http://www.power4parents.org/forum/ Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:52:42 +1100 MyBB http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=382 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:33:16 +1100 fed-up http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=382
I will also be getting the kids AT HOME for 4 hours on Christmas Day!

I am also able to drive my 3 boys down to Toowoomba on my Daughters B'day so they can visit her too!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am over elated!

I love my CSO!!!!!!!!!
Finally all the hard work is paying off!]]>
I will also be getting the kids AT HOME for 4 hours on Christmas Day!

I am also able to drive my 3 boys down to Toowoomba on my Daughters B'day so they can visit her too!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am over elated!

I love my CSO!!!!!!!!!
Finally all the hard work is paying off!]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=374 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:35:01 +1100 fed-up http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=374 Gabrielle Dunlevy
November 13, 2008 03:35pm

SEVEN cases ending in young people committing suicide were not probed when last reported to Queensland's Child Safety Department, a report says.

The Queensland Commission for Children and Young People's annual report into deaths of children and young people was tabled in Parliament today.

The report said that of the 64 children and young people known to the department who died in 2007-08, five children were in the care of the department at the time of their death.

Of the 64 children, 28 died of natural causes and 14 of accidents - including seven in car accidents, two in drownings, three in fires and two in other accidents.

Eight died after fatal assaults, a further eight died due to suspected suicides, and four deaths were put down to SIDS.

Fifty-seven deaths occurred where the child was in the care of either one or both of its biological parents, and two other children were in the care of another relative.

Of the five children in the department's care at the time of their death, four died of natural causes, and the fifth went into care after the assault that eventually caused their death.

The Child Death Case Review Committee, whose annual report was also released today, noted there was no investigation into seven of the eight young people who died of suspected suicides when they were last brought to the department's attention - even though six had a recorded history of suicide attempts.

The department responded to the committee by saying the seven children "did not reach the legislative threshold" for investigation.

It added it was not aware of the history of the six children with past suicide attempts.

But the committee, which reviews the deaths of children who were known to the department in the three years prior, said the histories were held by other government agencies and were available to the department.

Among recurring issues it identified was the lack of information exchange - as well as a lack of quality case planning and management, timeliness of response, and limited after-hours service, which led to delays.

Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech told Parliament the committee's report would be considered seriously.

"There are more than 7000 children and young people who will sleep safer tonight because of the hard work of my department," she said.

"But we all need to work harder to protect our country's greatest asset - our children."

The Child Safety Department received 70,000 reports of abuse or neglect in the past year.

One in seven Queensland children, and one in 4.5 indigenous Queensland children, are known to the department.

Opposition child safety spokeswoman Jann Stuckey said Mrs Keech was trying to "play down" the problem.

"Instead of acting on problems listed in the 06/07 report, including lack of expertise, excessive workloads and poor staff morale, which may well have reduced the number of child deaths, the minister has again revealed her incompetence in managing this department," Ms Stuckey said.]]> Gabrielle Dunlevy
November 13, 2008 03:35pm

SEVEN cases ending in young people committing suicide were not probed when last reported to Queensland's Child Safety Department, a report says.

The Queensland Commission for Children and Young People's annual report into deaths of children and young people was tabled in Parliament today.

The report said that of the 64 children and young people known to the department who died in 2007-08, five children were in the care of the department at the time of their death.

Of the 64 children, 28 died of natural causes and 14 of accidents - including seven in car accidents, two in drownings, three in fires and two in other accidents.

Eight died after fatal assaults, a further eight died due to suspected suicides, and four deaths were put down to SIDS.

Fifty-seven deaths occurred where the child was in the care of either one or both of its biological parents, and two other children were in the care of another relative.

Of the five children in the department's care at the time of their death, four died of natural causes, and the fifth went into care after the assault that eventually caused their death.

The Child Death Case Review Committee, whose annual report was also released today, noted there was no investigation into seven of the eight young people who died of suspected suicides when they were last brought to the department's attention - even though six had a recorded history of suicide attempts.

The department responded to the committee by saying the seven children "did not reach the legislative threshold" for investigation.

It added it was not aware of the history of the six children with past suicide attempts.

But the committee, which reviews the deaths of children who were known to the department in the three years prior, said the histories were held by other government agencies and were available to the department.

Among recurring issues it identified was the lack of information exchange - as well as a lack of quality case planning and management, timeliness of response, and limited after-hours service, which led to delays.

Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech told Parliament the committee's report would be considered seriously.

"There are more than 7000 children and young people who will sleep safer tonight because of the hard work of my department," she said.

"But we all need to work harder to protect our country's greatest asset - our children."

The Child Safety Department received 70,000 reports of abuse or neglect in the past year.

One in seven Queensland children, and one in 4.5 indigenous Queensland children, are known to the department.

Opposition child safety spokeswoman Jann Stuckey said Mrs Keech was trying to "play down" the problem.

