Comments on: Lost And Found

Lesley Stahl On Efforts To Place Foster Children Back With Their Families

[nanawells]

GOVERNOR DOUGLAS OF VERMONT YOU NEED TO LOOK AT THESE COMMENTS AND LOOK INTO THE SOCIAL SERVICES SYSTEM IN FRANKLIN COUNTY VERMONT.YOU NEED TO WATCH OR READ ABOUT THE SHOW THAT WAS ON TONIGHT. OUR GRANDCHILDREN HAD GOOD HONEST HARD WORKING GRANDPARENTS WHO WANTED THEM. WE COULD/ WOULD HAVE MADE A VERY GOOD HOME FOR THEM. THEY WOULD HAVE HAD LOVE - SECURITY - STABILITY THE BEST HOME WE COULD MAKE THEY WOULD NEVER HAD TO LIVE WITH OUT THE LOVE OF THEIR BIRTH FAMILY.IF YOU HAD READ OUR LETTERS WE KNOW YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HELP US BUT WE ARE NOT OF HIGH INCOME LEVEL WE ARE JUST MIDDLE CLASS HARD WORKERS WHO DO THE BEST WE CAN FOR OUR FAMILIES. THE SYSTEM LIES THEY CLAIM IT IS FOR THE CHILDRENS BEST INTEREST!!! HOW CAN YOU HIDE BEHIND THAT COMMENT KNOWING THE CHILDREN WANT THEIR BIRTH FAMILY? DO YOUR JOB AND GET THIS SYSTEM CLEANED UP!!! WE KNOW THERE IS A REAL NEED FOR SOME FAMILIES BUT THERE IS MORE CORRUPTION THAN GOOD IN FRANKLIN COUNTY VERMONT.

[nanawells]

GOVERNOR DOUGLAS OF VERMONT YOU NEED TO LOOK AT THESE COMMENTS AND LOOK INTO THE SOCIAL SERVICES SYSTEM IN FRANKLIN COUNTY VERMONT.YOU NEED TO WATCH OR READ ABOUT THE SHOW THAT WAS ON TONIGHT. OUR GRANDCHILDREN HAD GOOD HONEST HARD WORKING GRANDPARENTS WHO WANTED THEM. WE COULD/ WOULD HAVE MADE A VERY GOOD HOME FOR THEM. THEY WOULD HAVE HAD LOVE - SECURITY - STABILITY THE BEST HOME WE COULD MAKE THEY WOULD NEVER HAD TO LIVE WITH OUT THE LOVE OF THEIR BIRTH FAMILY.IF YOU HAD READ OUR LETTERS WE KNOW YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HELP US BUT WE ARE NOT OF HIGH INCOME LEVEL WE ARE JUST MIDDLE CLASS HARD WORKERS WHO DO THE BEST WE CAN FOR OUR FAMILIES. THE SYSTEM LIES THEY CLAIM IT IS FOR THE CHILDRENS BEST INTEREST!!! HOW CAN YOU HIDE BEHIND THAT COMMENT KNOWING THE CHILDREN WANT THEIR BIRTH FAMILY? DO YOUR JOB AND GET THIS SYSTEM CLEANED UP!!! WE KNOW THERE IS A REAL NEED FOR SOME FAMILIES BUT THERE IS MORE CORRUPTION THAN GOOD IN FRANKLIN COUNTY VERMONT.

[nanawells]

GOVERNOR DOUGLAS OF VERMONT YOU NEED TO LOOK AT THESE COMMENTS AND LOOK INTO THE SOCIAL SERVICES SYSTEM IN FRANKLIN COUNTY VERMONT.YOU NEED TO WATCH OR READ ABOUT THE SHOW THAT WAS ON TONIGHT. OUR GRANDCHILDREN HAD GOOD HONEST HARD WORKING GRANDPARENTS WHO WANTED THEM. WE COULD/ WOULD HAVE MADE A VERY GOOD HOME FOR THEM. THEY WOULD HAVE HAD LOVE - SECURITY - STABILITY THE BEST HOME WE COULD MAKE THEY WOULD NEVER HAD TO LIVE WITH OUT THE LOVE OF THEIR BIRTH FAMILY.IF YOU HAD READ OUR LETTERS WE KNOW YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HELP US BUT WE ARE NOT OF HIGH INCOME LEVEL WE ARE JUST MIDDLE CLASS HARD WORKERS WHO DO THE BEST WE CAN FOR OUR FAMILIES. THE SYSTEM LIES THEY CLAIM IT IS FOR THE CHILDRENS BEST INTEREST!!! HOW CAN YOU HIDE BEHIND THAT COMMENT KNOWING THE CHILDREN WANT THEIR BIRTH FAMILY? DO YOUR JOB AND GET THIS SYSTEM CLEANED UP!!! WE KNOW THERE IS A REAL NEED FOR SOME FAMILIES BUT THERE IS MORE CORRUPTION THAN GOOD IN FRANKLIN COUNTY VERMONT.

