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My special needs Angels
For our 3 babies in heaven
A indicated child molester
In memory of Cynthia Coles
Our Christian Life
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| Our dealings with CPS and CASA |
| CPS and CASA take the dollar signs off our childrens heads. |
History of our case;
I have been dealing with CPS since 1989. When my ex-husband molested my eldest child. My two children and me went to live with my parents under CPS direction. I was 25 years old at that time the children were 4 years and 5 months old. We lived there for 2½ years. I met a guy whom I knew because I dated his brother in school. We started to see each other. On 1/10/92 I regained custody of the children and we moved back home. It was trashed my boyfriend helped me move back home. When my boyfriend saw the condition of the house he said "you and the children couldn't clean all this I will help you. " That month my caseworker Lavern Howell called me and asked me if I had a boyfriend I told her I did and what is the point she said they needed to do a background check on him I asked her why he does not live with me? She claimed it was the agency policy that they do a background check on everybody who comes in contact with the children. She wanted all my boyfriends information I told her not, without his permission first. He gave me the ok. I gave her the information & about 3 days later she calls me back, and said he was not allowed in my house at all, because he was online. When I asked her what for she declined to tell me, but she did tell him he was online for an indicated report naming him as perpetrator when he was 16 years old and told him he had to leave or they would take my children so he left. He said he had no idea what they are talking about that his father molested all the children and their names are even different. We got baby-sitters so we could see each other and they got me for neglect on 4/6/92 and they took my children into custody at a review hearing. This is when my boyfriend moved in with me because I was loosing it. I have already filed for a PFA and divorce papers on my ex-husband on 1/17/92. My divorce became final on 9/21/92. On January 27, 1994, my son, who was in custody, made false allegations of child abuse against me saying, " I sexually abused him." When I went to see the caseworker, Cynthia Lockett, intake worker, I said, "how could I possibly abuse him when he is in custody and my visits are supervised"? She said it happened when he was in your custody somewhere between 1/10/92 and 4/6/92 so they indicated me because they believed something happened. On May 22, 1994 I gave birth to a healthy baby girl. The morning of May 23, 1994 my caseworker Lori Williams called me at the hospital informing me that they were going to take my new daughter into custody. When I asked her for what she said because we both have indicated reports naming us as perpetrators. I then called my attorney Linda Eherenich she came to the hospital and was there for hours. On May 24, 1994 they took my daughter right from the hospital. We had a shelter hearing on May 25,1994 before Judge Max Bear he questioned the fact of why keep this child in custody because their is nothing in the laws about taking a child into custody just because both parents have indicated reports. This is when CPS went on using my other children who were in custody to persuaded the judge. The judge said this sounds like a catch 22 but I will grant your request but parent are to visit liberally Monday - Friday at a minimum of 2 hours until the petition hearing that will be before our regular judge. On June 20, 1994 we had our petition hearing before Judge Lee Mazur he cut our visits back to 2 days a week for 2 hours and declared our daughter dependant. And wrote on the court order if parents want return of their child they are to get psychological evaluations we had the evaluations. We went back to court on November 1, 1994, the psychologist testified that we did see him and that he is not God. He could not say, whether or not, we would harm our daughter or if we were perpetrators, but he did speak well of us as to his report. This is when a CASA worker was put on our case her name was Megan Gunther when asked her credentials she answered a speech therapist all she ever did was twist stuff and lie and pushed for our daughters adoption. All we did was go back and forth to review hearings about every 3 to 6 months. On March 6, 1997 I was exonerated of the false allegation of sexual abuse. On November 3, 1997 Judge Lee Mazur involuntarily terminated our parental rights. We took a child rearing course and were given a certicate of achievement on 2/26/1998. On March 2, 1998 Judge Lee Mazur did the final adoption hearing for our daughter. I had a baby on 4/24/98 that is my daughter's biological brother he came right home from the hospital. I got return of my eldest child on 3/26/1999. I still have one child in placement that they are trying to put up for adoption that is 11 years old they are my daughter's ½ brothers. We have a CASA on our case Melissa Protzek and because of my youngest Childs special needs she saw their was a petition filed for dependency we went to court March 28, 2000 CPS filed