is a custody case, they'll avoid it like the plague because it's usually sick parents dragging the kids into their pettiness. If CPS has completed an investigation on the family and determined it to be unfounded then there's nothing much he can do unless he can show them new injuries. Take pictures of the injuries or take the kids to the CPS office to tell their story. Exactly what abuse is he claiming she had done? Are the kids old enough to testify to the abuse? Can his attorney request the judge take the kids into his chambers and speak with them?

[mtbopfuyn]

CPS Watch? Ha, they'd do better to watch the judges who send the kids back to the abuser. I can't tell you how many cases I had that some idiot judge ignored everything I gave him to send perps to jail only to give the kids back to the monsters. Amazing how it's always CPS' fault when we are the ones who take the cases to court in the first place. It's also CPS' fault that it's the judge who has the final say. Yep, blame CPS. The workers are cursed for so much as knocking on folks' doors and are damned if they take the kids away. And if they don't take the kids away and something bad happens later, the worker is publicly lynched, never mind that again it wasn't the worker's decision but from the powers that be. The public is outraged no matter what the worker does.

Once a judge ignored medical findings that the mother was sexually abusing the baby and sent the child home and the family to have counseling with the priest who was a known pervert. Another time the community leaders were outraged I couldn't legally take away some kids merely because they were poor and dirty. They ranted at me for two years until the day they learned mama had cancer and then I was the meanie for bothering the family and what a wonderful caring parent they thought she was. Then there was the court clerk who cussed me out when his boss, the judge, much to my surprise and everyone else's, got po'ed at a deadbeat father and threw his sorry rear in jail. Yep, somehow it was all my fault that good father who hadn't bothered to call his kid in 2 years had to spend time in jail until he wired the money despite the fact I hadn't even brought up child payments.

It's unfortunate that the media grabs hold of a handful of cases over several years and condemns the entire profession.

[booann777]

call meVeronica...

My take is whoever has the best lawyer will get custody, regardless of the gender of the parents or even welfare of the children. JMHO.

A good lawyer, maybe even a criminal lawyer if they will take his case will make all the difference and handle the CPS, the other lawyer, the ex-wife and all related grief. This should take some pressure off the dad as he will be relieved of some of the bs. Get a ruthless lawyer. Ruthless. Really. Sounds ugly? Custody battles bring out the worst and the kids pay the price.

My other notation is about the kids. This is very rough on them, as you know. They will play both side against the middle, yes, even those little angels. It's human nature so be sure of what they are telling you. Let Mr. Ruthless make the case and just enjoy the kids when he has them. Let them know that the situation is in process, but don't dwell on it. It only makes them confused about everything.

Nothing on the DFW area, sorry. Just some unsolicited advice which I give too often.

Best to you and your bud'... ba7

[lonestar]

Ask if they have a CASA program. I think that's the name of the group who looks after the best interest of the children in cases such as this.

[MeekOneGOP]

Thank you. :^)

[Nachum]

Hi Veronica,

I know a psychologist here in LA that deals with abuse issues for kids and adults. She might know someone in Texas or at least be able to direct you. Want her number? If you do, private message me and I will give you the name and #.

[Dubya]

Most judges in Ft Worth will do a pretty good job. Go a library and get some law books and learn how to it instead of waiting on everyone else to do it for him is one way to do it.
And call 817-335-1239 To answer legal question free 2nd and 4th Thursday 6PM to 8 PM.
Good luck
Dub

[TexKat]

Win Child Custody

CUSTODY EVALUATION

CUSTODY 911

Custody Fathers

Child Custody Attorney Network

[Brownie74]

KDFW channel 4 has investigative reporters. I'm having problems with their page now but CLICK HERE to go to KDFW and then click "Investigative".

CPS has a terrible track record here in Dallas. Good luck with the problem.

[TexKat]

Family Law Advisor - Texas Child Custody Issues -

The Law Office of Anthony Veader, P.C.* Collin, Denton, and Dallas Counties

[exhaustedmomma]

I have been told, by CASA in Texas, that only children in CPS custody get this service. If you request a child advocate or attorney, I was told you pay the fees. If it is requested by the courts, they pay.

[exhaustedmomma]

I too, have had "work related" experience with CPS, the courts and parents involved. My information is not based on "media reports." I agree the system is flawed. In fact, CPS is a dysfunctional group that needs to be dismantled. We need some sort of intervention, but not the system presently in place. Too many kids are left at risk. Too many families are put through sheer hell at the hands of an agency that is understaffed, undertrained, underpaid and on a power trip. Prime example, ripping kids out of a home and placing in foster care before first contacting and/or doing a home investigation of relatives.

CPS Watch, and any support group of people going through the heartbreak and fear families in these situations find themselves, can not only be informative but empowering. That is Psychology 101, Sociology 101 and the basics of any therapeutic recovery.

[Donaeus]

Meek sent me a ping for you and I have been praying but until yesterday I had no other idea what to do. I don't know if you are familiar with Darrell Ankarlo, he's a radio host of Ankarlo Mornings on KLIF 570AM. He's very well connected in the community and if he can't help you personally perhaps he could point you to some additional resources.