"Instead of acting on problems listed in the 06/07 report, including lack of expertise, excessive workloads and poor staff morale, which may well have reduced the number of child deaths, the minister has again revealed her incompetence in managing this department," Ms Stuckey said.]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=373 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:27:40 +1100 fed-up http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=373 Tony Koch | December 11, 2007
Article from: The Australian

QUEENSLAND'S Child Safety Department knew that a 10-year-old girl had been gang-raped but did not report it to police, despite the girl also contracting a sexually transmitted disease from the encounter.

The child - who had been living in a Cairns foster home before the department decided to return her to Aurukun, in Cape York - has been diagnosed as "mildly intellectually impaired" and suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome, having been born to an alcohol-dependent mother.

The Australian yesterday revealed nine males who pleaded guilty to gang-raping the girl had escaped a prison term, with sentencing judge Sarah Bradley saying the child victim "probably agreed" to have sex with them.

An eight-month investigation was conducted into the April 2006 multiple rape and submitted to the Department of Child Safety, resulting in one senior officer being sacked and two others suspended for 12 months on full pay - a situation that still exists.

A senior departmental official yesterday told The Australian that the child involved was sexually abused at age seven and, as a safety measure, was put with various foster families, eventually ending up in 2005 with a non-indigenous family in Cairns. But she was returned nine months later to Aurukun, where she was gang-raped by the nine males.

"These non-indigenous people were fantastic - ensuring she went to school, and the father actually took a year off his work to personally supervise this girl," he said. "But two new social workers were appointed to the north and they expressed the view, which was repeated many times to the investigating committee, that putting an indigenous child with white foster parents was another stolen generation.

"They convinced the department with this rubbish and the girl was taken from Cairns to Aurukun - back to where she was being abused previously and where she had contracted syphilis as a little child - and she was unsupervised, with the result that she was constantly raped.

"The report sets out how every step of the way the Child Safety Department did everything wrong, and all because they weretold that a safe, white environment was `another stolen generation'."

A report of the rape in The Australian yesterday sparked animmediate response, with Queensland Attorney-General Kerry Shine announcing he would lodge an appeal against the sentencing of the nine attackers.

But Mr Shine admitted the appeal would be hampered by the fact the prosecutor in the case, Steve Carter, did not recommend jail. Mr Carter yesterday refused to speak to The Australian about the sentences, referring questions to the DPP's office in Brisbane.

The Queensland Government also ordered a review of every sentence handed down in every sexual assault case in Cape York communities in the past two years.

Premier Anna Bligh said the purpose of the review was to examine whether the sentence in the Aurukun rape case was part of"system-wide" problems in the Cape.

"I want to satisfy myself that the people of Cape York, and the people who live in remote indigenous communities, are receiving the same level of justice as we can expect in any other community in Queensland," Ms Bligh said. "I do want to satisfy myself that this is not part of a broader sentencing trend that reflects a lower standard for those communities."

The case also prompted questions as to whether the federal intervention in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities should be extended to Queensland in an effort to prevent such abuses occurring again.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd refused to commit to a such a move, saying: "I think the appropriate thing is to await the further deliberation of Queensland's Attorney-General."

The official report produced following the eight-month investigation states that a senior Child Safety officer was told on May 11 last year that the child had gonorrhea. It was revealed after the girl attended the Aurukun medical clinic on May 5 last year asking for a pregnancy test and condoms.

That information was immediately relayed to Child Safety, but the senior Child Safety officer did not pass the information on to police in line with her statutory obligations, and when questioned about it said she had spent several weeks making inquiries if gonorrhea was contractable through means other than sexual transmission.

The investigating committee also reported that the Child Safety officers took no remedial action when the girl threatened to commit suicide.

The committee's findings of failures by the Child Safety Department included possible non-reporting of other criminal offences against children to police, other possible early returns of indigenous children to their communities without sufficient prior consideration, and failure to record a suicide risk alert regarding the raped child's threat to suicide and whether this is indicative of a broader problem.

The report's findings also highlighted a loss of departmental documents including the child's Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) file and other SCAN files; a lack of knowledge by staff of what diseases constitute sexually transmitted diseases; and a lack of knowledge by staff of what may constitute a criminal offence on a child.

The committee also found the child had first contracted syphilis in April 2002 when she was aged seven and was raped by five juveniles in Aurukun, receiving severe genital injuries.

When sentencing the nine juveniles for the gang rape carried out last year, Judge Bradley said: "All of you have pleaded guilty to having sex with a 10-year-old girl and (one of the juveniles) has pleaded guilty to having sex with another young girl as well.

"All of you have to understand that you cannot have sex with a girl under 16.

"If you do, you are breaking the law, and if you are found out, then you will be brought to court and could end up in jail.

"I accept that the girl involved, with respect to all of these matters, was not forced, and that she probably agreed to have sex with all of you."

---

The thing that peeves me off about this the most is that for the more serious cases the Dept dont seem to be around, but have an argument with your partner and BAM! Remove the child!]]> Tony Koch | December 11, 2007
Article from: The Australian

QUEENSLAND'S Child Safety Department knew that a 10-year-old girl had been gang-raped but did not report it to police, despite the girl also contracting a sexually transmitted disease from the encounter.