aggravated circumstances against us. The petition was continued till August 2, 2000 but the CASA worker Melissa Protzek got it ordered to visit our home once a month and to be appointed to our youngest son who is not dependant. They have done nothing to the real perpetrator in this case he is as free as a bird. These children and us are paying for what he did. CPS filed aggravated circumstances against me, and my ex-husband that will be heard at the August 2, 2000 hearing. We went to court on August 2, 2000. About the first 15 - 20 minutes it was going well until the CASA worker Melissa Protzek got on the stand and testified that she had 2 phone conversations with my sons speech therapist whom said my home was unsuitable for a toddler. this was objected to & sustained by the judge. The CASA worker Melissa Protzek went back to 1994 when we had an evaluation for 1 hour & the doctor put all kind of labels on us she asked for both of us to be reevaluated the judge said no. Melissa Protzek also asked for our rights to be terminated to my 11-year-old again the judge said not until there is a family for him. The judge suspended our visits with my son who is in placement and we go back to court on October 13, 2000. We have a CASA on our case Melissa Protzek. She was given a progress report form my sons therapist on 8/1/00 she is requesting to see my sons files & meet with the therapist but my son is 15 and said no to this he does have rights under the mental health law but she said she has a court order that allows her to view this information and talk with this therapist. CPS wants to close our case we have met all the requirements but we are afraid she is going to find something to keep this case open. What was the CASA explanation for wanting more information? I do not know but when we went to court 8/2/00 & they were trying to close my case Melissa Protzek had to go back to 1994 when we had evaluations and in an hour the Dr. had labels on us & wanted us to be reevaluated. All Melissa Protzek said it is her job to get it and she has a court order. Melissa Protzek has twisted & lied in court. The therapist did tell Melissa Protzek about contacting me about it & she told him she has called here several times & left messages but she did not call me since June 20, 2000. At our last court hearing on 8/2/00 after court the judge asked for a private conference with the CASA worker. On 9/21/00 the CASA worker did a home visit & our CPS worker Cynthia Coles was here as well out of the blue the CASA worker asked if we seen or had any trouble with my ex-husband I said no why she replied just asking 2 days later my son was chased by him & he threw a rock at my son. ( PFA was filed) My ex-husband molested my son. We went to court today 10/13/00 it was asked the case only on the baby be heard first because their were several witnesses there who needed to get back to work. CPS worker Cynthia Coles took the stand spoke well of us & said the petition for dependency should be dropped she was cross examined the judge said well lets hear what the CASA worker has to say she talked about all three children telling her lies (that she does so well) after she was done the judge asked her recommendations and she said for the baby to be dependent and not to close the case on my eldest child there was no cross examining of the CASA worker, because court was then adjourned. Then Judge Lee J. Mazur then yelled at my son for excused absences (all were legit) for missing therapy ( we have 3 make ups to do) his hygiene (he is a teenager) and yelled at him about his weight the Judge yelled you are a little bit over weight and you need to stop eating, and called him a perpetrator when he was never child lined, and yelled because my high chair broke and because our carpet is old and worn he wants them replaced by the next court hearing in three months. We replaced the carpet and high chair that week. He made the baby dependent with out any substantial evidence there is no abuse or CPS would not recommend dismissing the petition, and to close out eldest son's case. CPS never got to present their case who is on our side. I feel we were set up. We are planning on suing the CASA worker Melissa Protzek for slander, deformation of character, perjury. Melissa Protzek is supposed to be a professional who will present the facts not tell lies to the court because she has determined what should or should not happen in a given case. Judge Lee J. Mazur believes her over anyone else. We will expose the truth enough is enough. If we have to we will pick it outside their offices. Our attorney Eleanor Grainy is filing an appeal. On December 14, 2000 I received a PRAECIPE TO STRIKE Please strike the appeal of the above-captioned case as premature as the trial court has vacated the order of October 17, 2000 from which the appeal was being taken and has set the matter for a new hearing. Respectfully Requested, Eleanor J. Grainy Esquire Pa. I.D. 81734. I received an order in the mail. It is hereby ORDERED that the juvenile review hearing for January 18, 2001, is continued to February 13, 2001 Signed Judge Lee J. Mazur. We went to court on February 13, 2001 Judge Lee J. Mazur ordered the following. This 13, day of February 2001, the petition to determine the dependency