[nanawells]

FOLLOW UP TO COMMENT ON FRANKLIN COUNTY VERMONT SOCIAL SERVICES. OUR SON AND HIS GIRLFRIEND HAD TO GIVE UP THEIR PARENTAL RIGHTS THEIR COURT APPOINTED LAWYERS WORK FOR THE STATE THEY DID NOT FIGHT FOR THE PARENTS THEY KNEW OUR SON WANTED US TO HAVE CUSTODY, BUT BASED ON THE GIRLFRIENDS FEARS AND PHOBIAS THE SOCIAL WORKERS RAN AWAY WITH IT AND THE COURTS TOOK THE PARENTS RIGHTS AWAY. THE CHILDREN WERE NEVER ABUSED OR NEGLECTED THEY WERE FED WELL CLEAN AND HAD REGULAR DOCTOR VISITS. THE WORST CASE SENARIO WAS THE MOM DID SOMETIMES KEEP THEM OUT LATE AT NIGHT BUT NEVER IN DANGER JUST AT FAMILIES VISITING. THE SOCIAL WORKERS DID NOT LIKE THE FAMILIES OR FRIENDS. THEY EVEN USED OTHER CLIENTS IN THE SYSTEM WHO WERE FORMER FRIENDS OF OUR SON AND HIS GIRLFRIEND TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT THEM TO USE IN COURT WITH NO FACTUL EVIDENCE TO THEIR CLAIMS. FOUR OF THE INFORMENTS SHOULD NOT HAVE THEIR CHILDREN, BUT THEY MADE AGREEMENTS TO TESTIFY OR GIVE STATEMENTS AND THEY COULD KEEP THIER CHILDREN. BELIEVE ME THIS IS NOT MADE UP I HAVE ALL THE COURT PAPERS TO PROVE FACTS.IF A GOOD JUDGE OR LAWYER WAS TO SEE THE PAPERS THEY WOULD SEE WHY WE ARE FRUSTRATED.
THE STORY DID JUST FOCUS ON BLACKS TONIGHT BUT THERE IS ALSO WHITES AND OTHERS IN THE SYSTEM WHO NEED HELP!!!!

[rosejensen_dotmac]

60 Mintes! Please post link to Family Finding. I would like to know where I can donate/volunteer.

R

[nanawells]

MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE YOUNG CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE WHO HAVE NO FAMILY.WE WERE VICTIMS OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES IN FRANKLIN COUNTY VERMONT. OUR TWO WONDERFUL GRANDCHILDREN WERE PUT UP FOR ADOPTION EVEN THOUGH WE BEGGED TO HAVE THEM AND RAISE THEM. WE DID ALL THE SERVICES THEY ASKED OF US JUST TO HAVE 1 HOUR A MONTH VISIT WITH THEM. THE SOCIAL WORKERS MADE UP THINGS AND PUT THEM IN THE REPORTS FOR THE COURT JUDGES TO REVIEW AND WE COULD NOT DEFEND OURSELVES AS THE SOCIAL WORKERS ASKED FOR US TO BE KEPT OUT OF THE HEARINGS. WE WROTE TO OUR GOVERNOR ONLY FOR HIM TO JUST BRUSH US UNDER THE RUG, THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMISSIONER DID JUST THE SAME. OUR GRANDCHILDREN WANTED TO BE WITH US, ON OUR LAST VISIT WITH OUR GRANDSON WAS BEING PULLED DOWN THE HALLWAY YELLING GRAMMA & GRAMPA DON'T FORGET WHEN I AM 16 I AM COMING HOME TO YOU HE DID THAT ALL THE WAY DOWN THE HALL. AT THE LAST VISIT WITH OUR GRANDDAUGHTER SHE ASKED ME TO BRING HER HOME WITH ME AND POPPA, SHE WANTED HER SWING - POOL AND BEDROOM WE MADE UP FOR HER. THE SOCIAL WORKERS COMMENTS WERE YOU WILL HAVE OTHER GRANDCHILDREN. HOW COLD CAN THAT BE. SHE KNEW WE WOULD PROVIDE A VERY GOOD SAFE LOVING ENVIROMENT FOR BOTH CHILDREN, IT WAS JUST EVIL THAT SHE TOOK A FEW MISUNDERSTANDINGS TWISTED THEM AND THE COURTS TAKE AWAY THE CHILDREN, KNOWING THAT THEY HAD GOOD FAMILY MEMBERS WHO WANTED TO RAISE THEM AND THEY WANTED TO BE WITH US. THIS HAS/IS HAPPENING ALOT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY VERMONT.