The child - who had been living in a Cairns foster home before the department decided to return her to Aurukun, in Cape York - has been diagnosed as "mildly intellectually impaired" and suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome, having been born to an alcohol-dependent mother.

The Australian yesterday revealed nine males who pleaded guilty to gang-raping the girl had escaped a prison term, with sentencing judge Sarah Bradley saying the child victim "probably agreed" to have sex with them.

An eight-month investigation was conducted into the April 2006 multiple rape and submitted to the Department of Child Safety, resulting in one senior officer being sacked and two others suspended for 12 months on full pay - a situation that still exists.

A senior departmental official yesterday told The Australian that the child involved was sexually abused at age seven and, as a safety measure, was put with various foster families, eventually ending up in 2005 with a non-indigenous family in Cairns. But she was returned nine months later to Aurukun, where she was gang-raped by the nine males.

"These non-indigenous people were fantastic - ensuring she went to school, and the father actually took a year off his work to personally supervise this girl," he said. "But two new social workers were appointed to the north and they expressed the view, which was repeated many times to the investigating committee, that putting an indigenous child with white foster parents was another stolen generation.

"They convinced the department with this rubbish and the girl was taken from Cairns to Aurukun - back to where she was being abused previously and where she had contracted syphilis as a little child - and she was unsupervised, with the result that she was constantly raped.

"The report sets out how every step of the way the Child Safety Department did everything wrong, and all because they weretold that a safe, white environment was `another stolen generation'."

A report of the rape in The Australian yesterday sparked animmediate response, with Queensland Attorney-General Kerry Shine announcing he would lodge an appeal against the sentencing of the nine attackers.

But Mr Shine admitted the appeal would be hampered by the fact the prosecutor in the case, Steve Carter, did not recommend jail. Mr Carter yesterday refused to speak to The Australian about the sentences, referring questions to the DPP's office in Brisbane.

The Queensland Government also ordered a review of every sentence handed down in every sexual assault case in Cape York communities in the past two years.

Premier Anna Bligh said the purpose of the review was to examine whether the sentence in the Aurukun rape case was part of"system-wide" problems in the Cape.

"I want to satisfy myself that the people of Cape York, and the people who live in remote indigenous communities, are receiving the same level of justice as we can expect in any other community in Queensland," Ms Bligh said. "I do want to satisfy myself that this is not part of a broader sentencing trend that reflects a lower standard for those communities."

The case also prompted questions as to whether the federal intervention in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities should be extended to Queensland in an effort to prevent such abuses occurring again.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd refused to commit to a such a move, saying: "I think the appropriate thing is to await the further deliberation of Queensland's Attorney-General."

The official report produced following the eight-month investigation states that a senior Child Safety officer was told on May 11 last year that the child had gonorrhea. It was revealed after the girl attended the Aurukun medical clinic on May 5 last year asking for a pregnancy test and condoms.

That information was immediately relayed to Child Safety, but the senior Child Safety officer did not pass the information on to police in line with her statutory obligations, and when questioned about it said she had spent several weeks making inquiries if gonorrhea was contractable through means other than sexual transmission.

The investigating committee also reported that the Child Safety officers took no remedial action when the girl threatened to commit suicide.

The committee's findings of failures by the Child Safety Department included possible non-reporting of other criminal offences against children to police, other possible early returns of indigenous children to their communities without sufficient prior consideration, and failure to record a suicide risk alert regarding the raped child's threat to suicide and whether this is indicative of a broader problem.

The report's findings also highlighted a loss of departmental documents including the child's Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) file and other SCAN files; a lack of knowledge by staff of what diseases constitute sexually transmitted diseases; and a lack of knowledge by staff of what may constitute a criminal offence on a child.

The committee also found the child had first contracted syphilis in April 2002 when she was aged seven and was raped by five juveniles in Aurukun, receiving severe genital injuries.

When sentencing the nine juveniles for the gang rape carried out last year, Judge Bradley said: "All of you have pleaded guilty to having sex with a 10-year-old girl and (one of the juveniles) has pleaded guilty to having sex with another young girl as well.

"All of you have to understand that you cannot have sex with a girl under 16.

"If you do, you are breaking the law, and if you are found out, then you will be brought to court and could end up in jail.

"I accept that the girl involved, with respect to all of these matters, was not forced, and that she probably agreed to have sex with all of you."

---

The thing that peeves me off about this the most is that for the more serious cases the Dept dont seem to be around, but have an argument with your partner and BAM! Remove the child!]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=360 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:01:19 +1100 V.O.D. http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=360
My name is VOD as I am a victim of docs. I am also known as thisisgood on the aus city forum.]]>
My name is VOD as I am a victim of docs. I am also known as thisisgood on the aus city forum.]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=355 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:20:32 +1100 fed-up http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=355
Social Workers fit the profile of Domestic Abusers


CPS Workers as Abusers Test
This test is designed to help you evaluate and determine if you are experiencing abuse from your CPS Worker...:



Does your CPS worker often seem irritated or angry with you, even though you never meant to upset her? You feel confused each time?