of our baby., having to be withdrawn by the Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth and Families and on motion of the Allegheny County Solicitor, it is hereby ORDERED that this matter is dismissed without prejudice. Signed Judge Lee J. Mazur. Our eldest son remain in Mother's care, visitation with biological Father, to remain suspended. To continue family counseling with Family Resources and individual counseling with PAAR. His enrollment at School shall continue. Signed Judge Lee J. Mazur. Our middle son to remain in current placement, visitation with biological Father, to remain suspended and the biological family. Continue counseling with Mr. Gentile. Continue School. Signed Judge Lee J. Mazur. Judge Lee J. Mazur also orally ordered us to remain with the same therapist at Family Resources whereas this family has had trouble with on several occasions. Next Hearing August 6, 2001. I received an order in the mail. It is hereby ORDERED that the juvenile review hearing for August 6, 2001, is continued to August 22, 2001, Signed Judge Lee J. Mazur. A few days later I received an order in the mail. It is hereby ORDERED that the juvenile review hearing for August 22, 2001, is continued to October 9, 2001, Singed Judge Lee Mazur. We went to court on October 9, 2001 . It seemed to go good the judge called me up to give testimony. I was told I did real well. Then he called the CASA worker Melissa Protzek, said we had my son's girlfriend overnight (TRUE), and that we have roaches & mice, and the girlfriend slept on the floor (NOT) & that we only feed the kids once a day (NOT TRUE). Melissa Protzek said she got this information from the girl's CASA worker. Melissa Protzek recommended not to close the case & for the following to be put in place in-home services a TSS worker for my son, and for her to have unannounced visits The judge considered all this and said all though I would like to wash my hands of this case he then scolded me I felt he all but said I am not a good mother in so many words that I influence my son he does what I want & says what I want him to when I asked for another CASA worker he denied my request saying when I have a problem with someone I go looking for change but, I obeyed his request and stuck out Family Resources. Our caseworker Cynthia Coles testified she has been here once a week and there have been no problems. I thought a mans castle was his home a place to feel safe. I feel our privacy has been invaded & we are being harassed by these CASA people. To let you know how bad this CASA worker is she found my web site printed it out & used it against us because we had some personal information in it instead of asking me about it she used that as her defense. Judge Lee J. Mazur said he will mail out the court orders.
We got the court orders my oldest child to remain in mother's care, visitation with biological father to remain suspended, and to continue current enrollment at school, family counseling to continue, and to continue and individual counseling at PARR to continue. Wraparound services to begin as soon as possible. CASA shall make a reasonable number of unannounced or announced visits to the family home. signed Judge Lee Mazur
My middle child to remain in current foster placement, continue current enrollment at school continue individual counseling. Visitation with biological family and father remains suspended. CYF to assist foster family in obtaining information regarding adoption and any change in services which would occur following adoption. signed Judge Lee Mazur
Next hearing April 19, 2002 at 10AM
This is our CASA's background. Melissa Protzek, Case Manager and
Training Coordinator for Allegheny County CASA since June 1998,
earned two B.A.s from Penn State University and her J.D. from the
University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Melissa has served as a law
clerk in Allegheny County Juvenile Court. She has also worked as a
legal intern in the Office of the Public Defender, Juvenile Division
where she represented 85 children in delinquency proceedings. As a
member of the fifth CASA training class, Ms. Protzek has served
actively as a CASA since June 1996, and was named CASA Volunteer of
the Year in 1998.
We would like to welcome you to our group. Here we will expose the lies. CASA's main goal of thinking is by the time they get these cases they are so far gone that they recommend termination of parental rights & adoption. CPS biggest thing is false allegations.Are you one of the families that have had your child/children taken? Have you done everything you were supposed to do but kept going only to be told that you can't have your children back? It happened to me. I'm willing to try to help anyone that is not a child abuser knowingly. I do not condone abuse or neglect.
You can fight this ripping apart the family. You have to cooperate though or you will never see your children. It's like all the rest. False allegations. CPS & CASA's plays many tricks and you have to keep up with their destruction.
Here you will find support & be able to vent. Post messages, join a chat, see photos, check out favorites links. Just enter your email address below and click the join e groups button.
 
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