[wilkinrn]

I was VERY disturbed that this story focused solely on black families in distress. What, there are no white kids in the foster care system? You promote bigotry of the worst kind - "I told you they, are incapable of taking care of themselves and are a 'drain' on our tax dollars".
I am white, middle class and I think you have done a very grave disservice to the black community by propagating the 'old' historical slavery attitude of ALL America. Show us how our 'poor white trash' throw off their kids!

[whyjudge]

As a professional working in the foster care system, I am glad to see an emphasis placed on some of the systemic injustices that permeate the foster care system. The locality I work with is predominantly white. Trust me, there are more than enough white families that are in the same situation, if not worse. The issue is really not race, although we always seem to end up at that place. The foster care system needs to have a complete overhaul, beginning with the judicial system that "oversees" the services to these families. Most often foster care cases are placed on the docket once every six months for 10 minute time frames! The judicial system has a choice. Pay attention to these kids now, or pay for it later! Children who lack the most essential connection of belonging to a family can become part of another mismanaged system, the judicial system!

[mrios270]

hi i have two sisters that were adopted in ca. they were also in foster care. I was 20 years old when they were put in foster care. I had children of my own. I have been looking for jessica and melissa for about 10 years. this year I hope to find my sisters jessica she will be 18 on 10-10-2007. my sisters are around the same as my own children. My daughters are looking froward to seeing them to. We now live in sd not in ca. hope to see them soon. THANK YOU. This is a great story. Bring Family together again. This is a gift from god......

[mrios270]

hi i have two sisters that were adopted in ca. they were also in foster care. I was 20 years old when they were put in foster care. I had children of my own. I have been looking for jessica and melissa for about 10 years. this year I hope to find my sisters jessica she will be 18 on 10-10-2007. my sisters are around the same as my own children. My daughters are looking froward to seeing them to. We now live in sd not in ca. hope to see them soon. THANK YOU. This is a great story. Bring Family together again. This is a gift from god......

[debmar3]

I have alot to say also about our messed up system. See my children and I have gone through every heart break Our DSS and so called social workers can and do get away with. They hide behind their quote " were doing this on behalf of the children." I can't believe how these people can get away with lies and neglect themselves. They tear apart families that can make it and overcome. With more encourgement and support that I never had from my own family my children and I would still be together. But anyway they can make a buck they do it. Regarless on who they destroy. They sweep human beings and their feelings under the rug and hide behide their SO called position. I had to deal with these people and because of this My children and I were complelty ripped of all our rights. If you can't afford an attorney in this wonderful country of ours Your done for. The faith and hope are gone. I went to this system for help blinded and naive and because of that I was robbed, raped and stripped of all my self worth. And now they are making my next generation worthless and have no self respect for themselves and especially for others. People need to know all of our stories, and open their eyes to family courts and foster care within our WONDERFUL system. Help families stay together with every means possible . People are not bad they sometimes make bad choices. And choices can always be changed with the right effort and help. Stop breaking up what this country was founded on. Family.

[wilkinrn]

I was VERY disturbed that this story focused solely on black families in distress. What, there are no white kids in the fostbigotry of the worst kind - "I told you they are incapable of taking care of themselves and are a 'drain' on our tax dollars".
I am white, and I think you have done a very grave disservice to the black community by propagating the 'old' historical slavery attitude of ALL America. Show us how 'poor white trash' throw off their kids!er system? You promote

[wilkinrn]

I was VERY disturbed that this story focused solely on black families in distress. What, there are no white kids in the foster system? You promote bigotry of the worst kind - "I told you they are incapable of taking care of themselves and are a 'drain' on our tax dollars".
I am white, and I think you have done a very grave disservice to the black community by propagating the 'old' historical slavery attitude of ALL America. Show us how 'poor white trash' throw off their kids!