Do you frequently feel perplexed and frustrated by her responses because you can't get her to understand your intentions?

Does your CPS worker act jealous or possessive of you? Does she accuse you of having affairs or paying too much attention to other issues?

Does your CPS worker make you feel like you are mostly wrong and she is always right.

Does your CPS worker seem either angry and has "no idea of what you are talking about" when you try to discuss an issue?

Do you feel like you are always walking on eggshells? Do you feel like you have to be especially careful to avoid conflicts?.

Does your CPS worker call you bad names and put you down?

Does your CPS worker look at you or act in a way that scares you?

Does your CPS worker control what you do, who you see or talk to, where you go?

Does your CPS worker deter you from relationships with your friends or family?

Does your CPS worker control the money, withhold financial information, take your money, make you ask for money, or refuse to give you money?

Does your CPS worker define your feelings, opinions, needs, or wants?

Does your CPS worker tell you you're a bad parent and/or threaten to take away or hurt your children?

Does your CPS worker act like the abuse is no big deal, it's all your fault, or even deny doing it?

Has your CPS worker followed you, shown up uninvited or wouldn't leave when asked? Has he gone through your purse, mail, and/or checked voice mail messages?

Has your CPS worker destroyed property? (hit, kick doors, walls, furniture, thrown items, destroy the phone or pull the phone cord from the wall, etc.)

Has your CPS worker threatened to harm, harmed or killed family pets? Or ordered you to get rid of your pets?

Does your CPS worker intimidate, threaten or harm you with guns, knives, or other weapons like false allegations?

Has your CPS worker convinced or manipulated you falsely obtain a restraining order and/or charges ?





If even one item on the list describes your relationship, you may be in an abusive relationship.

Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviors used to gain and maintain power and control in an intimate relationship.

Emotional abuse is a part of 100% of all forms domestic abuse, and is always present before any physical assault.

There is always a reason for the abuse BUT NEVER AN EXCUSE!

You are never at fault for someone's choice to abuse you.

CPS Workers are the most abusive people on earth.]]>
Social Workers fit the profile of Domestic Abusers


CPS Workers as Abusers Test
This test is designed to help you evaluate and determine if you are experiencing abuse from your CPS Worker...:



Does your CPS worker often seem irritated or angry with you, even though you never meant to upset her? You feel confused each time?

Do you frequently feel perplexed and frustrated by her responses because you can't get her to understand your intentions?

Does your CPS worker act jealous or possessive of you? Does she accuse you of having affairs or paying too much attention to other issues?

Does your CPS worker make you feel like you are mostly wrong and she is always right.

Does your CPS worker seem either angry and has "no idea of what you are talking about" when you try to discuss an issue?

Do you feel like you are always walking on eggshells? Do you feel like you have to be especially careful to avoid conflicts?.

Does your CPS worker call you bad names and put you down?

Does your CPS worker look at you or act in a way that scares you?

Does your CPS worker control what you do, who you see or talk to, where you go?

Does your CPS worker deter you from relationships with your friends or family?

Does your CPS worker control the money, withhold financial information, take your money, make you ask for money, or refuse to give you money?

Does your CPS worker define your feelings, opinions, needs, or wants?

Does your CPS worker tell you you're a bad parent and/or threaten to take away or hurt your children?

Does your CPS worker act like the abuse is no big deal, it's all your fault, or even deny doing it?

Has your CPS worker followed you, shown up uninvited or wouldn't leave when asked? Has he gone through your purse, mail, and/or checked voice mail messages?

Has your CPS worker destroyed property? (hit, kick doors, walls, furniture, thrown items, destroy the phone or pull the phone cord from the wall, etc.)

Has your CPS worker threatened to harm, harmed or killed family pets? Or ordered you to get rid of your pets?

Does your CPS worker intimidate, threaten or harm you with guns, knives, or other weapons like false allegations?

Has your CPS worker convinced or manipulated you falsely obtain a restraining order and/or charges ?





If even one item on the list describes your relationship, you may be in an abusive relationship.

Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviors used to gain and maintain power and control in an intimate relationship.

Emotional abuse is a part of 100% of all forms domestic abuse, and is always present before any physical assault.

There is always a reason for the abuse BUT NEVER AN EXCUSE!

You are never at fault for someone's choice to abuse you.

CPS Workers are the most abusive people on earth.]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=325 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:05:50 +1100 fed-up http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=325 http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=315 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:28:09 +1100 Rusty http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=315
Please feel free to use this place as a support and advice for whatever maybe happening in your situation.

It has been slow of late, but be patient, someone will answer your query if they can or notify someone who can if possible.

Have a look and read, there is some interesting and invaluable information online here.

Rusty]]>
Please feel free to use this place as a support and advice for whatever maybe happening in your situation.

It has been slow of late, but be patient, someone will answer your query if they can or notify someone who can if possible.

Have a look and read, there is some interesting and invaluable information online here.

Rusty]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=310 Sun, 17 Aug 2008 10:53:10 +1000 mumkids2007 http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=310 http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=307 Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:10:25 +1000 Rusty http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=307
Problem in my case is the SA states I may have borderline personality disorder but there has never been a diagnosis for this ever in my life with a recent assessment happening on the 20 March this year supporting stability of depression and a mental health assessment in August 2007 only stating depression with anxiety issues.

I am hoping there is a demand of proof of mental illness from a psychiatrist b/c the SA is not a psych but only a forensic counselor. He only holds a Social Work degree with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in the area of social work and Social Policy.

He states he worked as a psychiatric social worker but he doesn't hold the degree do psychiatry work so I think that may be a fib.

Anyway a motivation for me to keep fighting my case to have the pleasure of ripping him apart in court with this motive now very plausible of running me down intentionally to prevent aid for legal counsel...

Do I sound nuts?

Rusty]]>
Problem in my case is the SA states I may have borderline personality disorder but there has never been a diagnosis for this ever in my life with a recent assessment happening on the 20 March this year supporting stability of depression and a mental health assessment in August 2007 only stating depression with anxiety issues.

I am hoping there is a demand of proof of mental illness from a psychiatrist b/c the SA is not a psych but only a forensic counselor. He only holds a Social Work degree with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in the area of social work and Social Policy.

He states he worked as a psychiatric social worker but he doesn't hold the degree do psychiatry work so I think that may be a fib.

Anyway a motivation for me to keep fighting my case to have the pleasure of ripping him apart in court with this motive now very plausible of running me down intentionally to prevent aid for legal counsel...

Do I sound nuts?

Rusty]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=302 Sun, 04 May 2008 17:59:23 +1000 Rusty http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=302
I love the stories, the pictures of the flowers and designs of clothes amongst other tidbits it has with it's fold out card tabs for each section etc...but I scrap my mags every month, yep cut them up and scrapbook my journal, making all my whinging pretty and interesting. Just in case someone ever gets bored with what I'm writing about plus I love to scrap book period but haven't quite got to doing it with photo albums, a few pages of photo's but not a whole album as yet.

Anyway that's what keeps me motiviated for each month of my life! It've very positive to read and look at.

Rusty]]>
I love the stories, the pictures of the flowers and designs of clothes amongst other tidbits it has with it's fold out card tabs for each section etc...but I scrap my mags every month, yep cut them up and scrapbook my journal, making all my whinging pretty and interesting. Just in case someone ever gets bored with what I'm writing about plus I love to scrap book period but haven't quite got to doing it with photo albums, a few pages of photo's but not a whole album as yet.

Anyway that's what keeps me motiviated for each month of my life! It've very positive to read and look at.

Rusty]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=293 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 06:46:16 +1000 Rusty http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=293
I'm one to stand up to truth no matter what it takes me. The advice I got from this lawyer, even though admittedly inexperienced came out with a humble version of where we parents sit when there is history involved and that's unfair if our history has been dealt with and no longer an issue! At the end of the 3 hour convo he gave me his card and said he would love me to work for him when he gets a firm up and running - as a solicitor! Yeh sure. I'm just standing up for a human right by showing them that the law is the law for everyone including DChs, DoCS...hypocrisy doesn't cut it when it comes to the supposed best interests and welfare of the children!

Thank you girls for helping me keep motivated these last couple of months, I've managed alot hearing your stories and sharing your life experiences that I'm going in fighting for every parent and child!

Rusty]]>
I'm one to stand up to truth no matter what it takes me. The advice I got from this lawyer, even though admittedly inexperienced came out with a humble version of where we parents sit when there is history involved and that's unfair if our history has been dealt with and no longer an issue! At the end of the 3 hour convo he gave me his card and said he would love me to work for him when he gets a firm up and running - as a solicitor! Yeh sure. I'm just standing up for a human right by showing them that the law is the law for everyone including DChs, DoCS...hypocrisy doesn't cut it when it comes to the supposed best interests and welfare of the children!

Thank you girls for helping me keep motivated these last couple of months, I've managed alot hearing your stories and sharing your life experiences that I'm going in fighting for every parent and child!