[sherb6]

i was in foster care for most of my teen years iam now 49 years old i understand how these kids feel and why they are so angry. It is nice too see people are starting to care about these kids cause they grow up and become good adults, who over come the hardships life has put upon them and still raise there own kids who are good people today. I never thought i would ever become one of those people and now iam. People have to care about others, we are all great no matter what others think. I had alot of people in the system who cared i didnt know it then but i see it now. I knew my family and they had problems which they have never understood why i couldnt live with them but they didnt do those things back then. thanks for letting me tell my story hopefully things will get better for the kids. They are people too

[wilkinrn]

I was VERY disturbed that this story focused solely on black families in distress. What, there are no white kids in the foster system? You promote bigotry of the worst kind - "I told you they are incapable of taking care of themselves and are a 'drain' on our tax dollars".
I am white, and I think you have done a very grave disservice to the black community by propagating the 'old' historical slavery attitude of ALL America. Show us how 'poor white trash' throw off their kids!

[jmborders3]

You should be commended for the story on the most forgotten people in America. However, once again, the media stigmatizes Afrikan American families. Where there any white children in "Five Acres?" Were there any other ethnic groups you could have included in your story?

Most Afrikan American families are loving and supportive, even when there is tremendous disfunction!

In spite of my conern about how people will view the Afrikan American family in the inner city, I desperately want to know more about "Five Acres".

Thank you.

Rev. John M. Borders III

[blessed2play]

With all the horrible stories that are covered by journalism today, it is refreshing to see a story like "Lost and found" which tugs at the very fabric of our society. This is the kind of journalism that America needs so badly to see in this day and time. Why? Because it gives HOPE! I could have been one of those precious children 50 years ago, but because of aunts, uncles, and cousins, I was spared from the same kind of depression and lonliness you showed these children to have. If you never did another story and went out of business tomorrow, I would be satisfied that you did GOOD on that one. Thanks!

[trendtreasur]

Thanks for highlighting the irresponsiblity of these black "families." It is great to see the father that want these kids when they are 18 yrs old (continuation of no child support) the unwed mother with 3 kids (and the one the show is about) the families that did not make an effort to retrieve them over the years. Then you wonder why we vote rebublican, we are tired of the liberal tears for irresponsiblity.

[camileesmom]

I watched this story, hoping that it wouldn't be us someday.
We are currently trying to gain custody of my great niece and have been fighting a hard fight for over 6 months now. We live in a different state and have done everything that the custodial state has asked us to do. Still we are being denied custody, because they intend to adopt her out. They have stalled, lied, and done everything possible to not allow us to have her.
My great niece is 19 months old and has been in emergency foster care for 6 months now. We have done background checks, home studies and now I am getting foster care licensed in our last attempt to try to get her. They haven't been able to deny us on any legal basis, but have used every other means to not let us have her.
I can't afford an attorney, but have called, written and tried every other resource that I could. It's not working. I have even tried to get our story out to the media, but I haven't been able to grasp the attention.
There have been an incredible amount of injustices done in just our case and if some one happens to read this, that might be able to help...Please contact me. I don't know if this sight allows it, but my email is camileesmom at aol

I'm at work reading this and I had to stop. It's just too hard. I've had my son taken away from me too. I have about 4 mos untill DFS and the courts decide to terminate my parental rights. My son is 8. I am a working poor single mom who's trying very hard. I miss my son very much and even after a year of losing custody I still only see him once a week. I'm told if I do everything they say I'll get my son back. But those requests change as we go. I don't believe a word they say but what can I do except what they tell me to and hope and pray for the best. Unfortunately I don't have a high powered attorney so there's very little hope of getting my son back. I know what everybody's going through especially you saharroun. I hear your desperation and your fear because I was there every single day for a very long time. There are days when I still feel that. But I do my best to trust in God and it helps. I'm learning to accept this situation and accept the fact that my son won't be returned to me mainly because I don't have a $5000 retainer for an attorney. Saharroun I wish you the best of luck and the same for everyone else.