Rusty]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=261 Sun, 24 Feb 2008 08:23:17 +1100 auntiej http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=261 Now (after 18mths) they have presented my parents with 6cm thick books to fill out .....on "foster care".This "BUSYWORK" has sent my parents into a terrible state .They are both on their seventies and never even seen anything like what has been produced by some university papershuffler.It has very little to do with the care of their own grandson.Thay have already questioned "is this the correct papers?"
Apparently,this is what they have for them to do .I spent aboout 3 hrs yesterday......helping them fill out the papers.I was SO TEMPTED to write some very sarcastic stuff .....knowing there is either a chance that these books may either go on the garbage pile ,or be used to say .......no kinship care ,they've failed.I can tell you the there was alot of NOT RELEVENT written on alot of it.
They conveniently 'LOST ' our papers .I recall what a pain they were to fill out and go find a JP to certify them etc,.
I am videoing the size of the books and the irrelevant content as proof of the depts incompetence and intent to cause stress, for possible use later on .I think current affair would have a field day with it........
In other words ,I believe Docs are making it as difficult as possible ,as inconvenient as possible for our family to function in any way normal.]]> Now (after 18mths) they have presented my parents with 6cm thick books to fill out .....on "foster care".This "BUSYWORK" has sent my parents into a terrible state .They are both on their seventies and never even seen anything like what has been produced by some university papershuffler.It has very little to do with the care of their own grandson.Thay have already questioned "is this the correct papers?"
Apparently,this is what they have for them to do .I spent aboout 3 hrs yesterday......helping them fill out the papers.I was SO TEMPTED to write some very sarcastic stuff .....knowing there is either a chance that these books may either go on the garbage pile ,or be used to say .......no kinship care ,they've failed.I can tell you the there was alot of NOT RELEVENT written on alot of it.
They conveniently 'LOST ' our papers .I recall what a pain they were to fill out and go find a JP to certify them etc,.
I am videoing the size of the books and the irrelevant content as proof of the depts incompetence and intent to cause stress, for possible use later on .I think current affair would have a field day with it........
In other words ,I believe Docs are making it as difficult as possible ,as inconvenient as possible for our family to function in any way normal.]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=257 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:59:09 +1100 Rusty http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=257
It's funny where you find them last working, and when they came into employment with DoCs or which university they've been to, which should already be known if given an affidavit...but it's still fun all the same.

I've even googled my Social Assessor and boy this person sounds very good and independant. Alot of the counselors my family are involved with no of this Social Assessor and I'm more positive than ever. He is going to see an every day family with NO CHILD PROTECTION ISSUES!

Anyway just thought I'd give you's something to laugh at! I swear it's fun!

Rusty]]>
It's funny where you find them last working, and when they came into employment with DoCs or which university they've been to, which should already be known if given an affidavit...but it's still fun all the same.

I've even googled my Social Assessor and boy this person sounds very good and independant. Alot of the counselors my family are involved with no of this Social Assessor and I'm more positive than ever. He is going to see an every day family with NO CHILD PROTECTION ISSUES!

Anyway just thought I'd give you's something to laugh at! I swear it's fun!

Rusty]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=251 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:42:07 +1100 justice robot http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=251
UNITED WE STAND AND DIVIDED WE FALL!

I take it as a very good sign that this forum is good for us all to band together and fight for our rights.

If the powers that be are so very concerned about this website then we have all done a very good job!

In NSW what also cheers me is the massive infighting between the case workers and management over their strike action. They are certainly ripping each other to bits behind closed doors, each blaming each other.

It is odious in the extreme for them both to assert that only the worst of the worst cases are being looked at.

Take courage girls

I damn well refuse to be labelled as such and if we dont fight back then they get away with this despicable suggestion!]]>
UNITED WE STAND AND DIVIDED WE FALL!

I take it as a very good sign that this forum is good for us all to band together and fight for our rights.

If the powers that be are so very concerned about this website then we have all done a very good job!

In NSW what also cheers me is the massive infighting between the case workers and management over their strike action. They are certainly ripping each other to bits behind closed doors, each blaming each other.

It is odious in the extreme for them both to assert that only the worst of the worst cases are being looked at.

Take courage girls

I damn well refuse to be labelled as such and if we dont fight back then they get away with this despicable suggestion!]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=250 Wed, 13 Feb 2008 01:22:56 +1100 justice robot http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=250 there is a lot in the media about staff blowing the whistle on DoCS but it says little about the amount of time crucifying the innocent

Im calling on you all to be proactive
No better time than now

Heres just a couple of suggestions
if we can find these TRUE whistleblowers some sort of alliance would make the news

I am seeing a guy who is slamming the dept over at Live news he goes by the name Dan Concerned and he's thrown up some interesting links at whistleblowers documents exposed

He names a lot of the people that he considers a real worry

How can we use this info to our advantage?
there must be a way

also when other members of the public feel enough concern to write to the Ministers about situations it makes an impact- only 3% of ppl complain about anything
so politically one must multiply that out into votes
bombard the Local MP's with letters from interested friends]]> there is a lot in the media about staff blowing the whistle on DoCS but it says little about the amount of time crucifying the innocent

Im calling on you all to be proactive
No better time than now

Heres just a couple of suggestions
if we can find these TRUE whistleblowers some sort of alliance would make the news

I am seeing a guy who is slamming the dept over at Live news he goes by the name Dan Concerned and he's thrown up some interesting links at whistleblowers documents exposed

He names a lot of the people that he considers a real worry

How can we use this info to our advantage?
there must be a way

also when other members of the public feel enough concern to write to the Ministers about situations it makes an impact- only 3% of ppl complain about anything
so politically one must multiply that out into votes
bombard the Local MP's with letters from interested friends]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=204 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 01:09:30 +1100 Snak3 http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=204
We fully respect your input to the site snak, however the post did contain explicit language which obviously upset others.]]>
We fully respect your input to the site snak, however the post did contain explicit language which obviously upset others.]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=201 Fri, 14 Dec 2007 13:45:47 +1100 Snak3 http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=201 Innocents Screams out in many ways.
here is just one of them

http://www.blubet.com/bet/12.13.2007_A_l...Corruption]]> Innocents Screams out in many ways.
here is just one of them

http://www.blubet.com/bet/12.13.2007_A_l...Corruption]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=193 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:05:01 +1100 jenmaz http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=193
I just want to share with you are letter I wrote in response to the Daily Telegraph's media campaign regarding the inadequacies in NSW DoCS and the large number of child deaths. Letter writing by those "in the know" such as ourselves is a good way to broaden peoples knowldege of what really does happen to families involved with the child protection system.

Regards
Jenmaz

LETTER
I have sympathy for those workers at DoCS who are trying to do the right thing and put a stop to children being abused and neglected. And yes, the system is caught up in too much paper work, red tape and bullying through the ranks; but, there are too many cases where DoCS continue to fight the Courts and the families well after it has been determined that the child does not need ongoing foster care. Rather than putting the time, money and resources into ensuring that there are adequate early intervention and support services for those families who are struggling but will survive, DoCS fight on regardless. One such case went on in the Court System for 3 years - the mother had long since recovered from her illness that necessitated the child's earlier removal, but the DoCS Case Manager acting out of personal bias was determined to "win" regardless of the cost. Subsequently, a foster care space, Court time, DoCS staff hours and tax payer’s dollars were all wasted, when they could have been used to save a child's life who really needed it.]]>
I just want to share with you are letter I wrote in response to the Daily Telegraph's media campaign regarding the inadequacies in NSW DoCS and the large number of child deaths. Letter writing by those "in the know" such as ourselves is a good way to broaden peoples knowldege of what really does happen to families involved with the child protection system.

Regards
Jenmaz

LETTER
I have sympathy for those workers at DoCS who are trying to do the right thing and put a stop to children being abused and neglected. And yes, the system is caught up in too much paper work, red tape and bullying through the ranks; but, there are too many cases where DoCS continue to fight the Courts and the families well after it has been determined that the child does not need ongoing foster care. Rather than putting the time, money and resources into ensuring that there are adequate early intervention and support services for those families who are struggling but will survive, DoCS fight on regardless. One such case went on in the Court System for 3 years - the mother had long since recovered from her illness that necessitated the child's earlier removal, but the DoCS Case Manager acting out of personal bias was determined to "win" regardless of the cost. Subsequently, a foster care space, Court time, DoCS staff hours and tax payer’s dollars were all wasted, when they could have been used to save a child's life who really needed it.]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=170 Wed, 03 Oct 2007 16:01:06 +1000 tevans86 http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=170
I was in a pretty glum mood, no motivation etc... admin told me to get off my butt and called me a silly cow at one point (i dont get offended easy or anything) which helped so much to pick me up... I've just bleached, and still got my joggers on ready to do more cleaning, i've made that many phone calls today, i can't remember which was first.
I don't think i could have done it all without the encouragement i deserved! Thank you so much!!! (and im not being sarcastic either)

Oh forgot to mention, i talked a guy down from 399 bucks on a vacuum cleaner, to 189 bucks!!! BARGAIN!!!!!!]]>
I was in a pretty glum mood, no motivation etc... admin told me to get off my butt and called me a silly cow at one point (i dont get offended easy or anything) which helped so much to pick me up... I've just bleached, and still got my joggers on ready to do more cleaning, i've made that many phone calls today, i can't remember which was first.
I don't think i could have done it all without the encouragement i deserved! Thank you so much!!! (and im not being sarcastic either)

Oh forgot to mention, i talked a guy down from 399 bucks on a vacuum cleaner, to 189 bucks!!! BARGAIN!!!!!!]]> http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=142 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 15:08:30 +1000 jenmaz http://www.power4parents.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=142
As the years continue to pass as I battle on to have my son returned to my care, I have a number of motivators that keep me going. Absolutely number one motivator is the knowledge that I am a good parent and can provide my son with a safe, loving and secure home life.
My second motivator is knowing that DoCS are WRONG about me. Their decision and actions to sabotage the Restoration Plan was born out of stigma and discrimination against parents with mental illness - their need to put everyone "into the same basket". Also the Manager of my son's case, took a personal dislike to me as I "dared" to put in an official complaint to the Ombudsman and DoCS Complaints Unit about some discriminatory remarks he made regarding women, mental illness and parenting. He was determined to "win" the case at all costs, even if it meant destroying the security and welfare of my son. Knowing you have been treated unjustly can be a great motivator to get things done to right a wrong.
The third motivator is being able to tell my son's story (and mine of recovery from mental illness to complete wellness) at a number of Conferences and Forums each year. The number is increasing as I become more known as a public speaker. I am making my first international trip to speak at a Confierence in New Zealand next year. The motivating factor in giving these talks is not just to tell my son's and my story, but to raise people's awareness of Parental Mental Illness and how the Child Protection System fails these families. I encourage the audience to advocate for changes in Child Protection atitudes and methods, in whichever State they reside in, to hopefully prevent future families going through the trauma of having their children removed. Luckily I work for NSW Health as an Advocate, so have gained the skills and experience to take on such a huge task.
My fourth motivator is maintaining my mental wellness and enjoying life to the max. This is my own personal "sweet revenge" against the Department. It was my mental illness that necessitated the removal of my son in the first place and DoCS belief that I would never recover, that resulted in his remaining in care. By staying mentally well and leading an active and rewarding life I am virtually giving DoCS a "slap in the face" by proving them wrong. PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS CAN AND DO RECOVER - I AM PROOF OF THIS. Not only do we recover but we can also lead very successful lives and be excellent parents. That's not to say that I don't have "down" days or that I don't continue to need medication and monitoring, but just like many physical illnesses (such as diabetes and epilepsy) with the right treatment and supports in place, you can lead an absolutely normal life. Also the longer I stay well the greater the chances of having my son returned.
My final motivator is "hope" - the underlying belief that all will work out fine in the end. "Time" - though a curse, is also an asset. As the years go by, my son is getting older and in less than 18 months he will be 12 years old and legally able to have a valid say in Court. If he wants to come home, there is damn little the Department can do to stop him. Many kids "self restore" at this age. In other words they decide with their feet and just take themselves home, whether DoCS agree with it or not. By constantly reassuring my son that the door is always open to him and that he is still part of the family, I hope to encourage him to come home on his own accord, if the Court system is too slow in Restoring him. Childhood is only a short period of his entire life and I intend to be there for the rest of it.
Another more wishful motivator is the thought of taking Legal Action against the Department and claiming compensation for the psychological damage that has been done to my son and the distress to myself by DoCS. I think Litigation is the way of the future and it is necessary if we are to see any real accountability in our Child Protection Departments across Australia.
Regards
Jenmaz ]]>
As the years continue to pass as I battle on to have my son returned to my care, I have a number of motivators that keep me going. Absolutely number one motivator is the knowledge that I am a good parent and can provide my son with a safe, loving and secure home life.
My second motivator is knowing that DoCS are WRONG about me. Their decision and actions to sabotage the Restoration Plan was born out of stigma and discrimination against parents with mental illness - their need to put everyone "into the same basket". Also the Manager of my son's case, took a personal dislike to me as I "dared" to put in an official complaint to the Ombudsman and DoCS Complaints Unit about some discriminatory remarks he made regarding women, mental illness and parenting. He was determined to "win" the case at all costs, even if it meant destroying the security and welfare of my son. Knowing you have been treated unjustly can be a great motivator to get things done to right a wrong.
The third motivator is being able to tell my son's story (and mine of recovery from mental illness to complete wellness) at a number of Conferences and Forums each year. The number is increasing as I become more known as a public speaker. I am making my first international trip to speak at a Confierence in New Zealand next year. The motivating factor in giving these talks is not just to tell my son's and my story, but to raise people's awareness of Parental Mental Illness and how the Child Protection System fails these families. I encourage the audience to advocate for changes in Child Protection atitudes and methods, in whichever State they reside in, to hopefully prevent future families going through the trauma of having their children removed. Luckily I work for NSW Health as an Advocate, so have gained the skills and experience to take on such a huge task.
My fourth motivator is maintaining my mental wellness and enjoying life to the max. This is my own personal "sweet revenge" against the Department. It was my mental illness that necessitated the removal of my son in the first place and DoCS belief that I would never recover, that resulted in his remaining in care. By staying mentally well and leading an active and rewarding life I am virtually giving DoCS a "slap in the face" by proving them wrong. PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS CAN AND DO RECOVER - I AM PROOF OF THIS. Not only do we recover but we can also lead very successful lives and be excellent parents. That's not to say that I don't have "down" days or that I don't continue to need medication and monitoring, but just like many physical illnesses (such as diabetes and epilepsy) with the right treatment and supports in place, you can lead an absolutely normal life. Also the longer I stay well the greater the chances of having my son returned.
My final motivator is "hope" - the underlying belief that all will work out fine in the end. "Time" - though a curse, is also an asset. As the years go by, my son is getting older and in less than 18 months he will be 12 years old and legally able to have a valid say in Court. If he wants to come home, there is damn little the Department can do to stop him. Many kids "self restore" at this age. In other words they decide with their feet and just take themselves home, whether DoCS agree with it or not. By constantly reassuring my son that the door is always open to him and that he is still part of the family, I hope to encourage him to come home on his own accord, if the Court system is too slow in Restoring him. Childhood is only a short period of his entire life and I intend to be there for the rest of it.
Another more wishful motivator is the thought of taking Legal Action against the Department and claiming compensation for the psychological damage that has been done to my son and the distress to myself by DoCS. I think Litigation is the way of the future and it is necessary if we are to see any real accountability in our Child Protection Departments across Australia.
Regards
Jenmaz ]]>